Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Jupiter, FL

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often called “liquidation” bankruptcy, as the process involves selling certain property to pay back creditors. It is commonly used by individuals and small-business owners who are saddled with overwhelming unsecured debts. Unsecured debts include credit card debt, medical debt, past-due utility bills, and unpaid balances on past repossessions.

Debts that are most commonly not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy include:

Student loans
Tax liens
Child support and alimony

As your legal representative, our Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, Michael A. Gort, can work to have as many of these remaining debts canceled as possible. By doing so, we will help provide you with a fresh financial start, free from the stress of unmanageable debt.

For your initial consultation, call us at (561) 778-7047 or reach out using our online form.

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work?

Step One: Preparing Your Petition

The first step to filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida involves completing multiple bankruptcy forms that we will submit to the local bankruptcy court on your behalf.

These forms will require you to detail various important aspects of your financial situation, including but not limited to:

Current gross income and monthly living expenses
Property ownership (personal and property)
Debts (creditors, types, amounts)

You must then complete two additional financial management courses. These courses, known as debtor education classes, are typically brief, covering basic principles of budgeting, etc.

Step Two: Submitting the Means Test

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is typically only available to certain individuals and spouses, known as “consumer debtors.” To determine your eligibility, the bankruptcy court uses a means test to “compare” your level of debt to your level of income.

You are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you pass the means test by exhibiting:

Very little or no disposable income
A significant amount of unsecured debt
A below-average income

Step Three: Filing a Bankruptcy Petition

With our help, you can then submit your petition to the local bankruptcy court, which will review the form and determine your eligibility. Our Jupiter Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer will work diligently to help you fill out your bankruptcy forms correctly.

It is important to remember that as soon as you submit the bankruptcy petition, you must immediately:

Stop spending any more money on existing credit lines—open lines of credit can be seen as an abuse of the bankruptcy process.
Stop making direct repayments to individual creditors—any impulse to repay creditors will only make it more difficult to discharge the debts in bankruptcy.

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"Superb and Comprehensive Job"
Mr. Gort did a superb and comprehensive job while representing me during my legal matter. He was not only completely astute and knowledgeable when it came to the law, he was very forthright and compassionate.

- Former Client
"His Integrity is Bar None"
Mike Gort is a very knowledgeable attorney with experience on both sides of the transaction or situation. His honesty and integrity is bar none. His communication was always on point.

- Former Client
"Friendly & Reliable"
Very professional and competent, friendly and very reliable. A man with a lot of experience. I can really recommend him very much.

- Ulrik R.
"He Really Listens"
Mr. Gort is a consummate professional. He takes the time to listen to your needs, review your case thoroughly, and present factual scenarios/possible outcomes based on case law & reality.

- Donna B.
"He Did A Stellar Job"
Mr. Gort did a stellar job in my representation. His legal knowledge combined with his compassion and empathy made the journey through my legal matter maneuverable with the best resolution possible.

- Former Client
"Fantastic Job"
We were more than pleased with Michael - he was attentive and professional in every way. We won our case hands down and we owe it all to Michael. He did a fantastic job for us.

- Former Client
"He Really Cares"
Mr. Gort is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to work on our matter. We were able to easily get in contact with him and feel that he really cares about the people who he represents.

- Former Client
"Professional and Kind"
Mr Gort was always available within 24 or less to speak to us! Guided us through a difficult time and handled us professional and kindly at all times. My husband and I recommend him highly!

- Donna G.

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Step Four: Attending the Meeting of Creditors

A few weeks after you submit the bankruptcy forms to the court, we will arrange a formal meeting between you and the Chapter 7 trustee assigned to your case. Individual creditors who are informed that you filed for bankruptcy are also welcome to attend this “meeting of the creditors.”

Our attorneys will be present during this meeting, during which the trustee will review your bankruptcy petition and ask you questions about your financial situation.

Step Five: Completed the Debt Education Course

Federal bankruptcy laws require that you complete your debtor education course within 45 days of meeting with the creditors.

Step Six: Discharging the Debt

After all the necessary papers are filed, the bankruptcy court will issue a no-lien discharge order that releases you from all obligations to the discharged debts.

Most individuals or small-business owners who file for Chapter 7 do not own property or assets that are potentially eligible to be liquidated. There are also several exemptions in place that many of our clients meet, including homestead exemptions that protect their residential properties.

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Can I File Chapter 7 After Filing Another Form of Bankruptcy?

If you previously received a discharge in debt from a petition filed under Chapter 7 or 11, you may not file a second bankruptcy case before a certain amount of time has passed.

Your eligibility to file for a second bankruptcy case will depend on the type of Chapter case you filed beforehand, as well as the type of case you are looking to file currently.

If this situation arises, you can trust that our attorney can counsel you on the best course of action, which may involve the conversion of your most current Chapter case.

Obtain Sound Legal Guidance Today

If you are interested in pursuing a bankruptcy filing, let Gort Law guide you. Our attorney is focused exclusively on bankruptcy law, and we know how to help you achieve freedom from unsecured debts.

Scheduled a one-to-one consultation with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Jupiter by calling us at (561) 778-7047. We also represent clients located in Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and Indian River County.

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