Fort Pierce Bankruptcy Lawyer

Helping Hardworking Fort Pierce Citizens Get Their Lives Back on Track through Bankruptcy

When Debt Piles Up, Remember You Have Options that Include Bankruptcy

New lives are being started in Fort Pierce all the time. Whether you have lived here for years and want a new start or just recently moved to the area, Fort Pierce is ripe with financial opportunities.

Unfortunately, past mistakes could hold back your economic future. If you are strapped down by debt or feel that there’s no way you can keep from falling behind, remember that you have options.

One such option is to work with creditors directly to restructure your debt or make installment agreements that fit better within your budget. Another option is to work with a debt consolidation company, which can transform piles of debt into one manageable amount that you can whittle down, month after month.

A third option, reserved typically for those who feel like they absolutely cannot make any payments, is to file for bankruptcy.

Declaring bankruptcy is not an easy decision, and the process can be complicated. Filing the needed paperwork and uncovering the necessary financial documents can feel overwhelming. These struggles are why many who declare bankruptcy in the area choose to work with a Fort Pierce bankruptcy lawyer who will assist with the process. Having your own bankruptcy lawyer means that you can consider all available options and form a strategy that has a high chance of bringing you towards your optimal situation.

Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has been assisting Fort Pierce locals like you for more than three decades. We want to be there during your time of need to help you make the best financial choices and create a situation where you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let us help you through the complex and often stressful process of filing for bankruptcy through our trusted, proven Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorney services.

Learn more about your options and the process you could undergo by scheduling a free first appointment now. To schedule your free case review, call us now at 866-460-1990 or contact us online.

Types of Bankruptcy You Can File for in Fort Pierce

The legal process known as bankruptcy can take many forms. Some of the types of bankruptcy you may have heard of only apply to businesses and corporations. Others apply only to private citizens like you.

Some of the most common versions of bankruptcy for individuals include Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a solution for Fort Pierce residents who think that there is no chance of them ever making the payments they need to get out of debt. This version of bankruptcy allows you to “discharge” nearly all types of debt, although some cannot be gotten rid of no matter what.

In order to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must be willing to hand over the entirety of your assets. You must also accept that your bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 10 years, which can affect your ability to seek certain forms of credit until that time has passed.

If these are terms you are willing to undertake, Chapter 7 will essentially provide a clean slate. Most creditors will no longer be able to pursue you, and all foreclosures and other financial proceedings will end immediately.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an option for people who think they can pay off their debt over time as long as a reasonable agreement can be made. Instead of having to hand over payment to creditors immediately, you arrange a form of debt restructuring that allows you to create a payment plan for paying off your debt within 3 to 5 years.

The drawback to Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that once you make payment arrangements, you absolutely have to honor them. All payments must be made either early or on time. Any time you think you can no longer make payments according to your Chapter 13 agreement, you are responsible for notifying creditors and attempting to negotiate an arrangement. Just a single late payment could violate your agreement, dismissing your Chapter 13 and potentially allowing creditors to demand immediate payment once more.

After filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it will remain on your credit report for 7 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term effects of filing bankruptcy?  

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, you are probably experiencing mixed emotions. You may be relieved that you’re taking action to help alleviate your financial hardship, but you are also probably feeling nervous and anxious about how bankruptcy will affect you in the long-term. 

While the word bankruptcy tends to carry negative connotations, it’s important to remember that filing for bankruptcy can be positive. There are several pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce. Here are some of the long-term effects:

The Pros

    • You are granted an automatic stay. When you file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, you receive an automatic stay from the court which means creditors are prohibited from contacting you or taking action against you. 
    • Certain debts can be discharged. When you file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, you can have certain debts completely eliminated. These are known as dischargeable debts and they include credit card debt, medical and utility bills, and personal loans.  
    • You are protected from further legal action. One of the biggest benefits of filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce is that you are protected from future legal action that may arise from you not paying your debts. 
    • Debts will be settled for less than what you owe. While bankruptcy will absolve you from paying off certain debts, you may still owe payments for other types of debt. Filing for bankruptcy enables you to pay only a portion of what you previously owed. Our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys can help you create a reasonable payment plan. 

