Bankruptcy Attorney in Monroe County, FL

Personalized guidance for lasting debt relief.

By Robert A. Stiberman, Esq. Member of The Florida Bar since 1998, representing Florida bankruptcy clients since 2009. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Why You Should Work With a Bankruptcy Attorney in Monroe County

Are you facing a financial storm in the Florida Keys? From the dive shops of Key Largo to the hospitality workers in Key West, the high cost of living in Monroe County can make debt feel like an anchor.

At Stiberman Law, we serve as the premier legal resource for Keys residents seeking a fresh start through expert bankruptcy and debt relief strategies.

Led by Robert A. Stiberman, a member of The Florida Bar since 1998, who has focused on bankruptcy since 2009 and is admitted to practice in all three Florida federal districts, we bring over 15 years of experience and have filed more than 2,500 cases. We understand that in the Keys, your home and your boat are not just assets—they are essential parts of your life. We provide a strategic roadmap to help you protect them.

The Miami Division of the Bankruptcy Court has Jurisdiction Over Your Case (Virtually)

Although Monroe County feels like a world away, your bankruptcy “Home Court” is the Miami Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

2026 Virtual Logistics: No Overseas Highway Commute

In 2026, the digital divide has been closed. While your case is jurisdictionally anchored in Miami, Stiberman Law leverages the court’s virtual systems so you never have to fight traffic on the Overseas Highway.

• Zoom 341 Meetings: Your mandatory meeting with the trustee will be held via Zoom.

• Digital Filing: Every document is prepared and filed electronically from our hub to the Miami Division.

• Remote Thought Partnership: We coordinate your entire strategy through secure video consultations, providing “Mainland Expertise” with “Island Convenience.”

Case Study: A Client’s Financial Recovery

One client came to us struggling with over $70,000 in unsecured debt after a series of medical expenses. We guided them through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that eliminated the debt in just a few months—allowing them to focus on rebuilding their financial life with confidence.

See real, anonymized outcomes from Florida bankruptcy cases on our Results page. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Solving the Unique Debt Challenges of the Keys

We specialize in eliminating the specific types of debt that plague Monroe County residents:

Seasonal Income Fluctuations: We help hospitality and tourism workers navigate the “Means Test” by strategically timing filings to reflect their true average income.

Medical Debt: Wiping out balances from providers like Lower Keys Medical Center and Baptist Health (Fishermen’s/Mariners).

High-Interest Personal Loans: Resolving debt from predatory lenders that target the service industry.

HOA & Marina Liens: Halting collection efforts and saving your dockage or housing rights.

Our Strategic Recommendation: Finding Your Best Path

At Stiberman Law, we move you from financial uncertainty to a concrete roadmap. We conduct a “surgical” audit of your income, expenses, and assets, including a residency check, to ensure you maximize Florida’s powerful homestead exemptions.

Based on this analysis, we will recommend the specific path that offers you the maximum protection:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A total “fresh start” by wiping out unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills.

• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: The primary tool to stop foreclosure and save your home through an affordable, structured repayment plan.

• Non-Bankruptcy Debt Settlement: An aggressive negotiation strategy for those who can resolve their debt outside of the court system.

Stopping Wage Garnishment in Monroe County

When wages are being garnished across Monroe County, in Key West, Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorada and beyond, we move on two fronts. We assert Florida’s head-of-household exemption under Fla. Stat. § 222.11, which fully protects the pay of someone supporting a child or dependent (all earnings up to $750 a week, and more unless a written waiver was signed), by filing the exemption claim with the court. And where bankruptcy fits, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 stops the garnishment the day we file. The right tool depends on your facts, and we’ll tell you which one protects your paycheck fastest. More on our Florida wage garnishment page.