This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Emil J. Fleysher following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Emil J. Fleysher, the Founding Partner, has 15+ years of legal experience as a bankruptcy attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
Debt can feel overwhelming. Bills pile up. Creditors call nonstop. You might be falling behind on mortgage payments or worried about losing your car. Bankruptcy might offer the relief you need.
Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys help people in Orlando and across Central Florida find real solutions. Our law office guides you through each step of the bankruptcy process. We explain your options and help you pick the best path forward.
Whether you're thinking about Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we work to protect your home, income, and financial future. With the right legal representation, filing for bankruptcy doesn't have to be stressful. It can be your first step toward financial freedom. Let's explore what you need to know before making your next move.
Filing for bankruptcy is a legal process. One mistake can delay your case or lead to dismissal. A skilled Orlando bankruptcy lawyer helps you avoid errors and protects your legal rights throughout the process.
Bankruptcy laws are complex. There are both federal rules and Florida-specific exemptions. You need to follow the bankruptcy code and meet strict court deadlines to seek relief.
An experienced bankruptcy lawyer who practices law in this area helps you understand how these laws apply to your case. They'll explain what unsecured debts can be discharged and what assets you can keep. This includes how the Florida homestead exemption and personal property protections work, which can limit your personal liability.
Many clients consider alternatives like debt consolidation, but for bankruptcy filers, understanding the full scope of legal services available is crucial. At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, we handle bankruptcy filings in the Federal Middle District of Florida. We know how local rules may affect your case and the entire process.
Filing for bankruptcy means submitting a complete and honest bankruptcy petition. The court reviews your income, assets, debts, and financial records. Incomplete information could result in setbacks or denial. A bankruptcy attorney ensures your paperwork is accurate.
We double-check every form before filing. This keeps your case on track and protects your right to bankruptcy relief. With our law office handling your documents, you'll avoid common filing mistakes that can slow things down.
Once your case is filed, creditors must stop contacting you. This protection is called the automatic stay. It stops wage garnishment, foreclosure, and lawsuits. However, creditors may still try to collect if the paperwork isn't filed correctly.
An Orlando bankruptcy attorney makes sure your automatic stay is enforced right away. At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, we help you get the full protection you deserve under bankruptcy law. We can stop creditor harassment and give you peace of mind during this difficult time.
Not everyone qualifies for every type of bankruptcy. Some people need to wipe out debt fast. Others want to catch up on mortgage payments or protect their property. A Florida bankruptcy attorney helps you choose between Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or even Chapter 11 in special cases.
We explain the pros and cons of each based on your financial situation and long-term goals. Choosing the right chapter is one of the most important steps in the bankruptcy process. We help you make that choice with confidence as you seek relief from crushing debt.
At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, we handle various types of bankruptcy for individuals and businesses. Each chapter serves a distinct purpose depending on your debt, income, and goals.
Liquidation bankruptcy is another name for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It helps eliminate unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Most people keep their property by using Florida exemptions. This type of bankruptcy is fast. Most Chapter 7 cases are completed in about 3 to 6 months. You must pass the means test to qualify based on your income.
Our law office reviews your financial records, explains what property is protected, and helps you file a complete bankruptcy petition. Chapter 7 can offer a clean break from debt and a true fresh start. It's often the best option if you have limited income and high unsecured debts, causing financial stress.
Designed for people with consistent income, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows them to retain assets like homes and cars while catching up on payments. Instead of wiping out debt right away, you follow a court-approved repayment plan.
This plan lasts 3 to 5 years. It includes your mortgage payments, car loans, and some unsecured debts. It can stop foreclosure and repossession while you work toward financial stability. Filing Chapter 13 also protects co-signers and helps avoid asset liquidation. Our seasoned bankruptcy lawyers will help you build a plan you can afford while staying within the court's rules.
Chapter 11 is typically used by small businesses or individuals with high debt. It allows you to keep operating while restructuring your finances. Chapter 11 offers flexibility but requires careful planning and legal assistance.
This chapter is more complex and expensive than others. It's often used when debt exceeds Chapter 13 limits or when business income needs to be preserved. Our law firm handles Chapter 11 filings for clients across Central Florida. If you own a business or have high-value assets, we'll help you explore whether Chapter 11 is right for you.
Before filing for bankruptcy, you must meet certain rules. The chapter you qualify for depends on your financial situation and past financial decisions.
Filing for Chapter 7 requires passing the means test, which checks if your income is below Orlando’s median. If you're below the limit, you qualify automatically. If you're above the limit, you may still qualify after subtracting allowed expenses. These include rent, food, transportation, and secured debt like a car loan or mortgage.
We'll help calculate your means test results. Filing under Chapter 13 may be possible if you’re ineligible for Chapter 7. Our Orlando bankruptcy attorney will explain all your options clearly to help with your financial hardship.
Chapter 13 has rules, too. You need a regular income to make monthly payments. You also must stay under specific debt limits for both secured and unsecured debts. These limits are updated regularly. If your debt is too high, consider Chapter 11 instead.
Our law office checks your balances and income before recommending a chapter. We make sure your repayment plan is realistic and approved by the bankruptcy court. If Chapter 13 is the best fit, we'll guide you through every step of the consumer bankruptcy process.
You need to finish a credit counseling course before filing for bankruptcy. This is required by law. It must be taken within 180 days of your bankruptcy filing. The course reviews your finances and helps confirm that bankruptcy is the right step.
You must complete it with an approved provider. We'll help you schedule this credit counseling course and file the certificate with your bankruptcy petition. Skipping this step can delay your case or cause the dismissal of your bankruptcy proceedings.
