Fort Lauderdale, FL Bankruptcy Lawyer

Debt is quick to pile up, but slow to get rid of; sometimes, people find themselves in over their heads in mounting debt that they can’t repay. If you’re in this situation, there is hope and you do have options – bankruptcy may be the best choice that helps you eliminate debts, reduce stress, rebuild credit, and get back on your feet. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyer can help you navigate the process and lay a stronger foundation for your financial future. Call today to book a free consultation and learn more about your next steps!

Bankruptcy Myths, Facts, & Causes

Many people are afraid of exploring bankruptcy because they feel ashamed, and they have believed many common cultural lies about what bankruptcy actually is and what it does. Maybe you’ve heard that you’ll lose everything, or that your credit score will be damaged beyond repair, or that you should be able to pull yourself back up and out of massive debt with simple hard work. However, none of those things are true.

First of all, debt may not even necessarily be a sign that you’re financially irresponsible or that you failed. In today’s economy, debt can happen to even the hardest working people who are just trying to pay their bills; the loss of a job, a medical diagnosis or injury, the rising costs of real estate and insurance and inflation, and other unexpected factors outside of your control could have led you to the place you’re at now. Bankruptcy is simply a legal way to erase your debts and start over. It has many benefits, including:

• Stopping creditors from calling and harassing you, or sending you mail – this can cut down dramatically on your stress level.
• Immediately stopping (and reversing, in some cases) creditor actions against you, such as foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, and more.
• Improving your credit score right when you file (by lowering your debt-to-income ratio), in some cases.
• Lowering your monthly payments, with Chapter 13, and give you more time to pay off debt.
• Discharging most or all of your unsecured debts.

There are two main types of bankruptcy. Our Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyer can explain which may be right for you depending on your unique goals and circumstances!

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also commonly referred to as “straight” or “liquidation” bankruptcy, and is most commonly used by people who don’t have regular or able income to pay off debts. You must fall under a certain means threshold to qualify for Chapter 7. During this type of filing, some property is protected and some property is exempt; exempt property may be sold to pay off a portion of debt, but the rest of the unsecured debt will be discharged (erased).

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as a ‘wage earner’s plan”, or sometimes as “reorganization” bankruptcy, and is designed for people who either have too much in terms of assets or income to qualify for Chapter 7 or for homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments. The court will set up a payment plan for debts, which is typically anywhere between 3 to 5 years. Any remaining debts will be discharged.

Why Working With A Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Lawyer Is To Your Advantage

Even though bankruptcy may be the right solution to your debt issues, it can still be confusing and complicated, and there is a lot of paperwork involved. You have to file without mistakes if you want to achieve a good, efficient outcome; a lawyer can save you time, money, and stress along the way, communicate with the courts and with creditors on your behalf, and answer all of your questions so you feel confident moving forward.

The Santos Law Offices, P.A., Can Help You Get A Fresh Start

Our lead Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyer, Dalyla Santos, has been practicing law for over 13 years and is dedicated to helping Florida debtors get out of debt and back on their feet so they can seize life’s opportunities! She and her staff, who are fluent in English and Spanish and who have received many rave reviews on Google and Avvo, offer a level of personalized, affordable service that can make a difference. Call today to schedule a free phone consultation!