Bankruptcy

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.

Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions: Protecting Your Home and Assets in Orlando

Florida offers some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the country, particularly for homeowners in Orlando. The state’s homestead exemption allows you to protect an unlimited amount of equity in your primary residence, provided the property is located on no more than half an acre within a city, or up to 160 acres outside a municipality. To benefit from this exemption, you must have owned and lived in your Florida home for at least 1,215 days (about 3.3 years) before filing for bankruptcy. A federal cap may apply if you haven’t met this residency requirement, which limits the exempt equity to $189,050 as of recent bankruptcy laws.

Additionally, Florida bankruptcy law includes exemptions for personal property, retirement accounts, wages for the head of household, and more, helping many filers retain most—if not all—of their essential assets during the bankruptcy process. These protections can allow many individuals and families in Orlando to keep their homes and valuable property while seeking a fresh financial start through bankruptcy.

Important Considerations Before Filing for Bankruptcy

Before filing for bankruptcy, consider the following:

Alternatives – Consider whether budgeting, debt settlement, or credit counseling can solve the problem without filing for bankruptcy.
Impact on Credit – Bankruptcy remains on your credit report for up to ten years (Chapter 7) or seven years (Chapter 13), but it is often possible to begin repairing credit much sooner.
Future Finances – Consider how bankruptcy may affect future borrowing, buying a home, or securing jobs in finance-related fields.
Non-Dischargeable Debts – Not all debts are wiped out—child support, alimony, certain taxes, and most student loans typically remain.

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.

“I can highly recommend this firm.”
I was introduced Attorney Benjamin Haynes via a mutual acquaintance because I was in the middle of a trademarking process with another firm and it wasn't going well. Upon review of my application, Mr. Haynes immediately spotted some problem areas. Within a matter of weeks, he had everything resolved and approved by the USPTO. I can highly recommend this firm.

L.H.
“I can't say enough about this firm.”
I can't say enough about this firm. I literally had 24 hours to file with circuit court or lose surplus funds from my father's Florida property. I goggled how to file myself and Haynes & De Paz popped up. I contacted them and they went to work immediately. Did every thing they said they would and collected the funds. Thank you!

K.S.
“I was very happy with the service provided!”
I was very happy with the service provided. The staff was patient and understanding and were always available to answer my questions. I was most impressed with Attorney Haynes taking time on his Saturday to personally call me regarding an upcoming deadline in my foreclosure case. Mr. Haynes was able to get my mortgage loan modified to an affordable monthly payment so that I can keep my home and my foreclosure case was dismissed!

L.P.
“Mr. Haynes fought the Bank and got the Judge to vacate our sale!”
Haynes Law Group did an excellent job handling our case. The Bank had received a judgment and sold our property at auction! We quickly hired Mr. Haynes in order for him to try and save our property, even after the foreclosure sale. Mr. Haynes fought the Bank and got the Judge to vacate our sale! I would recommend hiring this firm. The communication and knowledge are second to none.

R.W.
“Thank you for helping me achieve a positive resolution.”
I would like to express how pleased I am to have chosen Haynes Law Group for my legal needs. I appreciate the responsiveness to my inquiries and the legal guidance during my situation. Thank you for helping me achieve a positive resolution.

Veronica

View All Reviews

How Can We Help?

Stay Up To Date
Read Blogs
View All of Our Practice Areas
View More
Our Client Testimonials
Read More

Contact Us

We’re Ready to Help

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Haynes Law Group at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

They Haynes Law Group Difference

Top-Rated & Highly Reputable Legal Team
We Take A Detail Oriented Approach
Free Case Consultations Provided
Thousands Of Cases Successfully Handled