Bankruptcy Attorneys in Orlando
Is Filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Right for You?
Financial trouble can happen to anyone—medical emergencies, job loss, or unexpected expenses sometimes make keeping up with bills impossible. Understanding bankruptcy is the first step if you’re exploring options for a fresh start.
Haynes Law Group guides you through this process, explaining your options and ensuring you have the information and support to determine your best path forward. Our experience with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings in Orlando helps individuals and families make informed decisions and take the next step toward regaining financial stability.
How Haynes Law Group Helps Orlando Residents
With extensive experience handling foreclosures, loan modifications, and deed-in-lieu transactions throughout Florida, Haynes Law Group effectively guides clients facing serious financial distress. This broad expertise allows us to offer holistic support, especially when foreclosure or default prompts considerations about bankruptcy. Our team’s deep knowledge helps individuals and families in Orlando explore every available option—whether defending against foreclosure, negotiating a loan modification, or choosing bankruptcy as a path toward a new financial start.
We help make the bankruptcy process more manageable by clearly explaining each step, ensuring documents are complete, and remaining available for questions from the initial consultation through resolution. This client-focused approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions about how best to protect their homes, finances, and futures.
Call (888) 252-8754 to learn more about bankruptcy and start the process today.
Understanding Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often called "liquidation bankruptcy," provides the fastest path to discharge eligible debts. In Orlando and across Florida, Chapter 7 may be considered if monthly income falls below a set threshold after accounting for certain expenses.
Key points about Chapter 7 include:
- Most unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills, can be eliminated.
- Some personal property may be sold (liquidated) to help pay creditors, but Florida’s exemptions allow many to keep their car, retirement accounts, and part of their home equity.
- You must pass a "means test" based on income and household size to qualify.
- Most cases finish in four to six months.
People often consider Chapter 7 to quickly eliminate overwhelming debt, stop collections, and begin rebuilding credit. It’s best for those with limited income and few valuable assets.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is designed for those with regular income who want to keep their property while catching up on mortgage, car loans, or back taxes.
Key points about Chapter 13:
- Debtors follow a court-approved repayment plan, usually lasting three to five years.
- No property is sold; instead, monthly payments are made to a trustee who forwards them to creditors.
- This plan can help people stop a foreclosure, catch up on arrears, and pay back tax debt over time.
- After completing payments, most remaining eligible debts are discharged.
Those who don’t qualify for Chapter 7 often choose this option, want to keep their home, or have debts that can’t be erased through Chapter 7 (like certain taxes or child support).
Should You File for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Deciding whether bankruptcy is the right path involves careful thought.
Consider these factors:
- Type of Debt – Medical bills, credit cards, utilities, and payday loans are commonly discharged; student loans and some tax debts rarely are.
- Income and Assets – Qualifying for Chapter 7 depends on your income and what you own; Chapter 13 works for those with steady paychecks who need a structured repayment plan.
- Property Protection – Chapter 13 is often preferred by those wishing to safeguard high-value assets from liquidation.
- Long-Term Goals – Think about how each type impacts your ability to rebuild credit, keep your home, or protect vehicles and retirement accounts.
Take Your Next Steps with Haynes Law Group by Your Side
If you are struggling with debt in Orlando, FL, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Speaking with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can help determine which path fits your situation. Our team at Haynes Law Group listens carefully, explains all your legal options, and walks you through every stage of the process.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Our Clients Share Their Stories
At Haynes Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
Benjamin Haynes achieved what we feared to be impossible—he saved our home of 25 years from foreclosure! The moment we shook Benjamin’s hand we knew we had made the right choice. There is something exceptional about this young man and this first impression followed through to an extraordinary victory--a mortgage modification, and a great one at that! To secure his success, Ben has chosen an extremely professional staff who made sure we were kept up to date and well informed of his progress. Benjamin Haynes is a legal force you want on your side.T.E.
-
Thank you Haynes Law Group for helping me recover my surplus fund. It was quick and fast. Mr. Benjamin Haynes kept me updated along the process. He was very professional as well as the firm. I would highly recommend them to anyone. I wished I called them sooner. I really appreciate you all!P.H.
-
If you are in need of foreclosure defense, look no further. Ben was on top of everything and his communication between myself and the bank was stellar. He discussed strategies with me and counseled me towards the possible outcomes of each strategy. Before I hired Ben to represent me, I was lost, confused, and a little bit scared of the banks. Now, I've got a lawyer for life and peace of mind to go along with it.D.L.W.
-
I approached Attorney Ben Haynes with probably one of the most difficult commercial foreclosure cases of his career. Going into it we both knew it would be an uphill battle against one of most ruthless banks in the industry. In the end, Ben negotiated a short sale that exceeded all my expectations and we were able to walk away from a bank whom had held us financially hostage for over a decade. Now we are finally able to move forward and grow our company to new heights! Thank you to Ben and his team and Haynes & De Paz and I would recommend anyone looking into strategic defense against foreclosure to contact them immediately!M.T.
-
After calling several, several surplus funds attorneys and companies, I went with Ben Haynes because of his knowledge about marriage laws and surplus funds !!!!! , He saved me alot of money and aggravation about the whole situation, he was very knowledgeable and assured me he was the right person for my case, you know he was right !!!! One attorney said he wanted to front me funds but after further review, Ben and his team of lawyers are the best of them all. Thank you to the best Florida foreclosure surplus lawyer!J.M.
How Can We Help?
-
Stay Up To Date -
View All of Our Practice Areas
-
Our Client Testimonials
