Naples Bankruptcy Attorney: Regain Your Financial Freedom
Trusted legal guidance for lasting debt relief.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 1/11/2026
Why You Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Naples
Addressing financial challenges in Collier County calls for a legal partner who understands the high stakes of the Naples market. In 2026, residents of Naples, from young professionals in Ave Maria to retirees in Pelican Bay, are navigating rising living costs and insurance assessments while striving to protect their hard-earned assets
At Stiberman Law, we do more than just manage paperwork; we support you throughout your journey to financial freedom. Whether you want to eliminate credit card debt while safeguarding your retirement, or you need ot protect your Naples homestead from foreclosure, our team offers the localized expertise you deserve.
When your home, your car, and your future are on the line, experience is the only thing that matters. Bankruptcy Attorney Robert Stiberman has over 25 years of experience helping Floridians resolve debt.
- Local Expertise: We understand the specific nuances of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida (Fort Myers Division), where Naples, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Naples Park, Pelican Bay, Lely Resort, Vineyards, and Berkshire Lakescases are heard.
- Personalized Attention: You aren’t passed off to a paralegal. You work directly with an attorney who understands the Collier County landscape.
- Affordable Options: We offer flexible payment plans for qualified clients to ensure legal help is accessible when you need it most.
- Proven Results: We have helped thousands of clients stop foreclosures, end wage garnishments, and eliminate credit card debt.
The Immediate Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy
The moment we file your petition, the “Automatic Stay“ goes into effect. This is a powerful federal injunction that legally prohibits creditors from:
- Calling or mailing you.
- Garnishing your wages.
- Continuing with a foreclosure sale.
- Repossessing your vehicle.
- Filing lawsuits against you.
Bankruptcy Solutions Tailored for Naples Residents
Florida law offers unique protections for residents. We help you determine which path is right for your specific financial situation:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
Often called “Fresh Start” bankruptcy, Chapter 7 allows you to discharge (wipe out) unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in as little as 4–6 months.
- Best for: Individuals with limited income and high unsecured debt.
- The Benefit: Most Naples residents can keep their primary home and vehicle thanks to Florida’s generous homestead exemptions.
- The “Fresh Start.” Ideal for eliminating medical bills from NCH Healthcare System or Physicians Regional in roughly 4 months.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
If you have a steady income but have fallen behind on mortgage or car payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up through a 3-to-5-year repayment plan.
- Best for: Homeowners facing foreclosure in neighborhoods like Golden Gate or East Naples.
- The Benefit: Stop foreclosure sales immediately and keep your property while paying off arrears over time.
Debt Eligibility & Settlement
- Eligible for Discharge: Credit cards, personal loans, and certain older tax liabilities.
- Non-Bankruptcy Options: For residents in Bonita Springs or North Naples who wish to avoid court, we offer Professional Debt Settlement, negotiating directly with creditors to resolve accounts for a fraction of the balance.
Serving Naples, Marco Island, and Collier County
We understand that Naples clients value both discretion and convenience. We leverage digital-first technology to assist you, no matter your location:
- Virtual Strategy Sessions: Conduct your entire consultation and document review via secure Zoom meetings from the comfort of your home in Port Royal, Old Naples, or Marco Island.
- Satellite Consultations: We provide professional meeting spaces in the Naples metro area for in-person strategy sessions by appointment.
Collier County Expertise: Robert Stiberman brings more than a decade of experience navigating the Middle District of Florida, ensuring Naples residents receive sophisticated legal strategies tailored to their specific income levels and asset portfolios.
The Naples Advantage: Navigating the Fort Myers Division
Because Naples is part of the Fort Myers Division of the Middle District of Florida, your case follows specific rules that differ from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. We specialize in these nuances:
- Mortgage Modification Mediation (MMM): This is a powerful, court-ordered program for Naples homeowners. If your mortgage has become unmanageable, the MMM program forces your lender to the table to negotiate a permanent loan modification under the supervision of a Bankruptcy Judge.
- Trustee Knowledge: We work directly with the office of Chapter 13 Trustee Dary J. Smith. We know the “disposable income” standards they expect from Collier County residents, ensuring your plan is confirmed without unnecessary delays.
- Protecting High-Value Assets: Naples is home to significant wealth. We use Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions to aggressively protect your 401(k), IRA, and the equity in your primary residence.
Virtual Hearings: In 2026, 341 Meetings of Creditors are conducted via Zoom, meaning you won’t have to drive to the Fort Myers courthouse for your mandatory hearings.
Serving the Fort Myers Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Since Naples is part of the Fort Myers Division of the Middle District of Florida, your bankruptcy hearings and meetings of creditors are handled through that jurisdiction. Because we file many cases in this division, we offer specialized insight into the local trustees and court procedures unique to this region. If you are closer to Lee County, you can also meet with our Fort Myers bankruptcy attorney for the same dedicated service and flexible payment options.
