Hypoluxo, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2023) | Learn your options

How to File Bankruptcy in Hypoluxo, Florida 

How to File Bankruptcy in Hypoluxo, Florida

Need Help Filing for Bankruptcy in Hypoluxo, Florida?

If you live in Hypoluxo, Florida and are thinking of filing chapter 7 bankruptcy, we believe you find the below information and resources helpful in your path towards financial freedom. 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common bankruptcy filed in the US and it offers relief to hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Although filing chapter 7 Bankruptcy is based on Federal Law, Hypoluxo residents must also comply with local bankruptcy court rules.

This article will provide a 10 step guide for Hypoluxo, Florida residents on how to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Florida. 

Before Filing 

Before filing for bankruptcy, you need to take a look at what it means to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy and whether you can obtain the relief or benefit you are seeking. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is for individuals with little or no assets, who do not have the means to pay back their debts.

Chapter 7 is best suited for individuals seeking to eliminate primarily unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 is recommended if your debts are primarily secured debts such as a mortgage on your home and you are looking to get current or if you have a lot of assets that you want to keep. 

Filing for bankruptcy can have serous consequences including losing your property. You should always consult with a bankruptcy attorney to determine if bankruptcy is right for you, to know under which chapter to file, and what to expect. Bankruptcy is highly technical and it takes many attorneys years to master. Bankruptcy is governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, local bankruptcy court rules, and in Hypoluxo, FL it also requires understanding Florida exemptions laws to protect your property. At Stiberman Law you can schedule a free consultation with a Hypoluxo bankruptcy attorney to discuss your case.

 Gather The Required Documents

Before getting to the bankruptcy forms, it will help you to collect the below documents and information. A little organization in the beginning will save you a lot of time in completing the bankruptcy Forms.

1. Obtain a free copy of your credit report. You can get it for free once per year.
2. Your Tax Returns for the past 2 years.
3. All proof of Income from all sources for the last 6 months, such as: 

• Paystubs from wages
• A Social Security Benefits Letter
• Unemployment Compensation
• Pension records
• All Self-Employment income
• Alimony and child support payments

5. Six (6) months of bank account statements from all accounts where your name appears on.
6. Copies of your vehicle registration for all your vehicles
7. Retirement/Pension account statements
8. Mortgage Statements
9.  Real Estate and vehicle valuations or appraisal
10. List of your household goods and furnishings

Complete The Credit Counseling Course

You must complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency.

You will receive a certificate of completion which you will need to attach to your bankruptcy petition when filing.

If you obtained your certificate more than 180 days ago, your certificate has expired, and you must retake the course.

Make sure the Certificate lists the Southern District of Florida if applicable..

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms and Local Forms

You will need to complete the bankruptcy forms. 

In addition to preparing the Federal bankruptcy forms, you must also comply with the local requirements of the Southern District of Florida which include:

•  A creditor matrix listing your creditors’ information in compliance with the Clerk’s Instructions for Preparing, Submitting and Obtaining Service Matrices.
• A legible photocopy of a current government-issued photo identification in compliance with Administrative Order 2020-07.
• Your original signed bankruptcy petition or other documents containing wet signatures. See Administrative Order 2020-07.

Although as an individual you can file chapter 7 bankruptcy without an attorney, an experienced Hypoluxo, Florida bankruptcy lawyer will know the local rules and requirements, and can help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls, including the possible loss of property.

Prepare Your Filing Fee

The Filing Fee for Chapter 7 petition is $338.

You can pay the fee installments by submitting an application with the Court.

If you are unable to afford the fee and your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may request a fee waiver from the Court.

File The Forms With The Bankruptcy Court

If you are PRO SE or filing without an attorney, you can file the documents in person in any of the three court divisions of the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The 

Bankruptcy Court, West Palm Beach Division is the nearest to 

To Hypoluxo, Florida. 

Flagler Waterview Building
1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Click here for directions.

You can also mail your forms along with a legible photocopy of 

your valid government issued ID.

The filing of bankruptcy can have serious consequences or issues may arise that would be difficult, if not impossible, to resolve without a bankruptcy lawyer. 

At Stiberman Law we spend the time to review your case, advise you regarding the best course of action, file all necessary bankruptcy paperwork, and attend all hearings. We keep you informed and answer your questions. We’ll send you an email confirmation with the bankruptcy case number along with other important information within minutes of filing the case.

Send The Requested Documents to Your Trustee

If you are living in Hypoluxo, Florida when you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Florida, the clerk will assign your case to the West Palm Beach Division of the bankruptcy court, and a Trustee serving Palm Beach County, Florida will be assigned to your case.

