Generally, in Chapter 7 certain debts are discharged in 90 days and the debtor gets a fresh start. In Chapter 13, the debtor makes some payments over a 3-5 year period, after which left over debt may be discharged. Some debtors are forced into Chapter 13 because they are ineligible for Chapter 7 filing under the law. Others choose it for a variety of benefits not available in Chapter 7. Email me at socalifbankruptcylaw@gmail.com for more information.