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Experienced Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Lewis Roberts, PA

Orlando Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you’re overwhelmed by debt and need a faster way out, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer a powerful solution. Unlike Chapter 13, which involves a multi-year repayment plan, Chapter 7 allows many individuals to eliminate unsecured debt in a matter of months—often without having to repay what they owe.

As an Orlando Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, I help clients stop collection efforts quickly and move toward a fresh financial start. Chapter 7 can wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured obligations, while also triggering an automatic stay that stops creditor calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.

For those who qualify, the advantages of Chapter 7 include faster relief, a clean break from overwhelming debt, and the ability to rebuild your financial future without years of ongoing payments.

I guide clients through each step with a focus on accuracy and efficiency, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Contact us or call my office at (407) 749-0080 to discuss your situation.

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Orlando Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer Guide

Why Choose Lewis Roberts, PA for Your Orlando Bankruptcy Attorney?

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Bankruptcy is too important to hand off or treat like a routine filing. You deserve direct guidance from the lawyer handling your case, along with advice grounded in the local court system and the realities of your financial situation. That’s how I work with every client I represent.

A Direct Approach

From the beginning of your case to the final hearing, you work directly with me, Lewis Roberts. I don’t pass cases off to a junior associate. I handle the petition, answer your questions, and represent you in court myself.

The right Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Orlando provides you the emotional and economic relief you need. My direct and personal approach helps Florida residents to start over with the confidence and assurance they need.

Deep Knowledge of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Court

I regularly handle cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida in Orlando, also in Tampa and Jacksonville. I understand the local procedures, trustees, and rules that shape bankruptcy cases in this area. That local experience helps me guide clients through the process with greater clarity and confidence.

Focused on Chapter 7 Debt Relief

A substantial part of my Orlando bankruptcy attorney practice involves helping clients seek debt relief through bankruptcy. Since I handle these cases regularly, I can guide clients through the process with advice grounded in current law and local practice.

If you’re ready to find a path forward, I am here to help you understand your options. Contact me at (407) 749-0080 for a consultation.

I Can Help You Take Control of Your Debt

If you’re overwhelmed by financial stress, you’re not alone—and you have options. As an Orlando bankruptcy attorney, I help individuals and families use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to regain control, stop collection pressure, and move forward with confidence.

How I Can Help You:

  • Eliminate unsecured debt
  • Get a fresh financial start
  • Stop creditor harassment
  • Wipe out credit card debt
  • Find relief from overwhelming debt
  • Break free from debt
  • Resolve financial hardship

If you’re dealing with wage garnishment, collection lawsuits, or constant creditor calls and letters, the pressure can feel relentless.

Many people also face the risk of foreclosure or repossession while struggling with mounting medical bills and high-interest credit card debt. These financial challenges can quickly spiral, making it difficult to keep up and regain control without the right legal solution.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you eliminate unsecured debt, stop creditor harassment, and achieve a fresh financial start. Many individuals use this process to wipe out credit card debt, relieve financial pressure, and move forward without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Florida?

To qualify for a bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you may need to pass a formula called the means test. The means test compares your income to the median income for a household of your size in Florida. If your income falls below that amount, you will usually qualify.

If your income is above it, you may still qualify after a closer review of your allowed expenses and overall financial situation.

The means test involves detailed calculations and supporting documents. I review your income, expenses, and financial records to determine whether you qualify and to help prevent mistakes that could delay or hurt your case.

What if You Don’t Qualify for Chapter 7?

If the means test shows that Chapter 7 is not the right fit, Chapter 13 may offer another path through a structured repayment plan. I explain the differences clearly so you can make an informed decision about what comes next.

What Happens During Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Orlando?

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy process follows a clear and predictable path. While it may seem intimidating from the outside, each step is designed to be straightforward when handled by an experienced attorney. I guide my clients through this journey, making sure they’re prepared and informed at every stage.

From the initial filing to the final discharge, I manage the details so you can focus on your financial recovery. This process is governed by federal rules and local procedures of the Orlando Division of the bankruptcy court.

My familiarity with these requirements helps ensure your case proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

While every case is unique, the core steps generally involve:

  • Credit Counseling Course: Before filing, you must complete a short, approved course. As your Orlando Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, I help you access and complete this requirement.
  • Filing the Bankruptcy Petition: I prepare and file your case with the court. This step officially begins the process and triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection efforts.
  • 341 Meeting of Creditors: About a month after filing, you attend a brief Zoom meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. I’ll attend this meeting with you. Creditors rarely appear, and the trustee asks basic questions about your case.
  • Receiving Your Discharge: In most cases, the court issues a discharge about 60 to 90 days after the meeting, eliminating qualifying debts.

How Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions Can Help Protect Your Property

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Many people worry that filing for Chapter 7 means losing everything they own. In many cases, that is not what happens. Florida bankruptcy exemptions can protect certain property from creditors and often help people keep what they need to move forward. Most people do not lose anything when they file.

When you file, you must list your assets, and the bankruptcy trustee reviews that information to determine whether any property can be used to pay creditors.

My job as your Orlando Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer is to apply every available exemption that fits your situation so you can protect as much property as the law allows. In many cases, that means the client keeps everything.

Florida law protects a wide range of assets, and the right strategy depends on the details of your case. Some of the most important exemptions include the following:

  • Homestead Exemption: Florida may protect the full value of your primary residence if you meet the state’s residency and property requirements.
  • Personal Property Exemption: Florida allows an exemption for certain personal property, including everyday items such as furniture, clothing, and electronics. That protection may increase if you don’t claim the homestead exemption.
  • Motor Vehicle Exemption: Florida law allows you to protect a limited amount of equity in a vehicle, which can help you keep a car you rely on for daily life.
  • Wage and Account Protections: Some wages and certain funds may also be protected, depending on your circumstances.

