Chapter 13 Filings are increasing

It seems like everyday that we are seeing more Chapter 13 filings.  I think the reason for this is that in many cases, the up front fees are $309 and right now people just don't have the money to file bankruptcy.  More and more it seems like our economy is really in bad shape and people simply are "gutted out" and have nothing left.  I like what a 13 does for people  - it gets debt under control and then provides a plan for people to have long term financial success with significant debt reduction.  In the last several months, I have been successful in stripping off three very tricky second mortgages.  Most recently, a condominium was valued at only 40% of what it was purchased for in the early 2000's.  Clearly, Chapter 13 filings will be strong in 2011 as we look for a flat economy with anemic job hiring and declining wages.