The Cons

    • Trouble renting in the future. After filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, you may experience difficulty renting an apartment or home. Some landlords will run a credit check on you and may deny your application if they deem your bankruptcy a potential liability. 
    • Student loans do not apply. In most cases, federal student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. You will likely still owe a payment. However, our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys can help you develop a payment plan that makes this debt much more manageable. 
    • Your credit score will be impacted. On average, a bankruptcy will appear on your credit score 7 to 10 years after filing. This could impact your ability to buy or rent. It’s important to remember though that many people who file for bankruptcy often see their credit scores improve.  
    • Your bankruptcy is a public record. When you file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, it’s a matter of public record. This means that landlords, employers, or creditors could run a credit check on you and see your bankruptcy. 

Since there are pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy, we highly recommend speaking with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before making any decisions. Our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of residents on the Treasure Coast get a fresh financial start. Call us today at 866-930-6435 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case and provide you with information about your options. 

Do I have to be a certain age to file for bankruptcy?

Technically, there is no age limit or restriction for filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce. You don’t have to be an adult, you don’t have to be 18. Yet, filing for bankruptcy is not common among teenagers or young adults. 

Most credit card companies will not issue credit cards to individuals under the age of 18. Since uncontrollable credit card debt is a primary reason why people file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, it is unlikely that a teenager or young adult would be able to rack up a severe debt. 

But what about senior citizens? With inflation and rising health care costs, many senior citizens living in Fort Pierce are experiencing financial hardship. While there is no age restriction for filing for bankruptcy and senior citizens have every right to do so, there are certain factors unique to senior citizen bankruptcy cases. For example, many senior citizens living in Fort Pierce receive social security benefits and retirement funds. These could be jeopardized if you file for bankruptcy. 

Regardless of your age, if you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, there are many factors you should weigh before making your decision. We highly recommend speaking with our experienced Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys. We offer free, no-obligation consultations where our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys will review your unique situation, provide you with information about the bankruptcy process, and help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you. 

Schedule your free, no-obligation bankruptcy consultation with our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys by calling 866-930-6435. The sooner you call us, the sooner you can feel better about your finances and future.

Do you need a lawyer to file for bankruptcy or can you file on your own?

Yes, you can legally file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce without a lawyer. However, we caution individuals about going it alone. We understand that you may not be able to pay for a bankruptcy attorney, after all, you’re filing for bankruptcy, but having an attorney on your side can actually save you time, money, and stress in the long-run. 

If the cost of hiring an attorney is a concern, our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys can help. We offer free, no-obligation bankruptcy consultations. This means you can meet with us, discuss your options, and learn about the next steps. At the bare minimum, even if you intend to file for bankruptcy by yourself, take advantage of this free meeting with our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys. You can schedule your free meeting by calling 866-930-6435.

Our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys also offer reasonable payment plans. We let our clients pay in installments. We work with you to decide what you can afford. Our job is to help you take control of your finances; we don’t want to add to the burden. 

Finally, having a lawyer handle your bankruptcy will ensure you receive the best possible protection from creditors and lawsuits. Our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys will handle the entire process for you—the paperwork, the meetings, the filings—sparing you the stress, frustration, and aggravation of filing for bankruptcy on your own. Having an experienced Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorney on your side also increases your chance of having most of your debts completely discharged or eliminated, which will save you money in the long-run. 

Can I file for bankruptcy if I am unemployed?

Many people who file for bankruptcy in Fort Pierce are unemployed. In fact, to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must have a monthly income under a certain amount. Being unemployed can provide a short window of opportunity to quickly wipe out debt before finding a new job. In contrast, to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, individuals need a steady income. Therefore, you usually can not file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you are unemployed.  

