Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Palm Bay, Florida

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Palm Bay, FL

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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 typically considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some substantial 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 Palm Bay, Florida will have distinct rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Palm Bay, Florida

In Palm Bay, 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 typically 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 Palm Bay, Florida is not dischargeable, Chapter 7 may not be the best option.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Palm Bay, Florida

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Palm Bay, Florida differs considerably from Chapter 7. It might be a better option than Chapter 7, depending on the facts of your case. 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 arrangements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in an adjusted 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 Palm Bay, Florida

Which Bankruptcy type to file under depends heavily on the facts of each distinct case. If you have a steady stream of income (enough to make a payment plan manageable), and a large amount of non-exempt property that you don't want to part with, Chapter 13 may be best for you. If you don't have a steady income or large amounts of non-exempt property, you may be better off filing for Chapter 7.

In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a local bankruptcy Attorney in Palm Bay, Florida. Your Attorney can make an educated judgment as to what your best option is, and advise you accordingly (of course, the choice to file for bankruptcy is ultimately yours).

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Life in Palm Bay

Palm Bay, Florida is the largest city in Brevard County. Its population is approximately 101,000 as of a 2008 Census estimate.

The earliest European settlers to arrive in the area now known as Palm Bay showed up in 1850, building homes along Turkey Creek. By the late 1800s, there was a lumber mill, a packing house, orange groves, and several other industries in Palm Bay. However, growth was quite slow during that period. This changed in 1894, with the arrival of the railroad in Palm Bay.

Modernly, Palm Bay's economy is largely based around tourism. Because it is right on the Atlantic coast, and enjoys a warm, subtropical climate, it is popular among visitors, as well as people who wish to relocate, particularly retirees.

Palm Bay is also home to the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, a small nature preserve that showcases Florida's natural beauty. It is home to many native wildlife species, turtles, alligators, and dozens of types of birds. It has trails for hiking, bicycling, and jogging. The eponymous creek is an important breeding area for both freshwater and saltwater fish.

If you live in Palm Bay, Florida, and need an attorney, chances are good that you'll be able to find one. There are plenty of Palm Bay, Florida attorneys who can help you with whatever legal issues you may be facing.