Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Bonita Springs, Florida

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Bonita Springs, FL

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In Bonita Springs, 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 Bonita Springs, Florida bankruptcy lawyer. Your Bonita Springs 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 Bonita Springs, Florida

In Bonita Springs, 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 Bonita Springs, 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 typical bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Bonita Springs 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.

One major advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Furthermore, their stock can still be bought and sold.

How Can a Bonita Springs Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

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

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Life in Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs plays host to 45,000 Lee County residents who are also incorporated into the Cape Coral-Fort Myers Metropolitan Area. Bonita Springs is home to a host of lawyers. Bonita Springs lawyers take all kinds of cases and are licensed to practice in every county throughout the state.. One of the reasons Bonita Springs is so popular is a result of the tropical climate that only dips down to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in January. It is also the northernmost city on the west coast of Florida bordering the Estero Bay and Gulf of Mexico. The Everglades Wonder Garden is another popular destination flush with wildlife like alligators, birds, panthers, flamingos, and bears among many others. There's also a botanical garden.  

Bonita Springs is home to a number of attractions that are frequented by citizens and seasonal tourists alike. The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts local and traveling exhibitions and offers classes and community events. The Bonita Beach Park is a very popular beach that stretches 2.3 acres of waterfront which includes 8 picnic shelters, a swimming area, sand dunes, and lots of space to barbecue and enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather.