Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman
Last Updated February 12, 2023
Led by top-rated Florida bankruptcy attorney Robert Stiberman, our team of experienced bankruptcy lawyers has been helping clients achieve financial freedom across Florida since 2007. We understand that facing overwhelming debt can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why we offer dedicated and compassionate representation to help our clients through this difficult time.
At Stiberman Law, we specialize in a wide range of bankruptcy services, including filing for bankruptcy, fighting wage garnishment lawsuits, debt consolidation, foreclosure defense, and more. Our attorneys are trained to help clients develop a plan to deal with various types of debt and rebuild their finances, lives, and businesses.
In addition, we are equipped to handle emergency bankruptcy filings, providing quick action to protect your home from foreclosure or your wages from garnishment. We offer results within 24 hours and can answer all your questions in English and Spanish.
At Stiberman Law, we understand the importance of having the right attorney to guide you through bankruptcy. We stay up-to-date on current processes and bankruptcy laws to ensure our clients a smooth and easy experience. Our team will assess your finances and help you determine the best course of action- bankruptcy or another option.
We provide personalized representation and are dedicated to helping families free themselves from burdensome debt. Our experience with Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies in Florida, as well as student loan debt management, means that we have the knowledge and resources to help you manage all of your debt.
Stiberman Law is committed to providing top-notch legal services to those needing financial relief. Our dedicated bankruptcy attorneys serve Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in Florida, with satellite offices in each region. With our main office in Hollywood, FL, we can represent clients throughout the state, ensuring that those needing financial relief have access to experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance.
Don’t struggle with debt and creditor harassment alone. Contact Stiberman Law at (954) 922-2283 for a free consultation and start your journey to financial freedom today.
Robert A. Stiberman is a trusted Florida bankruptcy attorney with over 13 years of experience in bankruptcy law, with a passion for leading his team to provide financial success to clients.
Things that set us apart:
Suppose you’re facing financial difficulties and considering filing for bankruptcy in Florida. In that case, finding an attorney who understands Florida laws and regulations and has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process is essential. Here are some factors to keep in mind when looking for a bankruptcy attorney:
Filing for bankruptcy is a serious decision that can have long-term consequences, so it’s essential to carefully consider your financial situation before making the decision. Some warning signs that you may need to consider bankruptcy include:
If you’re facing these or other financial difficulties, speaking with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options is a good idea.
Most bankruptcy attorneys in Florida offer their services at a flat fee, which can vary depending on location in which you file. On average, Chapter 7 fees can range from $900 to $2000. Fortunately, many of these fees can be paid through affordable payment plans, making the process more manageable for individuals and families facing financial difficulties.
Bankruptcy is a legal process to assist individuals and businesses who can no longer pay their debts. The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and local court rules regulate bankruptcy. The main parties in bankruptcy are the Debtor, the bankruptcy Trustee who administers the case, the creditors, and the bankruptcy judge. The bankruptcy trustee handles most of your case, and you rarely see a bankruptcy judge.
There are six types of bankruptcies, Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, and Chapter 15, with chapter 7 being the most commonly filed.
The Chapter 7 process usually takes about four months from start to finish. Chapter 7 is called liquidation bankruptcy because your non-exempt assets are liquidated to pay off your creditors. The key word here is “non-exempt.” Florida has some of the most robust exemptions or protections to help people filing for bankruptcy. Since you may not want to lose any property, understanding the exemption law is very important. During a free consultation, our experienced bankruptcy lawyer will explain exemptions in detail and if filing chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a form of bankruptcy where the debtor, which can be a business or an individual, seeks to resolve its debts through a plan of reorganization. Chapter 11 bankruptcies are typically complex and are usually filed by high net-worth individuals who are not eligible for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy and by businesses seeking to resolve their debts and continue business operations.
Chapter 13 is commonly referred to as a wage earners bankruptcy. It involves a three to a five-year period where the individual consumers apply their disposable income towards their debts. Chapter 13 is a powerful tool thousands of individuals use to eliminate debts without losing any of their property, vehicles, etc.
