Bankruptcy Attorney in West Palm Beach: Your Local Advocate
Expert guidance for lasting financial relief.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 1/8/2025
Financial challenges in Palm Beach County necessitate a localized legal strategy. In 2026, residents and business owners in West Palm Beach are navigating a unique economic landscape, facing issues such as rising property taxes in Boca Raton and complex insurance assessments in Jupiter and Tequesta. At Stiberman Law, we offer more than just legal forms; we provide a proactive pathway to recovery. Whether you are an individual in Boynton Beach looking to eliminate credit card debt or a professional in Palm Beach Gardens seeking to safeguard your retirement, we are here to support you in achieving a stable future.
Why Hire Robert Stiberman? (The Palm Beach Advantage)
Choosing the right attorney means choosing someone who understands the local court culture. Robert Stiberman has built a 25-year career serving South Florida with deep experience in the West Palm Beach Division.
- Jurisdictional Expertise: Robert has handled over 2,500 cases in the Southern District of Florida, navigating the specific documentation requirements of Palm Beach trustees.
- University of Miami Roots: Robert earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law (1996) and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1998.
- Proven Expertise: With over 2,500 cases handled in the Southern District of Florida, Robert knows how to navigate complex local rules. We don’t just file paperwork; we defend your assets using intimate knowledge of local court rules and Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions.
- Bilingual Representation: We serve the entire Palm Beach community with full fluency in English and Spanish.
- Personalized Asset Protection: We evaluate your unique assets, from a home in Wellington to a small business in Delray Beach, to ensure maximum protection under Florida law.
Why Division Knowledge Matters
Filing for bankruptcy in the West Palm Beach Division (serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties) offers technical advantages that differ from the Miami or Orlando divisions.
- Tax Refund Retention: Unlike other jurisdictions, the Chapter 13 Trustee in West Palm Beach generally does not require you to turn over your annual tax refund. This allows families in Lake Worth Beach and Greenacres to keep their vital tax credits.
- Rapid Response for Incurring Debt: If you need to incur new debt during a Chapter 13 case (such as for an emergency car replacement), the West Palm Beach Division is exceptionally efficient. Requests to incur debt typically receive a response from the Trustee within three days, whereas the same request in the Miami Division can take significantly longer.
- The Secured Debt Rule: During your Meeting of Creditors, the Trustee will specifically ask if you are current on your mortgage and car payments. If you are not current and the debt isn’t inside the plan, the Trustee will require those payments to be made through the Chapter 13 plan. We ensure your filing is audit-ready for residents in Palm Beach Shores or North Palm Beach to avoid payment spikes.
- The Flagler Waterview Courthouse: Most hearings are overseen by Judge Mindy A. Mora or Judge Erik P. Kimball at the Flagler Waterview Building (1515 North Flagler Drive).
Strategic Debt Relief in Palm Beach County
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: The Liquidation Reset
Chappter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest path to eliminate credit cards and medical bills from local providers like St. Mary’s Medical Center or Good Samaritan Medical Center. We use Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions to protect your homestead in Lantana or Palm Springs while wiping out debt in 120 days.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: The Asset Shield
Chapter 13 is a powerful reorganization tool for those with high income or homeowners in Wellington or Jupiter facing foreclosure. It allows you to catch up on mortgage arrears over a 3-to-5-year plan while keeping your property.
Chapter 11 Subchapter V: Small Business Reorganization
Subchapter V offers a powerful, cost-effective lifeline for Palm Beach County’s evolving business landscape. This specialized reorganization path allows owners to restructure burdensome liabilities and neutralize aggressive Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) collections without surrendering operational control.
As Palm Beach County continues its growth as “Wall Street South,” this process serves as a critical strategic tool for a wide range of local industries:
- Hospitality: Protecting high-volume restaurants and boutiques in Delray Beach and Boca Raton from lease and debt defaults.
- Trade & Logistics: Helping industrial firms near the Port of Palm Beach and Riviera Beach navigate supply chain costs and fuel surcharges.
- Retail & Service: Providing a legal shield for businesses in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens facing predatory MCA daily sweeps.
