Guiding DeLand residents toward financial freedom.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 8/21/2025
Why Work with a Bankruptcy Lawyer in DeLand?
When financial pressure builds, knowing your legal options can make all the difference. Bankruptcy offers individuals, families, and businesses a chance at a fresh start — but the process can be complicated. An experienced bankruptcy attorney helps you understand your options, ensures every filing is handled correctly, and protects your property and rights along the way.
At Stiberman Law, our team has spent more than 12 years guiding residents of DeLand and throughout Volusia County through the bankruptcy process with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Bankruptcy Options
- Chapter 7 – Ideal for those with limited income who need a quick discharge.
- Chapter 13 – Designed for people with steady income who want to repay debts while keeping property.
- Chapter 11 – Often used by businesses, but also by high-debt individuals needing restructuring.
How Stiberman Law Simplifies Bankruptcy in DeLand
Bankruptcy requires strict compliance with federal and local rules, along with detailed financial disclosures. Our role is to:
- Help you gather the right documents
- Ensure every filing is accurate and timely
- Guide you through hearings and court requirements
With our experience, you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
The Bankruptcy Process in DeLand, FL
Bankruptcy cases in DeLand are handled through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. Here’s how filing typically unfolds with our support:
Step 1: Free Consultation
We begin by reviewing your financial situation, debts, and income to determine whether bankruptcy is right for you.
Step 2: Choosing the Correct Chapter
- Chapter 7 – Discharges most unsecured debts quickly.
- Chapter 13 – Offers a 3–5 year repayment plan while protecting assets.
- Chapter 11 – Restructures debts for businesses or individuals with significant obligations.
Step 3: Filing the Petition
Our attorneys prepare and file all necessary documents electronically with the Orlando Division of the bankruptcy court.
Step 4: Automatic Stay Protection
Immediately after filing, creditor actions such as wage garnishments, foreclosures, and collection calls are put on hold.
Step 5: Meeting of Creditors
You’ll attend a short meeting with a bankruptcy trustee. We’ll prepare you beforehand and represent you throughout.
Step 6: Discharge or Repayment
- Chapter 7 – Many debts cleared in 4–6 months.
- Chapter 13 – A manageable repayment plan completed over several years.
- Chapter 11 – Court-approved restructuring allows continued operations while repaying debts.
Why DeLand Residents Choose Stiberman Law
- 12+ years of experience in Florida bankruptcy law
- A team dedicated solely to debt relief solutions
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish (hablamos español)
- Step-by-step guidance through complex legal procedures
We don’t just file paperwork—we protect your future, ease the stress of creditor harassment, and help you start fresh.
Learn more about our founding attorney, Robert Stiberman.
Real Client Example: Debt Relief Achieved
A client came to us with overwhelming credit card debt and past-due medical bills totaling nearly $60,000. By filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, she was able to catch up on overdue mortgage payments, keep her home, and eliminate remaining unsecured debt at the end of her repayment plan.
Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Services in DeLand, FL
Our firm provides comprehensive legal solutions, including:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Eliminate most unsecured debts
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Develop affordable repayment plans
- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy – Debt reorganization for individuals and businesses
- Foreclosure Defense – Fight foreclosure and explore loss mitigation alternatives
- Debt Consolidation Strategies – Manage debt with a single monthly payment
- Wage Garnishment Relief – Protect your income from creditor deductions
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in DeLand, FL
1. Who qualifies to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida?
Eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally determined by the federal “means test,” which compares your household income to the median income for Florida. If your income is below the state median or you meet certain exceptions, you may qualify. (Source: U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics)
2. How long does the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process usually take?
A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case takes about four to six months from the date of filing to discharge. The exact timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. (Source: U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics)
3. What happens at the Chapter 13 meeting of creditors?
Also called a “341 meeting,” this is a required step where the debtor answers questions under oath from the trustee and any creditors who attend. It is not a trial, but rather a review of the bankruptcy petition and repayment plan. (Source: U.S. Trustee Program, U.S. Department of Justice)
4. What property can I keep if I file for bankruptcy in Florida?
Florida law allows bankruptcy filers to claim exemptions that protect certain property, such as a homestead, personal property, retirement accounts, and in some cases, wages. The availability and value of exemptions depend on your specific circumstances. (Source: Florida Statutes, Ch. 222)
5. Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure or creditor lawsuits in Florida?
When a bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay under federal law takes effect. This stay temporarily halts most collection actions, including foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishments, and lawsuits, while the case is pending. (Source: 11 U.S.C. § 362, U.S. Bankruptcy Code)
Attain Financial Relief: Contact Stiberman Law Now
If debt has taken control of your life, the bankruptcy lawyers at Stiberman Law are here to help. With more than a decade of experience serving Florida residents, we can help you protect your assets, stop creditor harassment, and move toward lasting financial relief.
Don’t wait to get the answers and support you deserve. Call Stiberman Law today or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.
