A Tampa and Orlando Bankruptcy Law Firm and Debt Relief Agency

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Filing for Bankruptcy in Florida’s Middle Division includes those filers from Tampa and Orlando. Filing for Bankruptcy, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 does not have to be complicated. At The Pikramenos Law Group, we offer a free consultation where your knowledgeable and experienced (there is a difference) attorney will guide you through the process from start to finish, explain what to expect, a timeline specific to your case and answer any questions you may have. Your attorney will quote you a flat fee for your case and then we’ll take care of everything else.

While you do not need an attorney to file for bankruptcy, one is definitely recommended as pro se debtors (those without an attorney) receive no legal advice from judges or trustees throughout the process of your bankruptcy. Contact Us today for a free consultation.

At the Pikramenos Law Group, you can talk to an attorney who will discuss your options with you and help you make an informed and educated decision as to whether you should file for bankruptcy.

What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is an option used by many people who are having difficulty repaying their debts and are looking for a fresh start. Popular reasons why people choose to file are:

• preventing personal liability for a deficiency on a home through foreclosure, short sale or deed in lieu.
• paying only the minimums on their bills
• being contacted by collections agencies
• receiving notices that their mortgage is being foreclosed upon
• recent costly medical bills
• recently lost a job
• divorce, or
• loss of a major client

The new Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) which was signed into law on April 20, 2005 acted to change most bankruptcies filed on or after October 17, 2005 in several ways including:

• Additional restrictions on Chapter 7
• Increased payments for debtors choosing Chapter 13
• Required credit counseling
• Implemented a “Means Test” to determine eligibility for Ch. 7 or Ch. 13
• More stringent requirements on Homesteaded property
• Increased penalties for fraudulent actions

As an honest debtor, you may be able to wipe away almost all debt through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or you may be able to enter a plan via Chapter 13 to repay debts over several years time based on your ability to pay.

Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code is available to both individual and business debtors. This is known as a personal liquidation and strives to achieve equality in repayment to creditors of the debtors non-exempt property. Unsecured debts not reaffirmed are discharged, providing a fresh financial start for the debtor.

Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code is available for both business and consumer debtors meeting certain qualifications. Its purpose is business rehabilitation as a going concern or to reorganize an individual’s finances through a court-approved reorganization plan.

Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code is reserved for family farmers.

Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code is available for an individual with regular income whose debts do not exceed specific amounts. A plan is utilized whereby the debtor pays one sum to a trustee who distributes money to the debtor’s unsecured creditors in whole or in part.