Both consumers and business entities can file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcies aren’t uncommon; As of June 30, 2022, 380,634 bankruptcy cases were filed in the US. The majority were individuals totaling 367,886. Business filings totaled 12,748. Source United States Courts.
Bankruptcy is not a magical solution and can have serious consequences, including property loss. A bankruptcy attorney is the best resource when seeking to file for bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy process typically involves the following steps:
Overall, the bankruptcy process can be complicated and time-consuming, so working with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney is essential to help you through it.
The cost of filing for bankruptcy varies depending on the Chapter you choose. In Florida, the filing fees for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11, and Chapter 12 are $338.00, $313.00, $1,738.00, and $278.00, respectively.
Filing bankruptcy mainly aims to discharge your debts and allow you to start fresh. Typical debts that can be eliminated include credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and civil judgments. However, some debts like student loans, child support, and fines for criminal offenses cannot be discharged.
It gets a little tricky when dealing with secured debt vs. unsecured debt. Secured debt includes car loans and mortgages. If you intend to keep your car or home, you must keep making the payment seven if you file for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy law office of Stiberman Law will discuss your legal issues and provide free legal advice.
As you may have heard, the purpose of bankruptcy is to give you a fresh start. Although it is possible to erase massive debt through bankruptcy, filing for bankruptcy will not relieve you of alimony and child support responsibilities, marital settlement obligations, student loans, and most IRS debt. Additionally, you will remain responsible for other debts, including debts for injuries and deaths related to drunk driving, a fine or penalty in connection with violations of statutory laws such as traffic ticketing and criminal forfeiture, and debt resulting from your credit report lying or fraud.
Bankruptcy legislation is complex, so choosing an experienced bankruptcy attorney is essential. Robert Stiberman is a trusted bankruptcy attorney representing bankruptcy clients in Florida for over 13 years.
Former client referrals are ideal, but if you don’t have anyone to refer you to a bankruptcy lawyer, you can use the following resources to find a bankruptcy attorney near you:
If you have the financial means to settle your debts, consider contacting your creditors directly or working with debt settlement companies. However, it’s essential to understand the terms of debt settlement and the amount you will pay each month to resolve your debts.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Schedule a free consultation by filling out the form below or Call us (954) 922-2283
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Speaking to our law firm is always 100% confidential.
At Stiberman Law, we understand how difficult it can be to face financial challenges, and that’s why we are here to help. Our experienced bankruptcy lawyers are well-versed in federal law, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and local bankruptcy court rules and will provide you with the sound legal guidance you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
We offer personalized and comprehensive services, including evaluating your financial information to determine the best option for your situation, explaining the bankruptcy process from start to finish, and helping you explore all available options, including $0 down bankruptcies.
Lead attorney, Robert Stiberman, is a top-rated bankruptcy attorney with a proven track record of helping clients get the financial relief they need. He is knowledgeable in all areas of bankruptcy law and will provide sound legal guidance to help you avoid pitfalls and achieve the best possible outcome.
Don’t suffer any longer; contact us today to see how we can help you get a fresh start.
You may not have to file for Bankruptcy. We can help you explore and understand all the options available to you. If you decide to file for bankruptcy in Florida, we will help you through the process.
At Stiberman Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. We’ve helped many clients like you and would be honored to help you too. Please feel free to contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter financial future.
July 2022 Rochenel P.
“Best bankruptcy attorney! I came to meet with Robert after a good friend recommended him to me, and I’m very happy with the representation and service from this office. From the first moment I met with Robert, he listened to my situation and fully explained to me how bankruptcy could help me to finally get rid of the burden of all my debt. I was unemployed for almost a year during COVID and lived off my credit cards but after going back to work it seemed impossible to pay back my debt. Robert guided me and prepared me for Court and I knew I was in the best hands with him and his office. Overall outstanding work, always communicated with me, and my case went just as I expected it. Thank you, Stiberman Law!!”
