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.
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Benjamin Haynes did an outstanding job for me, through his relentless negotiations and persistence, Ben Haynes was able to obtain a deficiency free judgment for an investment property. Ben Haynes has convinced me he has integrity, honesty, loyalty and commitment to his clients.F.M.
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We contacted Haynes & De Paz as we quickly realized we required assistance obtaining surplus funds from a foreclosure sale. Being from Canada and having an extra messy case with numerous parties involved - the process was extra confusing and we did not know the best way to go about this. We initially thought it would be a simple procedure in that once the sale occurred and once there was confirmation that there were in fact surplus funds - we'd fill out a basic template form to obtain those funds. We couldn't have been more wrong but this is a common misconception. After an attempt to contact the court with no response, we quickly realized we needed the help from an expert. We located Mr. Benjamin Haynes at Haynes & De Paz but had concerns being that he was located in a different county in FL than the court was in... Mr. Haynes didn't even bat an eye. I filled out a form online requesting information and within minutes he called me personally. The entire procedure including the Motion took less than two weeks and I can't believe how efficient he was. He and his assistant, Ashlee are remarkable at communicating with you and updating you every step of the way. The legal fees are reasonable and well worth it. This turned a nightmare into a dream. I highly recommend Mr. Haynes to assist in your surplus funds case... my review is just one of the many that can vouch for his remarkable professionalism and services. You honestly won't regret it.J.D.
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My wife and I are so thankful for the help of Benjamin Haynes of Haynes Law Group. As an attorney herself, my wife felt it was best to hire a specialist to obtain excess funds a county was withholding. Benjamin Haynes was the right choice. Thanks Ben!R.C.
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I am a bit emotional now because my life and the lives of my children have forever been changed today and it is in great part to West Palm Beach Foreclosure Surplus Lawyer Benjamin Haynes. My case for Palm Beach foreclosure surplus funds was very complicated and I needed an expert to fight for me. And fight he did ! Mr. Haynes won my Florida foreclosure surplus case for over $40,000.00 and with that, gave my children opportunities they never had before. Thank you!!K.P.
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I would like to thank you for handling my home foreclosure lawsuit. I found your firm pleasant, professional and consistently available through the process of my case. Your good work resulted in very satisfactory results. I will highly recommend your firm when someone has the need in the future. Thank you again!Marilyn
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