Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida
In Jacksonville, 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 severely damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.
Therefore, it is a good idea to talk with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida. They will be able to advise you on the likely legal and financial consequences of filing for bankruptcy, and help you determine if it's the right option for your. Because this determination depends heavily on the facts of each individual case, the counsel of a Jacksonville bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.
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Types of Bankruptcy in Jacksonville, Florida
There are 3 bankruptcy schemes that are commonly used in Jacksonville: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in Jacksonville, Florida are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her assets in order to pay off as much debt as possible. Once the sale of the assets is complete, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is viewed as discharged. Liquidation is basically selling assets to the highest bidder. Not all of the debtor's assets will need to be sold, and many types of property are totally or partially exempt, including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This means that the debtor can keep them. It should be noted that some types of debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, criminal fines, taxes, and child support payments. Even when the bankruptcy process is complete, these debts will have to be paid in full.
The other form of bankruptcy most commonly used in Jacksonville is Chapter 13. It allows a person to pay off their debt over a longer period of time, often consolidating it into one periodic payment. In this system, the amount of money the debtor owes is not actually reduced, but the payment of the debt is made far more manageable. This gives the debtor some breathing room, allowing him to continue to earn a living while gradually paying down his debts, and gives some security to creditors that they will eventually collect all or most of what they're owed. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - essentially telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be approved by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.
A major advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that businesses can continue their operations while going through the process. Also, they can continue to buy and sell their stock.
How Can a Jacksonville Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?
Filing for bankrtuptcy in Jacksonville is a major decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a good Jacksonville bankruptcy attorney.
There are 692 Bankruptcy, Banking and Credit cases posted in Jacksonville
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Bankruptcy Attorneys in the Largest FL Cities
Life in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida offers tourists great attractions ranging from family fun, to nature-appreciation, to metropolitan-savvy. For instance, families can enjoy a day at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Little Talbot Island State Park, Eerie Owl Ghost Tour, Friendship Park or the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.For those who love nature, a bike stroll with e2ride bike tours is quite popular. Natural history lovers can enjoy the Jacksonville Fire Museum, the Museum of Southern History, Veterans Memorial Wall, and Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
After a day of fun, Jacksonville offers an array of places to just sit back and relax. Tourists can enjoy a stroll down Riverwalk, a 1.2 mile stretch of restaurants, bars, shops, and a marina. Further, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, River City Brewing Company, and City Center offer some great food, drinks, and relaxation.
Above are named only some of the great attractions that Jacksonville offers. Alongside offering great attractions, Jacksonville also offers great legal services. It is home to many small to mid-size law firms filled with competent attorneys who focus on keeping clients in the know while working on their cases. All in all, Jacksonville is a great place to visit, and a great place to find the attorney of your choice.