Don’t struggle with debt any longer; contact Stiberman Law today, and let us help you get the fresh start you deserve.
We understand that your situation has already caused you enough stress. This is why we train our staff daily to assist you with the following:
Your Bankruptcy is driven by documentation. We will handle every aspect of the court’s requirements to prepare your bankruptcy documentation.
You may be required to provide tax returns to the Bankruptcy court. Tax transcripts often need to be found or lost, which are usually a pain to reproduce.
Depending on how complicated your case may be, you may have several court hearings. We have the resources to attend all court hearings.
Obtaining an accurate credit report is essential to your bankruptcy. Any missed creditors can cost you additional fees to add after the initial filing.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Stiberman Law, P.A. 954-922-2283. We are a debt relief agency.
We can help you. We understand the importance of being close to you, which is why our bankruptcy law firm have offices located throughout South Florida.
“Through my many years of practicing bankruptcy law, I’ve seen how stressful, emotionally and financially, getting out of debt can be. My law firm was started to help you and your family navigate the complexities of the bankruptcy code and achieve the freedom you deserve”.
Stiberman Law Firm
From our office in Miami, we serve clients in Miami-Dade, Aventura, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Biscayne Park, Carol City, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Doral, El Portal, Florida City, Goulds, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Homestead, Kendall, Key Biscayne, Leisure City, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, Naranja, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Ochopee, Ojus, Olympia Heights, Opa-Locka, Palm Springs North, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Princeton, Richmond Heights, South Miami, South Miami Heights, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Virginia Gardens, West Miami and Westchester.
From our office in Fort Lauderdale, we represent clients throughout Broward county in Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Southwest, Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Park, Weston, and Wilton Manors.
From our West Palm Beach office, we serve clients in Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Canal Point, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Harbor, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana, Loxahatchee, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Okeechobee, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, West Palm Beach, and Wellington.
From our Hollywood office, we serve the needs of bankruptcy clients throughout Florida.
We represent clients throughout South Florida.
If you’re considering Bankruptcy, contact us. An experienced Florida Bankruptcy lawyer at Stiberman Law can speak with you today about your situation and can discuss your options with you. The consultation is completely free.
Bankruptcy is an essential tool available to people in Florida struggling with debt. Many people end up in debt due to expensive medical bills or accidents. The U.S. government created federal bankruptcy courts to provide borrowers and lenders with a way to resolve financial challenges.
There are multiple types of bankruptcy. They’re referred to by their corresponding Chapter in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Filing for bankruptcy in Florida is a difficult decision to make. It means that you are experiencing extreme financial difficulties and do not believe you can pay off everything you owe without some relief.
Many people in Florida declare bankruptcy due to medical bills or a business failure. A significant illness should not mean you are financially destitute for the remainder of your life. If your company runs into difficult times, you need a strategy to rebuild and achieve financial security for your family.
If filing for bankruptcy is an option you’d like to explore, we invite you to contact the Florida bankruptcy experts at Stiberman Law. Our compassionate team supports you in understanding your options and executing a plan to help you reset your finances.
Every individual and corporation in the United States can access bankruptcy court. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is available to individuals that pass a two-part means test. This test compares your income to the median household income of your size in Florida and the total debts you owe.
Companies in Florida typically use Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure their debt. Individuals in Florida may be eligible to file for Chapter 11 in Florida if their secured and unsecured debts exceed the limits set forth for a Chapter 13 filing and they wish to reorganize their debts instead of liquidating them in a Chapter 7 filing.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is available to established Florida residents with a regular income that will allow them to pay their debts. Their total unsecured debt must be lower than $383,175. Their total secured debt must be lower than $1,149,525.
A bankruptcy attorney is a licensed attorney admitted and permitted to practice in Federal Court in the district where the Bankruptcy is filed. A bankruptcy lawyer can represent Debtors and Creditors in Consumer and Business Bankruptcies.
