Fort Myers Bankruptcy

If you’re like most Americans you look for short-term solutions to pay your bills when you get into a financial tight spot. But what if you suddenly lose your job or have an unexpected life event such as a serious illness or injury and can’t work? Sometimes you have to explore more permanent debt relief options you never before dreamed you would have to, such as personal bankruptcy.

How do I file for a Florida bankruptcy in Fort Myers?

There are a series of steps you and your attorney will take to file for personal bankruptcy in the state of Florida. These include:

Initial consultation with bankruptcy attorney — You will meet with a bankruptcy attorney for an initial consultation to discuss the various options available based on your individual financial situation.

Which Type of Bankruptcy Is Best for You — The bankruptcy lawyer will determine if you can qualify for a Chapter 7 by using the median income or by conducting a Means Test. You and your attorney will also discuss which of the two personal bankruptcy options, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 you will be eligible for. Even if you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy you may still be eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Some people choose the Chapter 13 option because they wish to payback their creditors.

Attending mandatory credit counseling class — You are required to take a short credit counseling course before you file your petition for bankruptcy.
Gathering documentation regarding assets and liabilities—You must provide documentation of all assets including bank statements, pay stubs, investment statements, bills, including credit card statements, loan statements, hospital or medical bills, and other liabilities.

Attending mandatory meeting of the creditors with the attorney — You and your attorney will attend a meeting with a bankruptcy trustee and each of the creditors named in the bankruptcy petition.
Debts are either discharged or a reorganization plan begins—The bankruptcy court releases you from the debt filed in the petition or you will begin paying the combined monthly payment to the bankruptcy trustee who will disperse payment to individual creditors for a period of three to five years.

Attending mandatory financial management class - You will attend a brief final mandatory class on finance management.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy unsecured credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured loan balances can be discharged forever. If you wish to retain certain assets such as an auto, you may be able to reaffirm the debt with the loan company and continue to make on time monthly payments as before.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If you do not qualify for a discharge of debts through Chapter 7, you will be able to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You will work out a payment plan with creditors that allow you to repay your current debt over a three to five year payment plan. Some people who do qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may also choose this option because they want to payback their creditors anyway. We offer debt relief solutions in compliance with U.S Bankruptcy Code.

Find out how SunCoast Law can help you file for bankruptcy in Fort Myers and all of Lee County now. Call our office at (855) 215-2281 to speak with a legal representative about your specific circumstances.