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Orlando Bankruptcy Attorney

Our firm only handles financial cases and focuses exclusively on these individuals. Part of our learning process over the years is that a consumer based firm really can't do more than one area of practice well. That is why we stopped practicing in other areas of law. We are laser focused on solving our client's financial problems only. We don't want anything distracting us from this goal, so we only accept financial cases. It's tempting at times to handle other types of cases that routinely present themselves, but we know from the past this will only distract us from what we are already very good at which would be a disservice to our clients. We are very content being the leader in financial cases only!

At Sun Coast Law, we don't just handle your financial case. We have a proven process which starts immediately upon hiring us. Upon retaining our firm, we will immediately get the collection calls to stop! We have a proven method of doing this that no other firm provides. We also create a path to get your credit good again. Solving your debt problem is a major hurdle that needs to be overcome most certainly, but that alone is not enough. If you don't' know what to do, you could be free of your debt problem, but have horrible credit that could take years to improve. With bad credit, buying any big ticket item or just getting a credit card could be impossible. Maybe even worse, you will be paying in interest rate that is sky high! Bottom line, you need peace from your creditors as you go through this process and good credit again. Our proven process is able to help you accomplish both of these in addition to overcoming your debt problem through our legal representation. We view our job as more than just addressing what needs to be done legally to overcome your debt problem, you also need to get back to financial success as quickly as possible. We have a proven process to do that!

Areas of Practice

Foreclosure Defense

Is your property going into foreclosure? We can discuss your options and strategize a plan just for you.

Bankruptcy

SunCoast Law bankruptcy attorneys can help you will your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy matter.

Loan Modification

A home loan modification is an excellent option available to people who are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

What Our Clients Are Saying

"After months of talking to bankruptcy attorneys and looking for one that was honest and trustworthy, I was fortunate enough to find Sun Coast Law. They were completely honest from day one, and was so thorough in walking me through the process. The staff is incredibly easy to work with, and they are so detailed to make sure you have everything complete, correct, and ready to go. I can honestly say that what seemed to be the hardest choice of my life turned out to be the easiest, worry free process. I truly am grateful to have had such a great team working for me."

5 Stars

"I hired Suncoast Law several months ago. All the staff members have been fantastic to work with I appreciate the attention that I have received for my Bankruptcy case. From the moment that I spoke to Kirk I felt my case was in good hands. Melissa B. and Attorney Hogue has spent quality time with me getting this bankruptcy behind me and I am so proud that I am now debt FREE. Again, I thank all of you for making this a great experience for me."

5 Stars

"Awesome service. From day one, I have received quick responses. From the moment I inquired information, the next morning I received a call and an email. From there on, every step has been explained. Best experience I could have asked for in what could have been a nightmare situation! Amazing, fast and competent firm!"

5 Stars

"I had a great experience at this firm. Everyone that worked with me was pleasant and precise with my case. I Thank each and everyone of you for getting me through my financial problems. I have already started building my credit after my bankruptcy and I now have financial freedom."

5 Stars



As experienced bankruptcy attorneys, we understand the endless cycle of financial problems. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by mounting debt, we can help.

Sun Coast Law has the bankruptcy lawyers in central Florida. We want to relieve you of financial stress and find the best solution for your unique situation. 

When you visit our law office, we will review your bankruptcy case and discuss the methods to make a fresh start. 

We will help you arrange payment plans and provide a path towards bankruptcy relief. 

Let us get you to financial freedom faster. 

You can feel confident and comfortable with Sun Coast Law lawyers. We will work hard and long hours to get you back on the road to financial wellness. 

Choose our bankruptcy lawyers as your legal representation for bankruptcy court. 

Our mission is to help stop creditor harassment and collection activities immediately. We help with bankruptcy filings and bankruptcy petitions.

Sun Coast Law can assist you with legal issues. We can help you file for bankruptcy in the following practice areas:

Bankruptcy Options

If under extreme debt or facing repossession, filing bankruptcy will halt all proceedings. 

Our law firm is one of the largest in the country to provide debt relief. 

We will help you every step of the way.

Explore Bankruptcy Options

If you are unsure of which bankruptcy option is right for you, talk to one of our lawyers.

Let us familiarize you with the entire bankruptcy process. We can improve your financial situation.

Our team will share how not to lose your home or car during your bankruptcy case. We will go over exempt and non-exempt items. 

We will also talk about the properties you can lose in chapter 7, or can keep by choosing chapter 13.

The attorneys of Sun Coast Law can interpret Florida exemptions, chapter 13, and chapter 7 for you. Together, we can determine which one you fall under and the next steps.

Get to know your bankruptcy choices through us. You will need to forge a foreclosure defense and learn how to keep your property in the process.

We can prepare you for bankruptcy and all that comes with it.

Individual or Joint Bankruptcy Options

Connect with one of our legal professionals for a free initial consultation. Let us explore whether an individual or joint bankruptcy will work best for your needs.

