Cisowski Law Chapter 13 Calculator is an algorithm that uses 4 pages of information from the user and combines them with a number of assumptions, legal rules, and standard variables to reach a precise approximation of what your Chapter 13 repayment plan monthly payments would end up being.

The following assumptions are made:

• Your Chapter 13 repayment plan will pay the filing fee of $310
• The plan will pay a fixed amount for trustee fees depending on the amount distributed to creditors
• Your expenses fairly match the average expenses for your state
• If your state allows for federal exemptions, which are more favorable than state exemptions, then federal exemptions will be used.

The following legal rules are implemented:

•  Your Chapter 13 repayment plan must pay the maximum of either (1) minimum payments to secured creditors; (2) at least as much as your creditors would receive in a liquidation (best interest rule); or (3) your income over your expenses (disposable income rule).
• If you decide to surrender any vehicles, you will pay the vehicle loans as unsecured.
• Your vehicles are assumed to be 910 claims, but a reduced rate of interest may be paid. The calculator assumes 6.5 percent interest on secured vehicles.
• If you are catching up a mortgage, your mortgage arrears will be paid an caught up.

• When implementing the best interest rule, we assume a sales commission fee of 6 percent, and a chapter 7 trustee fee of 6 percent.
• Payroll deductions from wages include federal income taxes, social security and medicare taxes, as well as deductions for insurance
• When implementing the disposable income rules, national standards are used for food, clothing and other items; regional standards are used for transportation expense; and local standards are used for  housing and utilities expense.