If you aren’t familiar with the differences between the bankruptcy chapters, learning how to choose between Chapter 7 and 13 is an excellent place to start.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – also known as liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most of your general unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical and utility bills, and personal loans. When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Pierce, you usually do not have to pay back these “dischargeable debts”. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet certain income requirements. If you make too much money, you may have to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. 

You can learn more about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Pierce here

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – also known as reorganization bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is intended for individuals or businesses who make enough money each month that they can pay back at least a portion of their debts through a repayment plan. Even though most people who file for Chapter 13 make too much money to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, many individuals choose to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Fort Pierce because it offers several benefits not available in Chapter 7. For example, when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are able to keep all of your property, including nonexempt assets, but you will have to pay back a portion of your debt. 

You can learn more about filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Fort Pierce here

We highly recommend you speak with an experienced Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorney before choosing one of the options. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys have taken on thousands of bankruptcy cases since 1999, and we have helped people from all walks of life find solutions to the most complex financial problems. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Pierce bankruptcy attorneys by calling 866-930-6435.

Why You Can’t Discharge All Debts through Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy allows you to functionally “discharge” your debt, eliminating the legal right for creditors to pursue you or demand you hand over your assets. Your debts don’t functionally “disappear,” but you are no longer legally obligated to fulfill them. The possibility of repossession and collections will cease so long as you abide by your agreement.

However, not all forms of debt can be discharged through bankruptcy. Back child support or alimony payments, for instance, are not eligible to be discharged. Certain living arrangement fees assessed through organizations like cooperation associations or condominiums similarly cannot be discharged. Additionally, any debt that existed at the time of a previous bankruptcy and that was not discharged cannot be discharged by a new bankruptcy declaration.

Student loans are some of the most cumbersome forms of debt that cannot be discharged. Many young people across the U.S. face substantial debts through their student loan arrangements, and they cannot look to bankruptcy as an option for avoiding this debt. Instead, they must make payment arrangements with their loan servicer or consolidate their debt through a third-party. Only in situations where a student loan can be proven to cause “undue hardship” can these debts be discharged, and this is a rare occurrence.

Owed income taxes are not eligible to be discharged for most people. Only a successful court petition can grant this possibility, which means petitioners must have a good justification for seeking it.

Finally, certain creditors may be able to petition the court to prevent certain debts they hold from being discharged.

Learn Whether Bankruptcy Is the Right Option for You with a Fort Pierce Bankruptcy Lawyer

No one wants to think about his or her debt or the possibility of filing for bankruptcy, but once you make a decision, you can feel in control of your financial future. Realize that you don’t have to go through the process alone. You can work with experienced Fort Pierce bankruptcy lawyers who can assist you with your filing, advise you on what legal strategies could best be applied to your situation, and help you understand the full impact of each decision at your disposal.

If you are ready to take your life back from creditors and move forward past your debt, you can speak with a bankruptcy attorney in Fort Pierce for absolutely free. Simply call 866-460-1990 or contact us online today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review. 

Address
302 South Second Street
Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

We are open
Open hours: 9:00am – 05:00pm Mon-Fri

Phone
(772) 464-4600

Fax
 (772) 465-4747

E-mail
[email protected]

We are a debt relief agency and attorneys. We help people file for Bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free information about our qualifications and experience.

 
 
 




    Locations


    Ft. Pierce Office
    302 South Second Street
    Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
    Phone: (772) 464-4600
    Fax: (772) 465-4747
    Port St. Lucie Office
    1555 NW St. Lucie West Blvd
    Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
    Phone: (772) 344-7770
    Fax: (772)344-3838
    Okeechobee Office
    1910 S Parrott Ave
    Okeechobee, FL 34974
    Phone: (863) 357-5800
    Fax: (863) 763-2237
    Vero Beach Office
    2101 15th Avenue
    Vero Beach, FL 32960
    Phone: (772) 794-7774
    Fax: (772) 794-7773