Tampa Area Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
Are you looking for a way to wipe out your debt as soon as possible and obtain a fresh start? By abolishing your dischargeable debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could provide you with the chance you need to start fresh. At the Riverview Law Offices of Alan C. Ewbank, we help consumers pursue the debt relief they deserve through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Taking a look at your financial situation, our attorneys can help you decide if Chapter 7 is right for you.
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Chapter 7 bankruptcy generally allows you to wipe out most unsecured debts, including credit card debt and debt from medical bills. Certain debts, however, such as student loans, domestic support obligations, and most tax debts, are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
In order to qualify for Chapter 7 relief, you usually need to pass the means test. Consumers who have a total household income less than the median income for a family of their size automatically qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, even families with income in excess of the median may qualify for Chapter 7, depending on their various monthly expenses, such as medical and insurance costs, car and mortgage payments, and retirement plan deductions.
The means test is a complicated legal formula that is similar in many ways to a tax return. Our experienced staff will go through your finances with you and prepare this part of your bankruptcy petition so you can see if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you qualify, you could get rid of your debt and be finished with the bankruptcy process within four six months. If you do not qualify, you can still obtain debt relief through Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay will be imposed, barring all collection activities by creditors, including lawsuits, wage garnishments and harassing phone calls.
What Do I Get To Keep?
Some people believe that in order to discharge debt, they have to give up all their possessions as well, but this is not true. When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are generally able to retain most of your assets, including:
- Your Florida homestead
- Most of your household goods, such as furniture, electronics, and appliances
- Certain financed assets, such as cars, boats, or motorcycles, where the amount you still owe is more than the asset is worth
- Some fully paid-for vehicles, depending on their value
- Money you received from unemployment, republic assistance, or Social Security
- Most pensions and retirement accounts
- Post-petition wages and income.
Even if your assets exceed your allowable exemptions, we can provide you with options for obtaining a discharge of your debts without surrendering assets, such as a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or arranging a "buyback" of the asset from your Chapter 7 trustee.
Contact Us
If you are ready to pursue the debt relief you deserve, we are ready to help you decide if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you. Located in Riverview, we help Florida consumers throughout the greater Tampa Bay area get back on their feet. We offer free initial consultations with no obligations, so contact us today.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