Whether married or single, our legal team will investigate your options. We will share the benefits and drawbacks of each bankruptcy possibility.

Contact us to find out more information.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Options

Sun Coast Law offers you a clear understanding of each bankruptcy option.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy, a trustee will collect all your non-exempt assets. They will sell them to pay your debtors and lawyers. 

The goal for filing chapter 7 bankruptcy is to get an “exemption” of debts by the bankruptcy courts. If granted, you will no longer be liable for these debts. 

Consumer bankruptcy often consists of medical and credit card bill debt.

Some consumer debts are dischargeable, which means they cannot be "wiped" by bankruptcy.

Non-Exempt Debt:

  • Any debt you did not include in your bankruptcy petition
  • Many types of taxes
  • Child support or alimony
  • Fines and penalties owed to government agencies
  • Student loans
  • Personal injury debts that come from a drunk driving accident
  • Liabilities arising out of tax-advantaged retirement plans
  • Condo and cooperative housing fee debts
  • Attorneys’ fees for child custody or support
  • Criminal restitution and other court fines and penalties

Another advantage of filing for the US bankruptcy code, chapter 7, is the “automatic stay.” 

The stay is an injunction against creditors and debt collection agencies. Ordering them to immediately stop all collection efforts. 

During the "automatic stay," creditors are not allowed to perform:

  • Wage Garnishment
  • Real Estate/Property Foreclosure
  • Vehicle Repossession
  • Utility Cut Off

Our legal professionals will explain the details of chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

To qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass the "means test". This test is to prevent people with large incomes, who can pay off their debt, from filing. 

The test helps determine if your income is more than the "median income" of Florida. If you do not earn more than the median, you can file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. 

If you do earn more and have disposable income, the money will go towards repaying your debt. 

If you do not qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have another option. You can file for chapter 13 instead. But before you can file, you must receive credit counseling from an approved agency.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as repayment bankruptcy, which contrasts chapter 7. 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is about using your assets to pay down debts. Whereas chapter 7 bankruptcy, lets you liquidate all your debts and use collateral.

You can choose to pay back the total amount you owe or pay a large sum of your debts over 3-5 years. 

During this time frame, you will have to make monthly payments to the trustee. They will distribute these payments to creditors according to their priority status. 

Priority debts include:

  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Certain taxes
  • Wages owed to employees

Along with your priority payment plan, you must also address your secured debts. These are debts secured by collateral, like your mortgage or car loan. 

You must also commit to making regular back payments on any payments in arrears.

If you have many mortgages on your house, there are tools you can use to make mortgage modifications. 

For instance:

If your junior mortgage is no longer secured by the value of the house, choose to use "home lien stripping." This will remove one or more junior mortgages. 

There are similar processes for car loans, as well.

Any disposable income left over after paying priority debts will repay unsecured debts. Any secured debts you have will also help with repayments.

Unsecured debts are not secured by collateral. They include credit cards and medical debt.

Borrowers chose chapter 13 bankruptcy to try and hang on to specific assets. Often, these are items they would otherwise lose by filing chapter 7 bankruptcy. 

SunCoast Law can assist you with all your decision-making.

Let's talk about loan modifications and reaffirming existing secured debts as well.

To be eligible for chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must show proof of disposable income. Trustees and the court want to. Know if you can repay certain debts in full. 

But, if you filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy before, you have to wait two years until you can file again.

Chapter 13 will only help you if you express a commitment to repay all your debts. If you follow the 3-5 years debt repayment plan, you can get a discharge of your debts (even if some are still unpaid). 

You do not need to feel discouraged or frustrated by your finances. Let us help you find the right solutions for you.

To gain a better understanding of your bankruptcy options and rights, contact us today

FAQ's

Q:
What is bankruptcy?
A:
Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding involving a person or business that is unable to repay their outstanding debts. The bankruptcy process begins with a petition is filed by the debtor.

Q:
What are the different types of bankruptcy?
A:
The two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy are a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Q:
How often can I file for bankruptcy?
A:
For a Chapter 7, you must wait 8 years from the date of filing your prior Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For a Chapter 13, you should wait 2 years from the date of filing your prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Q:
Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy?
A:
The short and quick answer is no, but with a quick explanation. Determining which bankruptcy filing your qualify for, how to protect your assets and preparing a proper petition do require a vast amount of skill and knowledge that is developed as a result of doing hundreds, preferably thousands, of bankruptcy filings to completion. If you are not aware of the landmines that exist in any given bankruptcy filing, you could end up losing assets you could otherwise protect and/or fail to receive a discharge of your debts.

Our Locations

Orlando

1350 N Orange Ave

Suite 270A

Winter Park, Florida 32789

(407) 413-8400

Get Directions

Tampa

400 N Ashley Street

Suite 1900

Tampa, Florida 33602

Fort Myers

8831 Business Park Dr

Suite 301

Fort Myers, Florida 33912

Jacksonville

10751 Deerwood Park Blvd

SouthWaterview II, Suite 100

Jacksonville, Florida 32256