Paying out Early..

[mrobinette]

We filed in December 2010, confirmed in May 2011 (bad lawyer but he has since been taken off of our case).

So, does our plan go 5 years from December 2010 or from May 2011? We do not currently have an attorney, as we are in that automatic pilot with it being withdrawn from my check.

Is there anything I can do to move this along? Is there a chance (Ohio) that perhaps I could get dismissed early and be able to move on with my life?

[FullBoost]

Should start when you file. I know within a few weeks of filing, I had to begin making payments.

[mrobinette]

We made our first payment the same month that we filed. However, when I look at the website to check on the status of everything, it shows I have 19 months left.

[spidge]

Some district start the plan from first payment while others from confirmation. Stinks in my opinion and should be the same across the board. Meeting expectations to plan is a part of the fight.
There are other parts to this like above or below median and payback percentage. You could also look at the plan base amount to get a better gauge. Another option is to call the trustee and simply ask. They will likely send you a statement too, but I would think you get one every year anyway.
Good luck.

[LadyInTheRed]

I believe Ohio is one of those places where 5 years begins at confirmation. So, the 19 months is probably correct. I agree with Spidge that it stinks!

As far as finishing early is concerned, if your income was above median, then the only way to end early is to pay 100% of allowed unsecured claims. I have heard of debtors being allowed to pay off their entire base payment early in a lump sum. But, without an attorney to represent you, I wouldn't want to approach the trustee about that. It could cause the trustee to wonder how you got the extra cash and inspire him to start poking around your finances. Don't rock the boat.