A bankruptcy attorney will advise a client on the advantages and disadvantages of filing bankruptcy and whether Bankruptcy is recommended based on the Clients particular situation. Your bankruptcy attorney will discuss the different types of bankruptcy and suggest which Chapter is best. A bankruptcy attorney will review a client’s financial information, including assets and liabilities, and prepare and file the bankruptcy petition and schedules. Usually, within 30 days of filing, your Bankruptcy attorney will accompany you, the Debtor, to the section 341 meeting of Creditors and attend necessary court hearings.
A bankruptcy lawyer will discuss your financial situation and goals and help you determine the best action. You will be given a list of required bankruptcy paperwork, information on required credit counseling courses, and other requirements based on your particulars. The bankruptcy attorney will conduct a Means Test to determine whether you have disposable income to pay your debts, prepare your Bankruptcy petition and schedules, answer any questions you may have, and file your Bankruptcy petition. After the case is filed, the Bankruptcy attorney will attend (with you) the section 341 Meeting of Creditors, attend required court hearings, and represent you throughout your case. So that you know, this is not an exhaustive list of services provided but rather a summary.
Experience matters, as with any field of law. Bankruptcy has its unique set of rules and procedures which must be adhered to avoid costly financial mistakes and procedural pitfalls. Filing for Bankruptcy requires listing all your assets and debts, which exemptions you intend to use to protect those assets, and how you seek to deal with the Debt. A Bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate the complexities of bankruptcy, including what protections or exemptions may be available to protect your property and how to deal with debt secured by an asset. In addition, a bankruptcy attorney will let you know of ongoing requirements and file all required paperwork within court guidelines to avoid the dismissal of your case.
Most Bankruptcy attorneys offer an initial free consultation to discuss your situation and any fees and costs involved. Since most people seeking bankruptcy assistance are in financial distress, at Stiberman Law, our attorney’s fees are reasonable; we offer payment plans where possible and no money down bankruptcies. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorney fees in South Florida range from $1000 to $2000, depending on the case’s complexity. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy attorney fees are typically paid in the bankruptcy plan.
In consumer cases, the short answer is that you are not obligated to have an attorney to file for Bankruptcy. A bankruptcy attorney is recommended to advise and guide you throughout the bankruptcy and help you avoid costly financial pitfalls, including the possible loss of assets.
In many instances, you can file for Bankruptcy with no money down. Since most people seeking bankruptcy assistance are in financial distress, at Stiberman Law, we offer no money-down bankruptcies where possible and payment plans.
Florida is one of the best states to file for Bankruptcy due to its strong laws protecting consumers and assets. Even though Bankruptcy is Federal Law, Florida law applies when it comes to exemptions or protections. One example is the Florida homestead exemption which protects a Debtor’s primary residence from creditors. This powerful exemption can be claimed where the Debtor has lived in Florida for more than three years and has owned and lived in the property for at least 1215 days before the Bankruptcy filing.
A local Bankruptcy attorney who practices in your jurisdiction in Florida will be familiar with Local Rules. This will assist in avoiding cases being dismissed for improper processes or failure to follow local guidelines. You always want to step into court with your best foot forward. An experienced local bankruptcy attorney will better grasp the local requirements.
At Stiberman Law, we have worked hard for our clients to become one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in your area.
Stiberman Law, with over 200 online reviews, is one of your area’s most-reviewed bankruptcy attorneys. You can take a look at our reviews here if you’d like.
To find the best bankruptcy lawyers start with referrals whenever possible and then perform an online search for attorneys that practice in your area. Check out their reviews online and schedule a free consultation to discuss your matter.
You can keep your house if you file for bankruptcy and properly claim the homestead exemption. Notwithstanding your bankruptcy filing, you must continue making payments if you have a mortgage to avoid foreclosure.
In most cases, you can keep your car in a chapter 7 bankruptcy if you do not have equity in the vehicle exceeding $1000 or if you have up to $5000 in equity and are applying the Florida $4000 wildcard exemption to protect your car from liquidation by the Trustee.
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee will not seek to liquidate or take your vehicle from you, but you must keep up with your payments to avoid any repossession action by your lender.
