What is a wage order and what are the benefits?

What is a wage order and what are the benefits?A wage order in a Chapter 13 is where a portion of your Chapter 13 plan payment is automatically deducted from your paycheck by your employer. Your employer then sends the money directly to the trustee.If you are paid bi-weekly then the monthly payment will be prorated. For example, if your Chapter 13 plan payment is $300 then $138.46 would be taken out of each paycheck.Benefits to wage order:                                       

• Presumed current if less than 10 days late
• No paying entire payment out of one paycheck
• Payments guaranteed to be made (so long as your employer is following the order)
• You are not tempted to spend the money elsewhere
• Allows for an overall successful completion of a Chapter 13 plan

In Illinois, wage orders are required where the Debtor is employed. In Missouri, while it is not required, it is strongly recommended as is ensures payments will be made to the trustee on a regular basis.What are your payment options if you do not have a wage order?Payments can be made in the form of a cashier’s check or money order and mailed to the trustee. You can also set up for an official bank check to be sent on a monthly basis directly to the trustee. They will NOT however accept a personal check from you.To avoid incurring the fees of a money order on a monthly basis for your entire Chapter 13, talk to your attorney about setting up a wage order for you.