Bankruptcy Attorney in Polk County, FL
Quick Summary
The Challenge: Overwhelming debt growth in Polk County, leading to threats like wage garnishment or foreclosure.
The Solution: Stiberman Law offers over a decade of experience to simplify the process, focusing on asset protection and immediate relief.
Immediate Protection: Filing any chapter immediately triggers the automatic stay, halting collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions.
Key Options:
- Chapter 7 (Liquidation): Fast relief (4–6 months) that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills), often allowing clients to keep their home and car due to Florida exemptions.
- Chapter 13 (Repayment Plan): A structured 3–5 year plan for those with regular income, designed to catch up on missed payments and protect valuable property.
Bottom Line: The process begins with a free consultation to ensure the client selects the correct chapter and starts their path toward a fresh financial beginning.
Trusted guidance for debt relief and financial recovery.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 9/19/2025
How a Bankruptcy Lawyer Helps in Polk County
Financial struggles can feel overwhelming when debt continues to grow faster than you can keep up. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can help you understand your options, protect your assets, and stop creditor actions.
At Stiberman Law, we’ve helped individuals, families, and business owners across Polk County and throughout Florida get the fresh start they deserve. With over a decade of focused experience in bankruptcy law, we make the process clearer and less stressful.
The Bankruptcy Process Explained
Although bankruptcy is governed by federal law, cases filed in Polk County follow procedures set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. Our firm ensures that every step is handled correctly, so you don’t have to face the process alone.
Here’s how we guide clients through:
- A free case review to evaluate your income, debt, and property
- Selecting the right chapter, such as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11
- Preparing and filing all required documents electronically
- Immediate protection through the automatic stay, which halts collections, garnishments, and foreclosure actions
- Attending the trustee meeting with an attorney by your side
- Reaching resolution, either through a discharge of debts or a structured repayment plan
Client Case Study
One client came to us after falling behind on bills and being threatened with wage garnishment. By filing Chapter 13, we were able to stop the garnishment and put them on a repayment plan that fit their income, ultimately allowing them to regain control of their finances.
STEP 1
Free Consultation
We begin with a free consultation to review your debts, assets, and financial situation. This helps determine whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you.
STEP 2
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for Chapter 7 (debt discharge through liquidation), Chapter 13 (structured repayment plan), or Chapter 11 (reorganization, often used by businesses or individuals with significant debt). We’ll explain the differences and recommend the best option for your needs.
STEP 3
Our team helps you gather financial documents and prepares all the required forms. We file your case electronically with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, which covers Winter Haven.
STEP 4
Once your case is filed, an automatic stay immediately stops most collection actions, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.
STEP 5
You’ll attend a brief meeting with a court-appointed trustee. An attorney from Stiberman Law will be by your side to make sure you’re prepared and supported.
STEP 6
If you file Chapter 7, eligible debts are discharged in as little as four to six months. If you file Chapter 13, you’ll enter into a three- to five-year repayment plan before remaining eligible debts are wiped out. If you file Chapter 11 as a business, you’ll propose a reorganization plan that restructures obligations while allowing you to remain operational.
Do I Have A Case?
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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.
Understanding the Bankruptcy Chapters
Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, wipes out most unsecured debts. Florida’s exemption laws allow many clients to keep their home, car, and personal belongings.
Chapter 13 is designed for people with regular income who want to repay part of their debt over three to five years while keeping their assets.
Chapter 11 is typically chosen by businesses or high-debt individuals who need to reorganize obligations while continuing operations.
Services We Provide in Polk County
Our firm offers comprehensive debt relief services, including:
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate unsecured debts quickly
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy for repayment plans that protect your property
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses or individuals with significant debt
Foreclosure defense
Wage garnishment
– Your experienced bankruptcy attorney
Lern More About Our Founding Attorney
Here’s a 5-star review from our client:
I’m really glad I trusted Stiberman law as my bankruptcy lawyers. They’ve been really great helping me file my bankruptcy. The staff is great, easy to talk to and trustworthy. Thank you so much.
Alba Soto
Robert Stiberman
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Polk County
What kinds of debt can be discharged?
Does filing stop foreclosure or garnishment?
Is there a minimum amount of debt required to file?
How long will my case take?
Start Your Path Toward Relief
If debt is controlling your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Stiberman Law today for a free consultation and let us help you find a way forward.