Unlike a traditional Chapter 11, Subchapter V is designed to be fast and affordable, putting the business owner back in the driver’s seat to ensure long-term stability in a competitive Florida market.
Subchapter V Chapter 11 Case Study – Palm Beach County. A Palm Beach-based Amazon seller encountered a serious cash-flow crisis when a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) lender froze the company’s merchant account, which locked up $80,000 in funds essential for daily operations. Immediate action was necessary to prevent the business from shutting down.
An emergency Subchapter V Chapter 11 filing halted creditor access to the frozen funds, which were promptly returned to the company, allowing operations to continue. This filing facilitated a structured reorganization that preserved jobs crucial to the local community and protected nearly $40,000 worth of essential equipment.
The business successfully reorganized approximately $400,000 in unsecured debt through a consensual plan, stabilized its cash flow, and established a predictable repayment structure under court supervision. This case demonstrates how Subchapter V can rescue small businesses from financial crisis driven by merchant cash advances (MCAs) while preserving their operations, assets, and employees.
Visit Our Palm Beach County Offices
At Stiberman Law, we understand that financial difficulties are personal and affect the local community. That’s why we offer in-person debt relief solutions from two convenient locations in Palm Beach County. Our team is available where you live and work, providing the accessibility and local knowledge you deserve.
West Palm Beach Office (Emerald View)
- Address: 2054 Vista Parkway Emerald View, # 400, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Access: Conveniently located near the Florida Turnpike and Okeechobee Blvd, offering easy access for residents in Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm.
Boca Raton Office
- Address: 2255 Glades Rd, Suite 324A, Boca Raton, FL 33431
- Primary Service Areas: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Highland Beach.
- Local Landmarks: Situated in the heart of the Boca Raton business district, just minutes from Town Center at Boca Raton and I-95.
Your Journey: The Palm Beach Fresh Start Process
STEP 1
Free Consultation
A deep dive at our Vista Parkway or Boca Raton offices. We perform a Bankruptcy Means Test and audit your secured debts (like mortgages) to ensure your plan is accurate.
STEP 2
Choose the best bankruptcy chapter: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11
STEP 3
Asset Protection Analysis
We ensure your home equity and retirement accounts are fully protected under Florida law.
STEP 4
Automatic Protection from Creditors
We file your petition with the West Palm Beach Division. This immediately triggers the Automatic Stay, legally stopping wage garnishments and lawsuits from firms like LVNV Funding.
STEP 5
Step 5: Meeting of Creditors
You meet with the local Trustee. We prepare you for specific questions regarding your mortgage status and financial history.
STEP 6
Resolve your case through discharge of debts or a structured repayment plan
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.
Results That Matter: Palm Beach Case Studies
West Palm Beach — Chapter 7
A West Palm Beach client was facing wage garnishment, credit card collections, and a car repossession deficiency. We filed a Chapter 7 case, which immediately stopped the garnishment and blocked further creditor action. The case discharged $64,000 in unsecured debt with no asset liquidation, giving the client a clean financial reset and full control of their paycheck.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case Study – Delray Beach, Florida
A Delray Beach family sought relief after falling behind on debts tied to operating a small home-services business that had since shut down. With more than $110,000 in unsecured debt, including credit cards, personal loans, and vendor accounts, creditors had begun escalating collection efforts and threatening legal action.
We filed a Chapter 13 petition in the Southern District of Florida, which immediately halted collection activity and allowed the family to organize repayment under court protection. Their plan was confirmed at an affordable payment level, enabling them to eliminate over $110,000 in unsecured debt while keeping their vehicle and protecting household assets. The filing provided financial breathing room and a structured path toward rebuilding after the business closure.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case Study – Vero Beach, Florida
This client utilized Chapter 13 bankruptcy to safeguard her assets while managing her unsecured debt. A 60-month repayment plan was confirmed at a rate of $146 per month. She was able to keep her vehicle (which was paid for outside the plan), preserve $10,000 in her 401(k), and receive a discharge of approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. This process offered an affordable way to reorganize her finances without compromising her retirement savings.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case Study – Boca Raton, Florida
A client from Boca Raton approached us due to increasing financial stress caused by $49,000 in unsecured debt. This amount included a $30,000 judgment resulting from a car accident, which also led to the suspension of their driver’s license.
We filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which provided immediate relief from creditor collection efforts. The case successfully discharged all unsecured debts, including the judgment from a car accident, allowing the client to reinstate their driver’s license. This process restored both their financial freedom and mobility.
The filing provided the client with a fresh start, eliminating debt while safeguarding essential personal rights and allowing a return to normal daily life.
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
Bankruptcy Solutions Available
Our law firm offers tailored debt relief solutions, including:
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy to quickly discharge unsecured debts
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy to restructure payments while safeguarding assets
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses or high-debt individuals
Foreclosure and wage garnishments
– Your experienced bankruptcy attorney
Lern More About Our Founding Attorney
Here’s a 5-star review from our client:
If you are looking for a great bankruptcy attorney in Palm Beach County Stiberman Law are the ones to go
with! They were friendly, professional, and very attentive. All my calls were always returned in a timely fashion and all my questions were always answered. They have truly made this process easy and not scary. They take the time to walk you through everything.
Daniela C.
Robert Stiberman
Client Success Stories: Palm Beach & Treasure Coast
Featured Palm Beach Success Stories
“If you are looking for a great bankruptcy attorney in Palm Beach County Stiberman Law are the ones to go with! They were friendly, professional, and very attentive. They take the time to walk you through everything.” — Daniela C, West Palm Beach (May 2025)
“Stiberman law did a great job they hardworking very honest and do everything they say they will if you need a great attorney with a great staff he is the one to use in the Palm beach area.” — Harry Tr, Wellington (May 2025)
“Everything was explained perfectly and very professional. While payments were being made I would call in and have questions, your team were very professional in handling my questions. My wife and myself cannot thank you enough.” — Ralph & Carol R, Palm Beach Gardens (Nov 2025)
Featured Treasure Coast Success Stories
“Is the best place, they explain everything for you and advise you what is the best option, I will recommend 100%.” — Pelfia A, Port Saint Lucie (Aug 2024)
“Very responsive and professional law firm. Would do business with again. Thank you Stiberman Law!” — Sean P, Port St. Lucie (June 2025)
Robert Stiberman has been proudly Serving Palm Beach residents since 2007
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in West Palm Beach
Can I buy a car while in bankruptcy?
Yes. If you need to replace a vehicle or obtain a new loan during your case, the West Palm Beach Division is exceptionally efficient. Requests to incur new debt typically receive a response from the Chapter 13 Trustee within three days. This is significantly faster than the turnaround time in the Miami Division, allowing you to handle transportation emergencies with minimal delay.
Will bankruptcy stop the wage garnishment?
Yes, immediately. The moment your petition is filed with the West Palm Beach Division, the “Automatic Stay” goes into legal effect. This federal injunction forces creditors like LVNV Funding, Synchrony Bank, or Midland Credit Management to halt all collection efforts, including active lawsuits, bank account levies, and wage garnishments.
How long does the process take in West Palm Beach?
The West Palm Beach Division is one of the most streamlined in the Southern District. A properly filed Chapter 13 case typically reaches confirmation in just two months, whereas cases in the Middle District of Florida can take 6–9 months. A standard Chapter 7 case generally results in a full debt discharge within approximately four months.
Do I have to go to court?
Currently, most 341 Meetings of Creditors (the mandatory hearing for all filers) are conducted via Zoom or telephone. however, some specific evidentiary hearings or trials may still require an in-person appearance at the Flagler Waterview Building in West Palm Beach. We will notify you well in advance and provide full preparation for any appearance required by your specific judge.
Serving Every Corner of Palm Beach County
Municipalities Served: Acreage, Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Canal Point, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Golf, Greenacres, Gulf Stream, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana, Loxahatchee, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Wellington, West Palm Beach.
Take Control of Your Finances
Debt does not have to control your life. Contact Stiberman Law today to schedule a free consultation and start rebuilding your financial future.