Filing bankruptcy may feel overwhelming at first. But with the right legal support, the steps are simple and easy to follow. Here's what happens next when you work with legal professionals.
Before anything is filed, you'll meet with an attorney for a free consultation. We review your financial situation and give honest legal advice. If bankruptcy is right for you, we'll explain which chapter fits best.
At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, we don't rush the process. We want you to understand your rights and what to expect from the bankruptcy process. This free initial consultation is the first step toward debt relief and financial freedom from overwhelming debt.
Next, we help you gather your income records, debt statements, and asset details. These documents are used to prepare your bankruptcy petition and schedules. Everything must be accurate and complete. Even small mistakes can lead to delays or dismissal. Our law firm handles every form. We make sure everything is correct before filing it with the Florida bankruptcy court.
Filing your bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay immediately. This stops creditors from calling, suing, or garnishing your wages. The automatic stay lets you pause and regroup. It protects your home, paycheck, and peace of mind while your case moves forward. If creditors still try to collect, we make sure they face legal consequences for violating bankruptcy law.
Every bankruptcy case includes a required meeting called the 341 meeting. It's not held in court. You meet with the court-appointed trustee, not a judge. They'll ask simple questions about your bankruptcy filing. Most meetings last only 10 to 15 minutes. Creditors rarely show up. We prepare you ahead of time and attend the meeting with you to make sure everything goes smoothly.
If you filed Chapter 7, your qualifying debts are discharged, usually within 3 to 6 months. If you filed Chapter 13, your court-approved repayment plan begins. Once complete, your other debts are discharged, and your case is closed. This step marks the end of your bankruptcy process and the start of your financial recovery. Our law office tracks everything to ensure nothing is missed along the way.
Bankruptcy gives people a legal way to deal with debt. It can stop collection actions and help you take control of your finances. Below are the most common problems it can solve with proper legal representation.
Credit card debt is one of the biggest reasons people file for bankruptcy. High interest rates and late fees make balances grow fast. Bankruptcy helps eliminate these unsecured debts so you can start fresh.
Personal loans, especially unsecured ones, can also be discharged. These loans often have no collateral, which means you won't lose property when the debt is wiped out. Chapter 7 is the fastest way to clear these balances. Chapter 13 allows you to repay a portion through a structured plan.
Once discharged, these debts will no longer appear as owed on your credit report. That gives you room to rebuild your financial future. At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, we make sure every qualifying debt is included in your bankruptcy filing to maximize your debt relief.
Medical bills can pile up after an illness or accident, even if you have insurance. They're a common type of unsecured debt, which means they can usually be discharged through bankruptcy. Debt from hospitals, clinics, or private providers can follow you for years, causing financial worries.
Once they're sent to collections, the calls and letters can be overwhelming. Bankruptcy stops those collection actions immediately. Once the case is filed, medical bill collectors must back off. You'll no longer be legally required to pay the discharged balance. This can free up income to cover your basic needs and help you move forward.
If you're behind on house or car payments, bankruptcy can help. Filing triggers an automatic stay, which stops foreclosure, repossession, and eviction efforts right away. Chapter 13 is especially useful here. It allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over time. You can keep your home and make up the past-due balance through a court-approved plan.
If you're renting and facing eviction, bankruptcy may buy you time to fix the issue or find a new place. If your car is at risk, the stay can also stop repossession while you catch up on your car loan. Our law office will explain your options for foreclosure defense and help protect your home, vehicle, and stability through the bankruptcy process.
Can bankruptcy help with tax debts?
Some tax debts may qualify for discharge if they're over three years old, properly filed, and meet specific IRS criteria. Recent taxes remain your responsibility.
Will bankruptcy ruin my financial future?
No. It stays on your credit report for 7-10 years, but you can rebuild immediately with secured cards and responsible payment habits.
Do I need a bankruptcy law firm, or can I file alone?
Filing alone risks costly mistakes and potential dismissal. A bankruptcy law firm navigates complex requirements, maximizes exemptions, and ensures proper debt discharge.
Can I keep my home if I'm behind on my mortgage?
Yes. Chapter 13 creates a structured repayment plan for missed payments, while mortgage modification may reduce monthly obligations and prevent future foreclosure actions.
Will my credit report ever recover?
Absolutely. Within 12-24 months, consistent payments and proper credit utilization can raise your score significantly. Many clients qualify for mortgages within 2-3 years.
What about child support and criminal fines?
These obligations survive bankruptcy. Child support, criminal fines, court restitution, and certain tax debts remain your responsibility regardless of filing status.
Drowning in debt? You're not alone. At Fleysher Law Bankruptcy and Debt Attorneys, our experienced Orlando bankruptcy lawyers provide the legal representation you need. We handle every step of your bankruptcy filing, from initial paperwork to final discharge.
Take advantage of our free initial consultation to explore Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 options. We'll review your financial situation, explain how bankruptcy law applies to your case, and create a path to debt relief.
Don't let financial stress control your life. Contact our law office in Orlando, FL, today to schedule your free consultation and start your journey toward financial freedom.
Orlando, Alafaya, Pine Hills, Horizon West, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Meadow Woods, Winter Park, Oak Ridge, and surrounding areas.
Emil specializes in consumer bankruptcy, debt settlement, and mortgage modification, offering a holistic approach to solving mortgage and debt problems. Emil listens to clients, understands their circumstances and goals, and helps them make the right choices by presenting all options and contingencies.
He is dedicated to helping South Floridians regain their financial freedom from overwhelming debt caused by high interest credit cards, bad mortgage loans, and uninsured medical expenses.
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