Orlando Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you are struggling to pay off your debts, filing for bankruptcy might be a suitable option for you. Doing so will immediately stop creditors from pursuing debt collection. This protection will continue at least until your debts are sorted out according to the law.

You have the right to retain legal representation when filing for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy attorney in Orlando with Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you decide which type of bankruptcy is best for your individual situation.

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Bogin, Munns & Munns Has Served Florida Residents for Decades

The lawyers at our firm work to get our clients the successful outcome they need. As such, our clients have expressed their satisfaction with the results we have achieved for them.

Here is what they have said:

  • Attorney Andrea B. Anderson provided me Expertise, Professionalism, and Responsiveness during my recent legal transaction. I chose Bogin, Munns & Munns based upon their reputation. They are an excellent firm and Ms. Anderson provided exemplary support.” – Frank G.
  • I dealt with Jackie LaVerne. The experience could not be improved upon. Very professional, very accurate, very reasonable.” – Robert C.
  • “Good customer service and very nice employees. I really want to thank Scott Zakel for helping me through every step of my journey. Thank you once again” – Nalini N.

It’s time to hear your story and see how we could be of service to you and your family.

To consult with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer serving Orlando, call 855-780-9986

A Brief Overview of the Types of Bankruptcy

Three common types of bankruptcy are Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Usually, the fastest and simplest method is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves liquidating assets to pay off debts.

Chapter 11 is typically filed in scenarios concerning a more complicated reorganization of a company or an individual’s financial affairs. In commercial cases, a company may be able to operate while it restructures debt over a period of time.

In situations where an individual is earning regular income that exceeds the eligibility requirements of Chapter 7, they can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy and make monthly payments to creditors while retaining their assets.

Orlando Bankruptcy Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows for the “discharge” or elimination of certain types of unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills.

Exemptions include retirement funds such as:

  • A pension, IRA, 401(k), and similar funds that are restricted access for retirement
  • Prepaid college tuition accounts
  • Cash value of life insurance; $1,000.00 for each debtor for personal property, including bank accounts; $1,000.00 per debtor towards the value of an automobile (to the extent it is not secured)
  • Homestead real property

Of course, the debtor must remain timely on any liens or mortgages for an automobile or homestead real property to keep those assets.

The Process of Filing Chapter 7

You may be eligible for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you have debts in excess of exempt property values and satisfying the income eligibility requirements known as the “means test.” This test considers:

  • How many dependents you have
  • The debtor’s geographical residence
  • Non-filing spouses

The means test provides certain allowances for housing, transportation, food, insurance, and other items. It will ultimately determine if the debtor can afford to pay for at least some of their unsecured debts over time after all applied factors to their finances are considered.

If one has the means to pay, the debtor is required to file under a different chapter, typically Chapter 13, which will require the debtors to pay their creditors over time.

How Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Help

The liquidation occurs by the court-appointed trustee. Those assets that are not secured by a lien or mortgage and are not exempt from liquidation are sold to raise money for creditors.

Creditors who file valid proof of claims receive a pro-rata distribution of the liquidation proceeds. In many instances, the trustee will allow the debtor to retain possession of these assets, provided the debtor pays the value to the trustee in a short time frame.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is thought of as providing rapid relief to a debtor since an automatic stay occurs on filing. This prohibits creditors from initiating or continuing any legal actions against the filing debtor. All debts incurred and assets acquired after the filing, subject to very few limitations, are not subject to bankruptcy.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an individual reorganization that allows a debtor to retain their assets while making monthly payments for the benefit of creditors for three to five years.

Chapter 13 is available to people whose regular income exceeds the income eligibility requirements of Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

A debtor may desire to file a bankruptcy Chapter 13 when they wish to retain their home but need a period of time to pay any arrearages on the mortgage. This option may also work for someone who has assets they wish to keep and not be the subject of a Chapter 7 liquidation or owes income taxes but needs a period of time to pay.

The Process of Filing Chapter 13

After filing a petition seeking relief under Chapter 13, debtors must promptly file a plan. This sets forth the proposed payments to:

  • Maintain certain debts like a home mortgage and car loan
  • Cure any arrears on these debts
  • Make provisions to pay a portion of, if not all, unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills

The court must approve the plan, and once approved, creditors are required to accept the terms of the payment. If the court rejects the initial plan, the debtor is given the opportunity to amend the plan to meet the objections and concerns of creditors and the court.

Payments are made to the Chapter 13 trustee, not directly to creditors. The trustee then pays the creditors.

How Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Can Help

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a debtor may be able to eliminate or reduce a second mortgage or other mortgages or liens on a principal residence that were recorded after a first mortgage, depending on the valuation of the home, the amount owed, and other factors, such as whether the creditor has a security interest in assets other than the residence.

Secured claims on motor vehicles may be reduced to the value of the vehicle, depending on whether the loan for the vehicle was incurred in excess of 910 days preceding the filing of the petition.

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Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy usually involves large corporations, so it can quickly become a complex legal matter. It could take a substantial amount of time for the court to determine an appropriate plan to reorganize the company’s affairs.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy may interrupt a business’s plan for expansion or terminate its rental agreements.

The Process of Filing Chapter 11

During a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the organization or business usually has a chance to plan its own reorganization. It may downsize, liquidate, or renegotiate debts. Ultimately, it is up to the courts to decide whether its reorganization plan is acceptable.

The organization or company will also have to abide by the reorganization plan to maintain the agreed-upon terms set by the court.

How Filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Can Help

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy definitely has its benefits, especially for large corporations. It allows them to address their debt while maintaining operations. By filing Chapter 11, a company may be able to survive while it pays its debt, instead of having to close down.

Downsizing and liquidating can be tough, but this type of bankruptcy may offer the only option for a business to stay afloat during tough times.

What Our Bankruptcy Attorneys in Orlando Can Do for You

After reading about the processes for each type of bankruptcy, taking such actions might seem overwhelming, but that is where our attorneys come in. Bogin, Munns & Munns has over 30 years of experience in commercial litigation collections, helping people in North and Central Florida collect their receivable outstanding accounts and delinquent debt.

We can take on the following tasks for you if you choose to file for bankruptcy:

  • Help you figure out which form of bankruptcy best suits your situation
  • Ensure your bankruptcy application correctly filled in and on time
  • Represent you in legal proceedings
  • Protect your money and other assets
  • Collect aged accounts, debts owed for goods and services sold, lines of credit, promissory notes, and other related debt
  • Defend unwarranted debt collection actions

We handle both simple and complex debt collection matters. Our debt collection clients include both large and small corporations, banks, finance companies, accountants, landlords, condominiums, and homeowners associations.

We Are Available to All Prospective Bankruptcy Clients

When you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you are already stressed out about money. Seeking legal representation should not add to your burden. If you want to discuss your finances and discover how filing bankruptcy can help, call now to speak with a team member.

We can help you discover which type of bankruptcy you qualify to file and which path presents the best possible solution. You have nothing to lose by taking advantage of our complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

Start Working with Bogin, Munns & Munns Today

If you are considering bankruptcy, our attorneys serving Orange County can help you throughout the filing process. To learn more, give us a call today at 407-578-1334.

Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today

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