Beverly Hills, FL asked in Bankruptcy for Florida

Q: I am in need of Bankruptcy Layer

2 years out of work and finally received SSI Diasbility but deeply in dept.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Louisville, KY

A: Contact your local bar association or legal aid society. They maintain lists of reduced fee or pro bono lawyers who may be able to help you.

Sherri B. Simpson
Sherri B. Simpson
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Sunrise, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Your SSI should be protected. Unfortunately I am not located near you but definitely seek out an experienced attorney in your area.

Stuart A. Young agrees with this answer

Stuart A. Young
Stuart A. Young
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • West Palm Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Sorry to hear about your disability. Whatever amount you get is seldom enough to survive on.

You should definitely get an attorney but some attorneys offer a free consultation (at least I do).

Even if money to hire a lawyer is tight you can always file a Chapter 13 case with a minimal amount of money down and pay your attorney the balance of her or his fees during the life of the plan, probably 36 months.

These plans are very doable and I recommend that you look into this.

The discharge of debt that you get in a Chapter 13 is the same discharge that you would get in a Chapter 7. The only difference is that it takes longer to get that discharge. You are still protected from law suits and phone calls so the wait isn't so bad. While it does take a bit longer, it may actually take you longer to save enough money to pay ALL of the legal fees in a Chapter 7, than it would to simply file Chapter 13.

Do not try to do this yourself. Exemptions and local practice guidelines are far too complex for a laymen to achieve success in.

Good luck and get that free consultation. Enjoy your fresh start, it sounds like you have a lot of other things to worry about with your health. Better days ahead!

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