Qualifying for Bankruptcy in Florida
With the 2005 changes to the bankruptcy laws came some new requirements that prospective filers had to meet. The simple announcement of these new requirements made people think that they would no longer qualify for bankruptcy when, in fact, the vast majority of people who qualified before the new laws took effect still would have qualified after.
At the Price Law Firm, our lawyers represent clients throughout central Florida in all types of consumer bankruptcy matters. From our offices in Altamonte Springs, we handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings as well as a variety of foreclosure and loan modification issues. We dedicate our entire practice to bankruptcy law, and we can help you find a debt relief solution that fits your needs.
What You Need to Do to Qualify
If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the first thing you need to do before filing is to pass the means test. The means test seeks to ensure that you are not abusing the system or filing for bankruptcy frivolously. In short, it compares your income level and your disposable income to that of other wage earners in your state. If you don't pass the means test, you may not be able to file under Chapter 7. In the event that you cannot file under Chapter 7, there is still a good chance that you would be able to file under Chapter 13. Many attorneys do not properly apply the means test. Therefore, please talk to us, even if another attorney has told you that you don't pass. We may be able to help you.
The other requirement that needs to be fulfilled prior to filing bankruptcy in Orlando is the completion of a court-approved credit counseling class. This is a class designed to help you take a closer look at your financial situation to determine if bankruptcy is the best solution for your situation. During the course of these sessions, participants sometimes find that there are alternative solutions that can provide the relief they need.
Finally, you can only file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy once every eight years. In some cases, though, you may be able to file for Chapter 13 even if you have recently completed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
To learn more about your bankruptcy options and if you qualify, contact the Price Law Firm. From our offices in Altamonte Springs in the Orlando-Kissimmee metro area, we represent clients throughout central Florida. To schedule a free consultation with an Orlando bankruptcy attorney, call 407-792-3473 or contact us toll free at 866-381-9243.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
