BANKRUPTCY LAWYER IN FLORIDA

When you decide to file for bankruptcy, the first step is to gather all necessary financial documents, such as:

• Income statements
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Debt records
• Property and asset inventory

Your attorney will ensure you have all the required information.

Once your documents are in order, your attorney will help you determine which type of bankruptcy is right for your situation. The most common types are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

After deciding on the type of bankruptcy, your attorney will prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the bankruptcy court. This includes:

• Bankruptcy petition
• Schedules of assets and liabilities
• Statement of financial affairs
• List of creditors and their claims

Once the paperwork is filed, an automatic stay is put in place, which stops creditors from taking any further action against you. This gives you a much-needed break from aggressive collection efforts and allows you to focus on the bankruptcy process.

Our bankruptcy lawyers at Consumer Law Attorneys handle every step of the process to give you the best chance at a successful discharge of your debts.

Some of the positive effects of a successful bankruptcy case include the following:

Stop Creditors

Filing a bankruptcy puts an immediate end to creditor calls and other collections efforts. Once you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Florida, an automatic stay stops creditors from calling you, writing to you, or making any effort to get you to pay them.

Stop Eviction

If you’re facing an eviction, filing bankruptcy may help you stay in your apartment. However, you will need to file bankruptcy before the landlord gets a court order. It is important to note that Florida bankruptcy law will not protect you if you have damaged the landlord’s property. Also, filing bankruptcy will only buy you time so that you can eventually pay back rent. Filing bankruptcy doesn’t free you of your responsibility to pay your rent. You cannot stay in the apartment rent-free.

Stop Foreclosure

If you are at risk of losing your home to foreclosure, filing bankruptcy can help. As soon as you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the automatic stay will put a temporary end to the foreclosure process, buying you time to figure out a way to pay your mortgage and any arrears. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can repay your mortgage arrears through your payment plan over a three to five-year period or, utilize the federal mediation program in an attempt to force a review of your mortgage for a loan modification.

Stop Utilities Disconnection

Having your utilities cut off is inconvenient and, sometimes, even life-threatening. If you are facing the shut off of your telephone, gas, electricity, or water services, filing bankruptcy can buy you more time. The bankruptcy automatic stay can stop utilities disconnection for at least 20 days, and if you’re filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most utility debts will be discharged completely.

More Details on Chapter 7 Here (LINK TO BK7 PAGE)

More Details on Chapter 13 Here (LINK TO BK13 PAGE)

One of the main concerns for individuals considering bankruptcy is how it will affect their credit score. While it is true that bankruptcy will have a negative impact on your credit score, the extent of the damage can vary depending on your individual situation.

A bankruptcy filing will stay on your credit report for a number of years, typically between seven to ten years. However, it’s important to remember that bankruptcy is not the end of the road for your credit score.

Once you have successfully completed the bankruptcy process, you can begin rebuilding your credit score. Taking steps such as establishing a budget, paying your bills on time, and using a secured credit card responsibly can help you gradually improve your creditworthiness. Over time, as you demonstrate responsible financial habits, your credit score will start to recover and you can again obtain financing for real estate and other important goals.

While bankruptcy may initially lower your credit score, continuing to ignore your debt problems can only cause worse damage to your credit. Bankruptcy can be a responsible choice in the eyes of future creditors.

At Consumer Law Attorneys, we feel we are uniquely positioned to harness our extensive knowledge and experience with both federal and Florida bankruptcy laws to truly help distressed consumers. We have helped many people successfully file for bankruptcy and are waiting to help you, too.

If you’d like more information regarding filing for bankruptcy, feel free to contact our firm for a no-cost consultation.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Florida, you likely have many questions about how it works and what debts can be eliminated. Here are some frequently asked questions about the process.

What debts can be eliminated with bankruptcy?

Generally, unsecured debts such as credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills can be discharged in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. On the other hand, secured debts such as mortgages and car loans may not be fully discharged, but bankruptcy can provide relief by allowing you to catch up on missed payments and avoid foreclosure or repossession.

Will bankruptcy stop creditor harassment?

One of the most significant benefits of filing for bankruptcy is the automatic stay. Once you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay comes into effect, which stops all debt collector actions, including creditor harassment, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and even utility disconnections. This protection offers immense relief to debtors who have been struggling with constant harassment from creditors and provides them with the opportunity to regain control of their financial situation.

Are you ready to take control of your financial future and find relief from overwhelming debt? Contact our team of experienced bankruptcy lawyers at Consumer Law Attorneys today.