Florida Bankruptcy Information
If you are struggling to meet your financial obligations, you may have considered bankruptcy, but have many unanswered questions. We understand the stress and anxiety that can accompany financial problems. At the Debt Relief Law Offices Of Tampa Bay, we will work closely with you, helping you understand your options, so that you can make good decisions.
Attorney Ziona Kopelovich is certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification. She has more than 15 years of experience handling bankruptcies. Contact our office online or call us at 727-359-0126 or at our Lakeland office at 877-318-7708 for an appointment. Your consultation is free.
Personal Bankruptcy FAQ
- Do I have to qualify for Chapter 7? Yes. Under the 2005 revisions to the federal bankruptcy laws, you must take a "means test" to determine eligibility for a Chapter 7 filing. Under this test, you must demonstrate to the court that you lack the financial means to repay your creditors over a three-to-five year period. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7, you may be able to reorganize your debts under Chapter 13.
- Can I keep my house, car or other property when I file for protection under the federal bankruptcy laws? Under Chapter 7, if you want to discharge a secured debt, you must return the security to the creditor. If you no longer want to keep your home or your car, you must return the home or the car to the lender. If you want to keep your home or your car, you must keep making the mortgage payments or car payments. Under Chapter 13, your debts, including your mortgage and car payments, will be reorganized into a repayment plan of three to five years. If you continue to make the payments, you can keep your property.
- Are there restrictions on what debts can be permanently discharged under Chapter 7? Yes. Student loan payments, alimony, child support, and death or personal injury judgments against you are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. You will have to pay any fines levied against you by the government as well as any restitution as part of a criminal sentence. There are also restrictions on certain tax debts.
- Can creditors call me at work to try to collect on a debt? If you have filed for bankruptcy protection, the answer is no. When you file, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect, prohibiting your creditors from calling, writing or pursuing legal action to collect a debt.
Contact Us in New Port Richey and Lakeland
For a free initial consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer, contact us by e-mail or call our office at 727-359-0126 or at our Lakeland office at 877-318-7708. We will set up a payment plan, if necessary. We have offices conveniently located in New Port Richey and Lakeland.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
