Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in St. Petersburg, Florida

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in St. Petersburg, 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 usually considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some significant 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 St. Petersburg, Florida will have individual rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg, Florida

In St. Petersburg, Florida, there are 2 commonly-used forms of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 requires that a certain percentage of the debtor's property be liquidated to pay off at least a small part of their debt. However, many types of property are exempt, and do not need to be liquidated, such as cars, homes, insurance policies, and retirement accounts.

Once eligible assets are sold, and the money turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is discharged. However, there are certain types of debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including student loans, taxes, child support, and criminal fines. If most of your debt is non-dischargeable, it may not be a good idea to file for bankruptcy in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg, Florida

In St. Petersburg, Florida, chapter 13 is very different from Chapter 7, and may or may not be the best option for you, depending on your 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 agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in a new 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 St. Petersburg, Florida

Chapter 13 is usually a good option for people who have a steady income, and a large amount of non-exempt property that they can't part with. On the other hand, if most of the debtor's property is exempt, and he or she does not have a steady income, Chapter 7 might be more beneficial.

In any case, you should talk with a local St. Petersburg, Florida bankruptcy Attorney. Your Attorney can advise you of your options and inform you of their likely consequences. This will make it much easier for your to make an informed choice.

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Life in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida is the fourth largest city in the state of Florida, and a popular vacation destination for both domestic and international tourists. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in the Tampa Bay area, and home to just under 250,000 residents. The sizeable city is located between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay -- a location that makes St. Petersburg highly accessible. Nicknamed, "The Sunshine City"boasts 360 days of sunshine a year. Not surprisingly, St. Petersburg is also apopular retirement destination. The St. Petersburg Pier, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Salvador Dali Museum are just a couple of the more popular attractions in the sunny city. St. Petersburg is also home to three professional sports teams for football, baseball, and hockey as well as hosts to many amateursports teams. Professional athletes are not the only professionals that thrive in St. Petersburg. Doctors, lawyers, and accountants are also plentiful in the city. St. Petersburg lawyers have a range of skills and are available to help their clients with big or small legal problems. St. Petersburg lawyers are skilled in any issue a client may be dealing with. With the great weather and growing industries, it is no wonder that St. Petersburg also attracts so many fabulous attorneys.