Who should consider this chapter?
* If you are behind on your mortgage and need to catch up or if you owe the IRS. 

* If the assets you want to protect would be liquidated under a chapter 7 and your disposable income is to high to qualify for a chapter 7.

* If you need relief from collection proceedings or if you wish keep your obligation to pay your creditors and need some breathing room. 

* If you wish to leave the option of filing a chapter 7 at some time in the future. If you are a farmer who does not qualify for chapter 12 and have debt unrelated to farming. 

* You filed chapter 7 sometime in the past 6 years. You have a co-signer. If you could pay your debts within 3-5 years.

Downside of Chapter 13
Chapter 13 ruins your credit. It will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years. It will also cost you more for any credit you do get in the form of higher interest rates. The Trustee appointed to oversee the completion of your filing may charge up to 8% of the amount filed on. You will have to pay attorneys, court and filing fees up front.

Alternatives
If your debts are primarily unsecured debt, (credit cards, medical bills, unsecured loans etc.) you may want to consider debt restructuring through a credit counseling or debt management agency who specializes in consolidation of unsecured debt.