Your Journey: The Naples Fresh Start Process
STEP 1
Free Consultation
We begin with a deep dive into your finances. Whether you’re a small business owner on Fifth Avenue South or a family in Golden Gate, we analyze your debt, income, and assets. We determine if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right vehicle to protect your lifestyle.
STEP 2
Documentation & “Homestead” Strategy
Naples is known for its real estate. We specialize in the Florida Homestead Exemption, ensuring that your primary residence—from a condo in Pelican Bay to a family home in North Naples—remains protected. We gather your tax returns and pay stubs to build a bulletproof petition.
STEP 3
The Filing & The Collier County “Stop”
The moment we file your petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, a federal “Automatic Stay” is triggered. This immediately stops creditor calls, halts any foreclosure proceedings in the Collier County courts, and gives you instant breathing room.
STEP 4
The 341 Meeting
Approximately 30 days after filing, you will attend a brief “Meeting of Creditors.” Because these meetings are currently held virtually or via Zoom, meaning you can attend from the comfort of your own home in Naples without the commute up I-75. Attorney Stiberman has attended over 2,500 of these meetings throughout Florida. He will prepare you and stand by your side during the meeting.
STEP 5
Financial Management & Education
Before your debts are officially cleared, you will need to complete a brief, mandatory financial management course. Consider this your “financial tune-up”—a way to equip you with the necessary tools to help your credit score recover quickly, allowing you to return to enjoying all that the Paradise Coast has to offer.
STEP 6
The Discharge & Fresh Start
The final goal is outlined in Chapter 7, which typically occurs about 60 to 90 days after your meeting. You will receive a formal court order that discharges your debts, marking the official beginning of your “Fresh Start.” At this point, you can walk along the beach at Lowdermilk Park, feeling a tremendous weight lifted off your shoulders.
Do I Have A Case?
FIND OUT IT'S FREE
Contact Stiberman Law Today!
Speaking to our law firm is always 100% confidental. Help is just a call away!
At Stiberman Law, Our Goal Is To Help You Complete The Process Smoothly, Protect Your Property When Possible, And Achieve The Financial Relief You Need For A Fresh Start.
Case Study: A Fresh Start for a Naples Resident
Real Results for the Naples Community
We recently assisted a Naples resident who was determined to resolve her debts after two prior bankruptcy attempts (in 2020 and 2021) had failed. She was facing escalating legal pressure and unsecured debt that felt insurmountable.
The Strategy: We filed a Chapter 13 petition in the Fort Myers Division, which immediately triggered the “Automatic Stay,” halting an active lawsuit.
The Outcome:
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Debt Eliminated: Wiped out approximately $26,000 in unsecured debt.
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Asset Protection: Successfully protected her vehicle (paid directly outside the plan).
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Affordable Resolution: Secured a 36-month repayment plan at just $130/month.
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Success: After years of struggle, she finally has a court-supervised, realistic path to total financial resolution.
Legal Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case studies and testimonials reflect the specific facts of those matters and may not be representative of all cases
Legal Services We Provide in Naples, FL
Our team offers a full range of debt relief services, including:
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate unsecured debts.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy for repayment plans that protect your assets.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses or individuals with large debts.
Foreclosure
Wage garnishment
– Your experienced bankruptcy attorney
Lern More About Our Founding Attorney
Here’s a 5-star review from our client:
Such a great experience with Attorney Robert Stiberman as my bankruptcy attorney. He answered all my questions and the whole team made me feel at ease during the whole process!!
jessie
Robert Stiberman
FAQs About Bankruptcy in Naples, FL
Can I keep my house if I file for bankruptcy in Naples?
Yes. Under the Florida Constitution, your primary residence (Homestead) is generally protected from creditors in bankruptcy, regardless of its value, provided you have lived in Florida for the required timeframe.
How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Naples?
The court filing fees are standard (currently $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13). At Stiberman Law, we offer affordable attorney fees and $0-down options for eligible clients.
Is bankruptcy public in Naples?
While it is a public record, it is rarely “news.” Most residents find that their filing is a private matter handled between their attorney, the court, and their creditors.
Can I keep my car in a Naples Chapter 13?
Yes. We can structure plans where your vehicle is paid “outside” the bankruptcy, allowing you to keep your reliable transportation for your commute along Tamiami Trail. If you are behind on your payments, we can include them in your bankruptcy to help you catch up.
How do I get started?
It begins with a free consultation. We review your tax returns, pay stubs, and debt list to determine your eligibility and create a plan.
Serving Every Corner of Collier County
We represent residents in: Naples, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Naples Park, Pelican Bay, Lely Resort, Vineyards, and Berkshire Lakes.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Relief in Naples
If debt is overwhelming you, know that you don’t have to face it alone. The bankruptcy attorneys at Stiberman Law are ready to explain your options and guide you through the process with skill and compassion.
Call today or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation and take control of your financial future.