Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Boca Raton, FL

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In Boca Raton, Florida, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts excused (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to start with a clean slate, and move on with their lives no longer drowning in debt (and hopefully having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process). However, bankruptcy should not be treated as a way to avoid debt that one simply doesn't feel like paying. It is meant to be a safety net for people or businesses who are truly unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a heavily damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Accordingly, you should speak with a good Boca Raton, Florida bankruptcy lawyer. Your Boca Raton bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional opinion as to whether or not it's a good option, given your particular circumstances.

Types of Bankruptcy in Boca Raton, Florida

In Boca Raton, Florida, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used. They are known as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Boca Raton, Florida will be very similar to those in any other part of the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or "liquidation," requires the debtor to sell some of his or her property to the highest bidder, and using the funds from the sale to pay down as much debt as possible. Once the sale is complete, all dischargeable debt is deemed paid in full, whether or not the sale was able to raise the full amount owed. You should note that some property (usually the types of property deemed essential) is fully or partially exempt from liquidation, meaning that the debtor gets to keep it. This includes houses, cars, and retirement accounts, among others. Some types of debts, however, cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including taxes, child support, and student loans.

The other frequent bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Boca Raton is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this system, debt is not discharged. Instead, it is restructured. This allows the debtor to have the terms of the agreements that gave rise to their debts in the first place thrown out, and replaced with new terms that call for a structured repayment plan, designed to allow the debtor to survive on whatever income they have, and allowing the creditors to get paid back eventually. Once a payment plan is authorized, creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect payment under the original agreements. Although it can be used by individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used almost always by businesses. Not unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 11 focuses on restructuring of debt, rather than discharging it. Chapter 11 requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan designed to reduce debt and cut costs. Before being implemented, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

While going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business can continue operating, and its stock can continue to be traded.

How Can a Boca Raton Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

One should not make the decision to file for bankruptcy in Boca Raton easily. Before making any such decision, it would be highly advisable to contact an experienced Boca Raton bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Boca Raton

Boca Raton is located in the popular area of Palm Beach County, Florida. Approximately 200,00 people call Boca Raton home. Surrounding popular areas include West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach. What makes Boca Raton so wonderful to live in is the geography. It is seen as one of the best places to live in South Florida, because it is very metropolitan, a favorite of young, single professionals, and filled with high rises and beautiful living with water views.

Top employers in the area include The Continental Group, IBM, National Council on Compensation Insurance, Boca Raton Resort, Florida Atlantic University, and the city itself. Many top tier law firms are located around Boca Raton. Small to mid size law firms also have offices in or near Boca Raton. All in all, alongside the many industries listed as top employers, the legal industry also havea strong presence and significantly serves residents of Boca Raton.

Some famous residents of Boca Raton include Jeff Gordon, Keith Byars, Jon Bon Jovi, Ernst Borgnine, Jeanne Bice, Paul Newman, and Pete Rose.

All in all, Boca Raton is a paradise of a place to live in!