Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Winter Park, Florida

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Winter Park, FL

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In Winter Park, Florida, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts absolved (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to commence 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 really 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.

Therefore, it is a good idea to talk with an veteran bankruptcy lawyer in Winter Park, 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 distinct case, the counsel of a Winter Park bankruptcy attorney cannot be replaced.

Types of Bankruptcy in Winter Park, Florida

In Winter Park, Florida, 3 types of bankruptcy procedures are in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Being governed by federal law, the procedures involved in filing for bankruptcy in Winter Park, Florida will be roughly the same as everywhere else in America. 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 done, 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 Winter Park 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 arrangements 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. Though Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used by individuals, it is almost always used by businesses. Similar to Chapter 13, Chapter 11 involves restructuring of debts, rather than complete discharge. The debtor is required to come up with a restructuring plan that lays out how it plans to cut costs, streamline operations, and pay its debts. The plan must then be authorized by a vote of participating creditors.

One advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operating, and to trade its stock.

How Can a Winter Park Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The decision to file for bankruptcy in Winter Park is not one to be made easily, and it definitely should not be made without first obtaining the advice of an efficient Winter Park bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Winter Park

Winter Park is a suburb in Orange County, Florida. It is home to a little over 25,000 people.

Some popular sites for residents and tourists include the Edward Hill Brewer House, Kraft Azalea Park, Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and Cornell Fine Arts Museum.

Top employers in Winter Park include Winter Park Memorial Hospital, Publix, Bonnier, and the public school district. Although law firms are not included in this list, Winter Park is home to many law small law offices and firms. Although small, these offices and firms provide excellent legal services!

Interestingly, Winter Park has also been home to some very famous residents. These residents include Casey Affleck, Michael Barimo, George Brett, Gina Hecht, Doc Rivers, and Daniel Webster.