Difference between chapter 13 and chapter 7

The biggest difference is the a chapter 13 is a payment plan, and a chapter 7 is not a payment plan. A chapter 7 normally lasts 4 months, and a chapter 13 normally lasts 3 to 5 years. The most common reasons for doing a chapter 13 instead of chapter 7 is because you are behind with your mortgage, or your vehicle, or your income is too high to qualify for a chapter 7.