Bankruptcy Attorney in Sarasota County, FL
Quick Summary
The Challenge: Overwhelming debt and the threat of creditor actions, including wage garnishment or foreclosure, in Sarasota County.
Chapter 7: Provides the quickest path to relief (4–6 months) by discharging most unsecured debts, with Florida exemptions helping clients retain essential assets like their home and vehicle.
Chapter 13: Offers a structured 3–5 year repayment plan, which is ideal for clients with steady income who need to protect valuable property (like a home) and catch up on missed payments.
The Process: Filing immediately triggers the automatic stay, a critical protection that instantly halts creditor harassment, lawsuits, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishments.
Bottom Line: Stiberman Law leverages over a decade of experience and bilingual support to simplify the bankruptcy process, providing clients with customized strategies to regain financial control and achieve a fresh start.
Debt solutions tailored to your needs and financial goals.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 9/26/2025
How a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Sarasota County Can Help
Living with debt can feel overwhelming and isolating. Creditors may call nonstop, wages may be garnished, or foreclosure may be looming. A bankruptcy lawyer provides clarity, explains your rights, and ensures you make decisions that protect your future.
At Stiberman Law, we’ve helped clients across Sarasota County and throughout Florida for more than a decade. Our mission is to give people struggling with debt the tools and legal support they need to start fresh.
What Filing Bankruptcy in Sarasota County Looks Like
Bankruptcy is a federal process, but each case must follow local court rules. For Sarasota County residents, cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Here’s how our firm helps you every step of the way:
- Free Consultation: We begin by reviewing your financial situation to see if bankruptcy is the right option.
- Choosing A Chapter: Based on your income, debts, and goals, we help you decide whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 is the most effective choice.
- Preparing & Filing: Our attorneys prepare all required documents and file them electronically with the court.
- Automatic Stay: Once your case is filed, most creditor actions stop immediately—including foreclosures and garnishments.
- Trustee Meeting: You’ll attend a short meeting with a trustee, with our attorneys guiding you through it.
- Resolution: Depending on your case, debts may be discharged in months or repaid over several years through a structured plan.
Why Residents Turn to Stiberman Law
Bankruptcy is not just about eliminating debt—it’s about protecting what matters most. Clients choose us because we:
- Offer services in English and Spanish.
- Take time to explain your options and answer every question.
- Handle deadlines and filings with precision.
- Focus exclusively on bankruptcy and debt relief.
Case Study: Stopping Foreclosure through Chapter 13
A client came to us after falling behind on mortgage payments and facing foreclosure. We filed a Chapter 13 case that immediately stopped the process. Through the court’s Mortgage Modification Mediation Program, we secured new payment terms, allowing the client to stay in their home while addressing other debts.
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!
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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 Bankruptcy Options
- Chapter 7: Known as liquidation bankruptcy, it discharges unsecured debts quickly. Florida exemptions often allow you to keep essential assets like your home and car.
- Chapter 13: Also called the “wage earner’s plan,” this option allows repayment of debts over 3–5 years while protecting assets. Remaining eligible debt may be discharged at the end.
- Chapter 11: Commonly used by businesses, but also available to individuals, this option allows reorganization while maintaining operations.
Legal Services We Provide in Sarasota County
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:
I want to express sincere gratitude to our lawyer and the entire team with especial thanks to Esteban, Angel, and Caroline for the outstanding work they did.
Your professionalism dedication, and attention to detail made all the difference and made us feel fully supported throughout. Thank you for your commitment and hard work.
Maria Munoz
Robert Stiberman
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Sarasota County
What types of debt can bankruptcy eliminate?
Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure or creditor harassment?
Do I need a minimum amount of debt to file?
How long does bankruptcy take?
Take Control Of Your Finances in Sarasota County
Debt doesn’t have to dictate your future. At Stiberman Law, we guide Sarasota County residents through bankruptcy with experience, compassion, and proven results.
Call today or contact Stiberman Law online to schedule your free consultation and begin your path toward financial stability.