Absent a court order to the contrary, there is no limit on how often you can file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. Still, if you received a discharge in a previous chapter 7, you must wait eight years from the date you filed the last chapter 7 to be eligible to receive a discharge in the new chapter 7. Please read our blog on how often you can file for bankruptcy to learn more.
The Florida statute of limitations on credit card debt is five years.
Yes, you can file bankruptcy when you have a judgment, and if it is a civil judgment not based on fraud, you can seek to discharge the judgment debt. Filing bankruptcy will also put in place the automatic stay, which, without bankruptcy court permission while in bankruptcy, will prevent the creditor from taking any legal action to collect on the judgment.
We are also often asked if bankruptcy can clear judgments. Yes, bankruptcy can remove most civil judgments.
Choose Stiberman Law
If you need to file for Bankruptcy in South Florida, our experienced attorneys can help.
More than a decade of experience handling complex bankruptcy filings in Florida.
You can get real answers to your Florida bankruptcy questions to make informed decisions.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients rave about the speed and quality of our work.
I just wanted to let you know that you need someone in your corner who can help. Robert A. Stiberman, Esq. founded our firm to deliver results for individuals and families struggling with debt. There are bad organizations out there that take advantage of working people. We’ve seen how easy it is for borrowers to fall behind. And we’ve been able to help them create a better future.
Stiberman has dedicated his life’s work to helping victims. This first manifested itself with a dedication to help those that couldn’t afford an attorney during his time with the Miami Dade Public Defender’s office. That experience led him to work in a real estate law firm in South Florida. He witnessed how easy it was for a bad deal to cause a lifetime of harm to a family’s finances. That’s why, over a decade ago, Stiberman founded Stiberman Law, a bankruptcy and debt consolidation law firm focused on helping Florida borrowers create a realistic plan to rebuild their financial future. One wrong decision shouldn’t mean a lifetime of struggle. Hiring a Florida bankruptcy attorney is one of your most important decisions. It has the potential to set you up for future success.
When struggling families reach out for help, we provide solutions. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all law firm. We listen and then present the best solution based on our experience.
Many debt relief organizations will tell you that you must follow a simple program to achieve your financial goals. We know that the answer is more complex than that. Our process starts with a free, no-obligation phone call. We’ll schedule a time for you to come in and speak with a Florida debt relief lawyer with experience handling situations like yours. We’ll answer your questions and work together to find the best solution.
When we agree to work on your case, you can rest assured that a team of Florida bankruptcy and debt relief experts are guiding you through a process that will put you in the best financial position possible. Filing for bankruptcy in Florida is complicated, and it isn’t always the best solution. We may work to negotiate your balances with your creditors or offer alternative solutions that help you achieve your goals with minimal harm to your credit score. No matter the path we choose together, our team will stand behind you and ensure everything is completed on your behalf as quickly and correctly as possible.
Contact Us Now
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy Lawyer
We can help you find the best solution for you and your family. Call our compassionate team today to speak with a Florida Bankruptcy lawyer for free. We’re standing by to help.
FREE CONSULTATIONMeet Robert Stiberman
Founded by Attorney Robert A. Stiberman, Stiberman Law focuses exclusively on personal bankruptcy work, specializing in chapter 7 and 13 cases. Our Florida bankruptcy attorney and friendly professional staff have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you avoid any potential pitfalls in the bankruptcy process. Since our inception, we have striven to help many people achieve a brighter financial future. We are thankful for the opportunity to provide much-needed assistance to those community members who cannot obtain it for themselves. Smart choices today can help you realize the future you deserve.
Choosing a law firm to represent you is an important decision. I was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1998 after graduating from the University Of Miami School Of Law in 1996. I began my legal career as a volunteer attorney in the Miami-Dade Public Defenders Office. I also worked as an associate for a firm in South Florida that handles real-estate-related matters. In 2007 I opened my law practice, and in 2009, I began representing clients in Bankruptcy matters. I am admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida. I invite you to compare my qualifications and experience to those of other attorneys you might be considering.
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