Winter Springs Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy can be an effective tool to help you deal with overwhelming financial obligations. Whether you should pursue bankruptcy is a serious decision that can affect the rest of your life and the lives of your loved ones. To protect yourself, meet with an experienced Winter Springs bankruptcy lawyer to understand the issues involved and the ramifications and consequences. Your future is worth it.

Why Choose Winter Springs Bankruptcy Attorney Lewis Roberts?

Effective Advocacy

Obtaining optimal results in a bankruptcy case requires a deep knowledge of bankruptcy laws and extensive familiarity with bankruptcy procedures. I have guided numerous clients through this difficult time to brighter and more hopeful futures and can potentially help you as well.

When you choose me to represent you in bankruptcy matters, you get a bankruptcy attorney in Winter Springs with:

Services tailored to your needs
Extensive bankruptcy experience
Creative and effective strategies and solutions.

If you are dealing with troubling financial matters, bankruptcy may be the right answer. Give me a call at (407) 749-0080 to discuss your case and your options for achieving financial freedom.

Chapter 7

Individuals seeking financial protection through bankruptcy typically use one of two types: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 leads to the discharge of much of a consumer’s unsecured debt. Unsecured debt is debt that has been acquired without the use of collateral, such as:

Credit card debt
Medical debt
Unsecured personal loans
Payday loans.

Once a Chapter 7 bankruptcy has been finalized, most of these types of debt are eliminated from the petitioner’s record. During the process, a trustee will review an accounting of the petitioner’s assets and liquidate those that are not exempt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Exemptions

Although there are various federal exemptions, Florida recognizes none of them. However, Florida does provide its own list of assets exempt from liquidation, and these exemptions are among the most generous in the country. They include:

Homestead: Up to half an acre of municipal or 160 acres of rural property
Personal Property: Up to $1,000 or $5,000 depending on your circumstances
Motor Vehicle: Up to $1,000 of a Florida motor vehicle
Wages: Head-of-family wages are exempt up to a certain amount
Wildcard: Up to $4,000 of personal property for those who do not use the homestead exemption.

Other exemptions in Florida include alimony and child support payments, personal injury lawsuit proceeds, insurance policies, and annuities.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from Chapter 7 in that Chapter 13 does not erase a petitioner’s debts but rearranges them into a payment plan that suits the debtor’s income. It is typically used by individuals who make too much money for Chapter 7, and it enables many to catch up on their obligations. In many circles, it is known as a reorganization bankruptcy because the debts do not go away.

Instead, Chapter 13 petitioners are typically given an opportunity to pay off their debts in either a three- or five-year plan. They may hold on to their personal property, but payments to unsecured creditors may be required.

Along with holding on to personal property, Chapter 13 can also allow you to stay in your home if a foreclosure is looming. If you ultimately comply with the three- or five-year plan of your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will not lose your house.

Chapter 13 may also be helpful with auto loan delinquencies and repossessions. If you are in danger of having a vehicle repossession, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy will halt all proceedings against you or your vehicle. If your vehicle has already been repossessed, I can still potentially recover your vehicle if the creditor has not already sold it.

As an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in Winter Springs, I understand the difficulties that financial troubles bring and can help you find real solutions to your problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

My clients have many bankruptcy questions, a few of which are answered here. For answers to other questions, please call our office.

Do I need a Winter Springs bankruptcy lawyer?

For the most optimal results, I strongly recommend you hire a Winter Springs bankruptcy attorney. The stakes are high in bankruptcies, and mistakes and lack of familiarity can harm your case. With an experienced Winter Springs bankruptcy attorney representing you, you never have to worry about rule and deadline compliance. Your bankruptcy attorney in Winter Springs will always make decisions that are in your best interests.

How long does it take to go through bankruptcy proceedings?

Depending on the type of bankruptcy you are filing, it could take a bankruptcy lawyer in Winter Springs anywhere between four months and 60 months. Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases are resolved much more quickly than Chapter 13, taking between four and six months on average. Chapter 13 cases typically require between 36 and 60 months to complete.

Do I have to appear in court with my Winter Springs bankruptcy lawyer?

Court appearances are not necessary when filing for bankruptcy. However, you must appear in a hearing known as a First Meeting of Creditors. During this meeting, you will answer questions pertaining to your finances posed by the bankruptcy trustee and potentially your creditors. As your Winter Springs bankruptcy lawyer, I will prepare you for the hearing, which will likely be over the telephone.

What are some examples of secured debt?

Secured debt is debt that is backed up by collateral. Examples of secured debt include:

Mortgages
Secured credit cards
Home equity loans
Secured auto and personal loans
Lines of credit.

Once a borrower defaults on a secured debt, the lender may take possession of the collateral. For example, a car repossession may occur when you default on your auto loan.

How will bankruptcy affect my life and livelihood?

Bankruptcy can be an effective way to get free from crushing consumer debt. Without overwhelming payments, consumers can regain their footing and start anew. However, if you are contemplating bankruptcy, there are certain consequences to be aware of, including:

Negative consequences on your credit record for years to come
Employment problems in the private sector
Problems obtaining housing.

At the end of the day, filing for bankruptcy is a personal choice. You should make that choice only after careful consideration and guidance. During your initial consultation, I will cover the ramifications of filing for bankruptcy and how they specifically apply to your life.

If you are contemplating bankruptcy or have already started the process, you deserve to have a basic understanding of bankruptcy rules and consequences. Do not hesitate to call my office for answers and to receive the guidance and representation you need.

Meet With a Winter Springs Bankruptcy Attorney Today

Help Rebuilding Your Future

Bankruptcy is a great option for many but requires strict attention to detail. If they approach bankruptcy improperly, a petitioner can waste much time and money and end up with a result they did not want or contemplate. Rebuilding financial lives is a delicate matter that deserves great care. If your finances and livelihood depend on bankruptcy, you deserve to have a professional handle your case.

To discuss your bankruptcy case with a Winter Springs bankruptcy lawyer, call my office at (407) 749-0080. Learn how relief may be just around the corner and how I can help.

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 ]