Your 341 meeting of creditors will be held in the US Bankruptcy Court, unless otherwise noted.

 Your Trustee will notify you, usually within 1-2 weeks, what documents you will need to provide at least 7 days prior to your meeting of creditors. 

Attend The 341 Meeting Of Creditors

You are required to attend in person the 341 meeting of creditors scheduled in the Notice of Bankruptcy Filing.

Official Form 309A – Notice of Bankruptcy Filing, will contain your Trustee’s name, contact information, and time and place of your 341 Meeting of Creditors.

You must take your valid original ID such as Driver’s License and your original Social Security Card to the meeting. If you cannot find or don’t have your original social security card, you can provide an original W-2. The Trustee will not be able to conduct the meeting without them.

Note: You are not allowed to enter the Bankruptcy court with a cellphone. 

The meeting takes place approximately 30 days after you file. During a typical meeting other debtors will be present and the trustee will give a brief announcement and will begin calling cases one by one. When it’s your turn, the Trustee will verify your ID and Social Security card to make sure it matches the information in your bankruptcy petition. 

The Trustee will swear you in and ask you a series of questions relating to your bankruptcy filing and will also provide an opportunity for brief questions from creditors who may be present. It is rare that creditors appear at these meetings. The meeting will be recorded by the Trustee.

The Trustee may request some additional information and reschedule the meeting for a future date if necessary.

The Trustee will analyze your case and determine if you have non-exempt property to liquidate and distribute to your creditors or file a Report of No Distribution.

Complete The Second Course  – Financial Management Course

Complete and file a Financial Management Course from an approved agency. This is different and separate from the 1st credit counseling course. 

Note: Your bankruptcy case can close without a discharge if you do not submit your course competition with the Court.

Dealing With Secured Debt

If your debt is secured by an asset such as your car, you must indicate your intention in your filings. You can select to surrender the property to the lender, keep the property and reaffirm the debt, or retain the property and redeem it.

A Reaffirmation Agreement will have to be entered and filed with the court if you want to reaffirm the debt.

Hypoluxo, Florida Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Income Limits – 

Passing the Means Test

Individuals filing chapter 7 in Hypoluxo, Florida must pass the means test to determine if they have the means to repay debts. Individuals with the means to repay their debts are required to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead of Chapter 7. The first part of the means test compares your annualized current income to the median income for a household you size. The chart below will help you quickly make that determination. If you are over, then you will have to satisfy part two of the means test.

State of Florida Median Household Income 2022
Household Size	Annual Income
1	$55,681.00
2	$69,884.00
3	$75,057.00
4	$89,206.00
5	$99,106.00
6	$109,006.00
7	$118,906.00
8	$128,806.00
9	$138,706.00
10	$148,606.00

 Hypoluxo, Florida Chapter 7 Attorney Fees and Costs

The average bankruptcy lawyer fee in Hypoluxo, Florida is between $1200 to $1800. Most Hypoluxo, Florida bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee and offer payment plans. At Stiberman Law our fees range from $900 to $1500 with affordable payment plans.

Miscellaneous costs include the pre-filing and post-filing bankruptcy instructional courses ranging from $10-$50. 

Bankruptcy Court Location for Hypoluxo, Florida

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida comprises the counties of Broward, Dade, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.

Individuals filing in the Southern District of Florida and living in Hypoluxo, Florida at the time of fling, will be assigned to the West Palm Beach Division located in:

United States Courthouse

Flagler Waterview Building
1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Division Judges

Judge Erik P. Kimball

Judge Mindy A. Mora

 Need Help Filing for Bankruptcy in Hypoluxo, Florida?

If you need help filing for bankruptcy in Florida, the team at Stiberman Law is here to help. With more than 20 years of experience in Florida bankruptcy law, we can answer your questions and guide you when it comes to your financial future. Call us today at Call us: (954) 758-4324 or fill out our contact form to get started.

Nearby Cities:

From our office located in 777 S Flagler Dr Suite 800, West Palm Beach, FL 33401  our bankruptcy attorney represent clients in Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Canal Point, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Harbor, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana, Loxahatchee, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Okeechobee, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Port St. Lucie, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, West Palm Beach, and Wellington.

Nearby City Guides:

Highland Beach, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Haverhill, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Greenacres, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Delray Beach, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Canal Point, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Boynton Beach, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Belle Glade, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Atlantis, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Jupiter, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Port St. Lucie, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2023)

West Palm Beach, Florida Bankruptcy Guide (2022)

Local Legal Aid Websites

Florida Rural Legal Services (serving 13 counties across Florida: Hardee, Highlands, Polk, Charlotte, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, St. Lucie and Palm Beach.)