Can I convert my Chapter 13 to Chapter 7?

Yes. 11 USC § 1307(a) gives the Chapter 13 debtor an absolute right to convert to Chapter 7 at any time. The means test still must be satisfied to remain in Chapter 7. Common triggers include a permanent income drop that makes the Chapter 13 plan infeasible, or completion of the immediate goal of stopping a foreclosure or repossession that no longer applies.

Can the trustee or creditor force a conversion?

Yes for cause. In Chapter 7, 11 USC § 706(b) lets the court convert to Chapter 11 on request. § 707(b) lets the court dismiss or, with debtor consent, convert when the case is presumptively abusive. In Chapter 13, § 1307(c) lets the court convert to Chapter 7 for cause including unreasonable delay, nonpayment, denial of confirmation, or material default. Trustees often seek conversion when Chapter 13 plans fail.

How does conversion affect the property of the estate?

11 USC § 348 governs the effect of conversion. The estate is generally redefined as of the conversion date for purposes of liquidation. Property acquired by the debtor between filing and conversion may or may not become estate property depending on whether the conversion is to Chapter 7 from a reorganization chapter, and whether the conversion was in good faith under § 348(f).

What is the filing fee for conversion?

Conversion fees are set by Judicial Conference policy. Currently, converting Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 carries a small differential fee. Conversion to a higher-cost chapter (e.g., 7 to 11) requires paying the difference between filing fees. The clerk's office will not process the conversion until any required differential is paid or installment relief is granted.

Will I get a discharge after conversion?

Eligibility for discharge depends on the destination chapter. A converted Chapter 7 case requires the debtor to take and file the financial-management course certificate under § 727(a)(11). A converted Chapter 13 case must satisfy the requirements of § 1328. Conversion does not by itself defeat discharge, but the timing rules (e.g., § 727(a)(8) 8-year rule) are measured from the original filing date.

Motion to Convert Bankruptcy - Chapter 7 to 13 or 13 to 7

Yes if eligible. 11 USC § 706(a) gives a Chapter 7 debtor an absolute right to convert to Chapter 11, 12, or 13 once, provided the case has not previously been converted and the debtor is eligible for the destination chapter. Common reasons include preserving non-exempt assets the trustee plans to sell, curing a home in foreclosure, or qualifying for a chapter the debtor preferred from the start.

Converting Between Bankruptcy Chapters

You can convert your bankruptcy case from one chapter to another in most situations:

Conversion	Right or Permission	Key Considerations
Ch. 7 to Ch. 13	Right (one-time)	Must meet Ch. 13 eligibility (regular income, debt limits)
Ch. 13 to Ch. 7	Right (one-time)	Must pass means test; may lose property already surrendered in plan
Ch. 11 to Ch. 7	Court approval needed	Usually granted when reorganization fails
Ch. 7 to Ch. 11	Court approval needed	Rare for individuals

Conversion does not create a new case - it changes the chapter of the existing case. Your original filing date remains the same.

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