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Can Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure in Mississippi? What Homeowners Need to Know

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February 12, 2026

Facing foreclosure is frightening — but for many Mississippi families, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Bankrupty Basics article offers a legal path to save their home, regain financial stability, and stop the foreclosure clock from running out. With the help of an experienced Gulf Coast bankruptcy and real estate attorney, you may be able to protect your home and catch up on past-due mortgage payments over time.

At Davis & Davis, PLLC, we help Biloxi and Mississippi Gulf Coast residents understand their options before it’s too late. Here’s how Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop or delay foreclosure in Mississippi—and how our legal team can help you build a plan to stay in your home. 

Can Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Stop a Foreclosure in Mississippi?

Yes—if you act before the foreclosure sale is completed.

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay that immediately stops most collection actions, including:

  • Scheduled foreclosure sales
  • Eviction processes
  • Mortgage lender lawsuits
  • Harassing phone calls or letters

This legal pause gives you time to propose a 3- to 5-year repayment plan to catch up on mortgage arrears, while continuing to make your regular monthly payments moving forward.

If the foreclosure sale has already taken place under Mississippi law, Chapter 13 likely cannot reverse it. Timing matters.

What Is the Automatic Stay and How Does It Work?

The automatic stay is a legal protection that goes into effect the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed. It halts most creditor actions—giving homeowners breathing room to reorganize finances and avoid losing their property.

In a foreclosure situation, it functions like a “pause button” to stop the sale and allow time to propose a workable repayment plan. However, if you’ve had a recently dismissed bankruptcy case, the stay may be shortened or require court approval.

To maximize this protection, it’s critical to file before your home is sold. 

How Long Can Chapter 13 Delay a Foreclosure?

If your case is successful, Chapter 13 can delay or fully prevent foreclosure for the entire length of the plan—three to five years. During that time, you pay off your mortgage arrears in monthly installments through the court-approved plan, while continuing your regular mortgage payments.

If you miss payments or don’t comply with the plan, your mortgage lender can request that the court lift the stay and resume foreclosure proceedings. That’s why early legal planning is key—waiting until the last minute leaves fewer options.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 for Homeowners

While both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 offer temporary protection through the automatic stay, they differ significantly when it comes to long-term homeownership. According to the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, your choice depends on income, debt type, and whether keeping your home is a top priority.

Chapter 7

  • Stops foreclosure temporarily
  • Does not provide a way to catch up on past-due mortgage payments
  • Best suited for wiping out unsecured debt when keeping the home is not a priority

Chapter 13

  • Stops foreclosure immediately
  • Offers a structure to repay mortgage arrears over time
  • Designed to help homeowners keep their property

If your goal is to save your home, Chapter 13 is typically the more effective path—especially with help from an attorney who understands both bankruptcy and real estate law.


Do You Need Income to Qualify for Chapter 13 in Mississippi?

  • Yes. Chapter 13 requires sufficient income to support both your current living expenses and your monthly repayment plan.
  • The court will review your finances to determine if the plan is feasible. If your income is too low or unpredictable, you may not qualify—and may need to explore Chapter 7 or non-bankruptcy alternatives.
  • An attorney can assess your eligibility based on your income, expenses, and debt structure. 

How Davis & Davis, PLLC Helps Homeowners Fight Foreclosure

With over 55 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Davis & Davis, PLLC help Gulf Coast homeowners use Chapter 13 bankruptcy proactively—not just in emergencies.

We help clients by:

  • Determining whether Chapter 13 can realistically save your home
  • Filing in time to stop the foreclosure sale
  • Structuring a repayment plan that fits your income and addresses other debts
  • Managing court filings, creditor negotiations, and hearings from start to finish

Foreclosure is rarely an isolated problem. You may also be dealing with credit card debt, medical bills, or unresolved tax issues. We address the full financial picture to give you the strongest possible foundation for long-term recovery.

People Also Ask: Chapter 13 and Foreclosure in Mississippi

Can filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy stop a foreclosure in Mississippi?
Yes. Filing before the sale takes place triggers an automatic stay that pauses foreclosure and allows repayment of missed payments over time.

What is the automatic stay and how does it work?
It’s a court order that halts most creditor actions the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed—including foreclosure sales.

How long can Chapter 13 delay a foreclosure?
Potentially for three to five years, provided you make all required payments under the court-approved plan.

What’s the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for saving your home?
Chapter 7 offers temporary protection, but doesn’t let you repay arrears. Chapter 13 does—and helps you keep your home.

Do I need income to file Chapter 13 in Mississippi?
Yes. You must have steady income to support your household expenses and your repayment plan.

Real Legal Help for Mississippi Homeowners

If you're facing foreclosure on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Chapter 13 may offer a way to keep your home and restructure your debts—but it requires fast, informed action.

At Davis & Davis, PLLC, we help you explore all available options, file quickly, and build a sustainable repayment plan. We work with you directly, provide honest answers, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Over 55 years of combined experience
  •  Aggressive, reliable legal strategies
  •  Same-day appointments and flexible payment plans
  •  Home and hospital visits available when needed

Contact Davis & Davis, PLLC Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’ve received a foreclosure notice or are behind on your mortgage, we’re here to help.

Contact Davis & Davis, PLLC at (228) 275‑9922 or request your FREE consultation online today. We’re ready to step in, protect your rights, and start building your case the right way.

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Biloxi, MS 39531
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