Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Pembroke Pines, Florida

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows an individual or business to have some or all of their debts discharged. It is normally considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some considerable long-term consequences warranting careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Being a product of federal law, bankruptcy will go through federal courts. Accordingly, the procedure for filing for bankruptcy in Florida is basically the same as the procedure anywhere else in the United States. However, individual courts in Pembroke Pines, Florida will have particular rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Pembroke Pines, Florida

In Pembroke Pines, Florida, there are 2 commonly-used forms of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 involves liquidation of some of a debtor's assets. It requires that a certain percentage of the debtor's property to be sold to pay off as much debt as possible. The majority of property that most people own, however, is exempt. This normally includes homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and others. These are not available to creditors.

Once the non-exempt property is sold, the rest of the dischargeable debt is absolved. Some types of debt, however, is non-dischargeable, including student loans, criminal fines, and others. If most of your debt in Pembroke Pines, Florida is not dischargeable, Chapter 7 may not be the best option.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Pembroke Pines, Florida

In Pembroke Pines, Florida, Chapter 13 is very different from Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may or may not be the best choice for you; this depends on the facts of your individual situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not discharge debt. Instead, it restructures it. This involves the bankruptcy court coming up with a new payment plan that supersedes the terms of the contracts that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in an altered payment plan that the debtor should find manageable, if he or she can make a few sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Pembroke Pines, Florida

Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right choice for you depends heavily on your particular situation. If you have a steady income stream, and a lot of non-exempt property, Chapter 13 might be right for you. If you don't have a steady income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be a better way to go.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an experienced local Pembroke Pines, Florida bankruptcy attorney before you make the decision to file. He or she will be able to advise you of your options, and suggest the best possible course of action for your individual situation.

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Life in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines is the 157th largest city in the United States and still manages to win "All America City Awards" and outstanding achievement in the Civil Livability Awards Program. The 150,000 residents of Pembroke Pines are also within the limits of Broward County that has won the Five Star School Award from the Florida department of Education. The schools were recognized for outstanding community involvement exemplifying the city's motto: "Join us and progress with us." Pembroke Pines was originally incorporated in 1960 and was named for the nearby road, Pembroke Road. The convenient location along the Florida Turnpike makes it a great place for commerce. In addition to an airport and the Broward Correctional Institution, Pembroke Pines also plays host to some of the best shopping in all of Broward County and maybe even the state. There are a number of shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores nearby. Many celebrities and sports stars call Pembroke Pines home. Baseball players Manny Ramirez, Jeff Fiorentino, Mike Napoli, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kendall Newson all call Pembroke Pines home. Demographically, Pembroke Pines is very diverse. Many lawyers are residents of Pembroke Pines and are familiar with local legal issues and procedures. Pembroke Pines lawyers are knowledgeable of the Florida State Judicial System and will be able to help you figure out your options and fight for you.