Compassionate legal support for individuals and families facing debt. Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 1/7/2026

Facing financial challenges can be tough, and in 2026, Miami’s residents are navigating unique hurdles like rising property insurance rates and high living costs. At Stiberman Law, we’re here to support you with more than just legal guidance; we take a proactive stance to help you regain your financial footing and build a stable future. Together, we can enhance your path to recovery!

Why Hire Robert Stiberman? (The Local Advantage)

Choosing the right attorney is about local insight. Robert Stiberman not only practices in Miami; he was raised and developed his career here.

• 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.
• A History of Advocacy: Robert began his career as a volunteer attorney at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, defending the rights of the underserved.
• Proven Expertise: With over 2,500 cases handled in the Southern District of Florida, Robert knows how to navigate complex local rules.

Fully Bilingual: Language is never a barrier. Our team is fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for all Miami residents.

Visit Our Miami-Dade Office Locations

At Stiberman Law, we recognize that financial difficulties are often local. That’s why we offer personalized, face-to-face debt relief solutions from our two main offices in Miami-Dade County. Whether you need an emergency filing to halt a foreclosure or a strategic consultation for your small business, our team is readily available where you live and work.

Miami (Kendall/Dadeland Office)

Our Miami-Dade location is ideally situated to serve the residential and commercial core of South Dade.

• Address: 9100 Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1500, Miami, FL 33156
• Primary Service Areas: Kendall, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, and South Miami.
• Access: Minutes from the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and US-1, directly across from Dadeland Mall.
• Parking: Ample parking is available in the Dadeland Centre garage.

Coral Gables Office

Located in the historic business district, our Coral Gables office serves both the professional community and residents of the urban core.

• Address: 1 Alhambra Plaza, Floor PH, Coral Gables, FL 33134
• Service Areas: Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Little Havana.
• Access: Located at Alhambra Plaza and Douglas Road, accessible via the Coral Gables Trolley.
• Parking: Dedicated on-site parking is available in the Alhambra Plaza garage, with metered street parking throughout the district.

Deep Dive: Strategic Debt Relief in the Miami Division

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: The “Clean Slate” Strategy

Chapter 7, commonly known as “liquidation bankruptcy,” is the quickest way for residents of Hialeah, North Miami, and Miami Gardens to achieve debt relief.

• Miami Benefit: We use Chapter 7 to permanently eliminate unsecured debts, including high-interest credit cards, medical bills from local hospitals such as Jackson Memorial or Baptist Health, and personal loans.
• Asset Protection: By effectively utilizing the Florida Homestead Exemption and the Motor Vehicle Exemption, we can typically safeguard your home and primary vehicle while eliminating your debt in 90 to 120 days.
• Stopping Garnishments: Filing for Chapter 7 halts wage garnishments as soon as your case is filed.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: The “Home & Asset Shield”

Chapter 13 is a powerful reorganization tool for homeowners in Kendall, Homestead, and Palmetto Bay who are behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure auctions.

• Curing Mortgage Arrears: Chapter 13 allows you to “cure” missed payments over a 3-to-5-year plan. You will continue making your regular mortgage payment while catching up on past due amounts through the Trustee, Nancy Neidich.
• Local Scrutiny: We prepare your schedules to meet the higher standard of transparency (like the 90-day lookback) required by the Miami Division.
• Vehicle Cramdowns: If you have owned your car for over 910 days and its value is less than what you owe, we can often reduce the loan (or “cram down”) to match the actual value of the car.

Chapter 11 Subchapter V & Debt Negotiation

• Small Business Lifeline: Subchapter V is a streamlined reorganization option for businesses with debts under $3.4 million (subject to current legislative adjustments). This process enables Miami business owners, ranging from logistics firms to restaurants, to maintain control while restructuring their debt. For businesses in Doral and Medley, we can help restructure commercial leases and debt to help you retain control of your operations.
• Debt Negotiation: For residents of Coral Gables or Pinecrest seeking to avoid bankruptcy, we negotiate settlements directly with creditors at your comfort level.

Foreclosure & Condo Crisis Defense

We’re here to help you navigate the unique “Condo Crisis” in Miami Beach and Aventura, where many owners are managing structural assessments and increasing insurance costs. Together, we can view these assessments as manageable opportunities to restructure, ensuring the protection of your investment and the future of your community.

Why Experience Matters: Intimate Knowledge of the Miami Division

Filing for bankruptcy in Miami differs significantly from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach. Local customs and trustee-specific requirements can make or break your case.

At Stiberman Law, we not only understand the Bankruptcy Code; we know how it is applied in the Miami Division.

• 90-Day Financial Lookback: While the Fort Lauderdale division may only require 30 days of pre-filing bank statements, Nancy Neidich (the Miami Chapter 13 Trustee) typically requires 90 days of bank statements and cancelled checks. We ensure your documentation is audit-ready before it hits the Trustee’s desk.
• The “$900 Rule” for Cash Withdrawals: In the Miami Division, large cash withdrawals or bank transfers exceeding $900 in the weeks leading up to your filing are heavily scrutinized. We help you document legitimate living expenses to avoid allegations of “preferential transfers” or hiding assets.
• Expense Objections: We know which expenses will trigger an objection. In the Miami Division, a $300/month cell phone bill or excessive luxury expenditures are often deemed “unreasonable” and can derail your plan confirmation. We audit your budget to align with local standards.

Stopping Aggressive Miami Debt Collectors

Is a local collection law firm taking a portion of your paycheck? When we file your case, the Automatic Stay immediately halts both local and national firms in their tracks. We have successfully challenged major Florida collection firms, including:

• Sprechman & Fisher P.A.
• Pollack & Rosen, P.A.
• Marcadis Singer, PA

Whether they are threatening wage garnishment, bank account levies, or car repossessions in Hialeah or Doral, we provide the legal shield to end the harassment today.

Your Journey: The 5-Step Fresh Start Process

Bankruptcy cases in Miami are handled by the Miami Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. While federal laws set the framework, local procedures can make filing complicated if you’re not familiar with them. When you work with our team, here’s what the process generally looks like:

• Free consultation to assess your income, debt, and assets
• We conduct consultations in English or Spanish to ensure you fully understand your rights.
• We’ll evaluate your eligibility for Chapter 7.
• Guidance on selecting the right chapter of bankruptcy for your situation
• Preparation and electronic filing of all required documents
• Automatic stay begins, stopping collections, lawsuits, and wage garnishments
• Trustee meeting attended with an attorney by your side
• Resolution: either debts are discharged or a repayment plan is put in place

The Strategy Session (Initial Consultation): A 45–60 minute deep dive (In-person at our Kendall or Coral Gables offices, or via Zoom or telephone, to conduct a “Bankruptcy Means Test” and determine your best path forward.

Asset Protection & “Can I Keep My Car?” Audit: We review your assets. Most clients keep their primary vehicle and qualify for a new home mortgage 2 years post-discharge.

Filing & The Stay: We file at the C. Clyde Atkins U.S. Courthouse; creditors are instantly legally prohibited from contacting you.

The Zoom 341 Meeting: You meet with the Trustee via Zoom. We prepare you for the meeting and stay on the line to handle technical questions.