What Types of Debt Can Chapter 7 Eliminate?

This type of bankruptcy can eliminate many types of unsecured debt. These are debts that are not backed by collateral, such as a house or car. Once the court enters a discharge, you’re no longer legally required to pay qualifying debts.

The relief from wiping out these obligations is often life-changing. It frees up your income and allows you to move forward without the weight of past financial struggles.

The debts typically eliminated in a Chapter 7 filing include:

  • Credit Card Debt: Chapter 7 can eliminate many unpaid credit card balances.
  • Medical Debt: Medical bills are one of the most common debts discharged in bankruptcy.
  • Personal Loans: Unsecured personal loans and lines of credit may also be discharged.
  • Payday Loans: Payday loan debt may qualify for discharge in a Chapter 7 case.
  • Past-Due Utility Bills: Older utility balances may be included as well.
  • Some Civil Judgments: Certain court judgments may be discharged, depending on the nature of the debt.

Chapter 7 doesn’t eliminate every type of debt. Some obligations usually remain, including most student loans, recent tax debt, child support, and alimony. I review each client’s debts carefully, so they have a clear understanding of what Chapter 7 may and may not remove.

What Happens to a Car Loan or Mortgage in Chapter 7?

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If you have a car loan, mortgage, or other secured debt, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy doesn’t automatically let you keep the property and erase the debt. You’ll need to decide how to handle the loan and the collateral tied to it.

I help clients compare their options based on the property’s value, the loan terms, and their financial goals. That choice can affect both what you keep and what you still owe after bankruptcy.

For secured debts, you generally have three options:

  • Reaffirmation: If you want to keep the property and stay on the loan, you may be able to sign a reaffirmation agreement and continue making payments.
  • Redemption: If the property is worth less than what you owe, you may be able to keep it by paying its current value in one lump sum.
  • Surrender: If you no longer want the property or cannot afford it, you can give it back to the lender and usually discharge your personal liability for the remaining balance.

Halting Creditor Actions With the Automatic Stay

One of the most immediate benefits of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the automatic stay. This legal protection goes into effect as soon as your case is filed and stops most collection activity right away.

Once the automatic stay is in place, creditors must stop contacting you. That includes phone calls, letters, emails, and other collection efforts. It can also pause lawsuits, wage garnishments, and other actions to collect a debt.

In some cases, the automatic stay can temporarily stop repossession or other efforts to take property. This gives you time to evaluate your options and decide how to move forward.

After your case is filed, I handle communication with creditors so you no longer have to deal with them directly.

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What Is Included in My Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Representation?

When you hire me as your Orlando Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, I begin working on your case right away. My role is to guide you through the process, protect your interests, and handle the legal details from start to finish.

Here’s how I can help:

  • Case Evaluation: I review your debt, income, assets, and financial goals to determine whether Chapter 7 or another debt relief option makes the most sense.
  • Property and Exemption Review: I examine your finances and assets to identify available exemptions, explain what property may be protected, and discuss how nonexempt property may be treated.
  • Petition Preparation and Filing: I prepare and file the required bankruptcy paperwork and handle court filings in accordance with the rules that apply to your case.
  • Guidance Through the Process: I answer your questions, help you complete required steps such as credit counseling, and make sure you understand what to expect as your case moves forward.
  • Representation at Required Hearings: I represent you at required hearings and remain involved throughout the process so your case stays on track.

FAQ for Orlando Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation process designed to wipe out general unsecured debts in a relatively short period, typically four to six months. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, is a reorganization plan where you make structured payments to creditors over a three-to-five-year period.

I can explain the Chapter 13 alternative if it’s a better fit for your situation, such as if you’re behind on mortgage payments and want to save your home.

The homestead exemption protects your primary residence, and other exemptions can be used to protect equity in your car and personal property. If you have a loan on these assets, you’ll need to continue making payments if you wish to keep them.

Yes, bankruptcy filings are public records. However, it’s unlikely that your friends, neighbors, or co-workers will find out unless you tell them. The information is stored in the federal court’s electronic database, and someone would have to specifically search for your name to find it. It’s not typically published in local newspapers.

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own is extremely risky. The process is full of complex legal rules, deadlines, and paperwork. A small mistake can lead to your case being dismissed or you accidentally losing property that could have been protected. As your Orlando Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, I navigate the system on your behalf to protect your rights and assets, ensuring the process is done correctly from the start.

While bankruptcy filing typically involves court and lawyer fees, I will work out an affordable way to manage the cost. I do offer payment plans. Most people are able to afford my fees by no longer making credit card payments they were struggling to manage. In addition, after successfully discharging your debts, you will wind up in a much better position than you were in before filing to start rebuilding your credit.

Your Path to a Fresh Start Begins Here

You don’t have to live under the weight of debt forever. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide the powerful legal relief you need to reset your finances and move forward with your life. I’m here to provide clear, direct, and experienced guidance to help you navigate the process with confidence.

To take the first step, call Lewis Roberts, PA today at (407) 749-0080 or complete my online contact form to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Bankruptcy Lawyer Lewis Roberts

Attorney Lewis Roberts

The weight of debts that one cannot pay carries financial stress into every waking moment. It is time for this to end. Lewis Roberts, PA, offers solutions to relieve these worries. With over 20 years of experience in helping individuals overcome the burden of debt, bankruptcy attorney Lewis Roberts presents a range of options tailored to each unique situation. Clients can trust his advice on any matter related to debts, as he identifies appropriate options and explains the paths to debt relief clearly and carefully. This ensures that clients make the best decisions for their future. [ Attorney Bio ]