Trusted guidance for lasting financial recovery.

Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 1/12/2026

Understanding Bankruptcy in Lee County

Are you feeling overwhelmed by debt in Lee County? Whether you’re managing a business reorganization in Fort Myers, protecting your family home in Cape Coral, or dealing with medical bills in Lehigh Acres, you need a legal partner who understands the local federal landscape. 

At Stiberman Law, we are the primary resource for Lee County residents seeking financial restoration through expert bankruptcy and debt relief strategies. Led by Robert Ariel Stiberman, a Florida Bar-licensed attorney with over 25 years of experience and more than 2,500 cases filed, our firm offers a sophisticated, “no-surprises” approach to the law. We don’t just file cases; we provide the strategic roadmap necessary to protect your assets and secure your future.

What to Expect During Your Free Lee County Consultation

Your path to a fresh start begins with a confidential, 30-minute strategy session. We focus on:

• The Residency Audit: We verify you meet the 180-day venue and 730-day exemption requirements (critical for Lee County’s many new residents).
• Asset Protection Strategy: We analyze your property, form vehicles to homes, fto determine which Florida exemptions apply.
• Chapter Eligibility: We perform the “Means Test” to determine if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is your most effective path.
• Transparent Pricing: You receive a flat-fee quote and an overview of our affordable payment plans.

What to Expect After Hiring Stiberman Law

Once you retain our firm, we take over the legal burden immediately:

• Immediate Creditor Shield: Refer all harassing collector calls to us. The “Automatic Stay” legally halts all collection efforts.
• The Fort Myers “Home Court” Advantage: Because the U.S. Bankruptcy Court is located in downtown Fort Myers, we navigate this specific division daily. We understand the preferences of the local judges and trustees.
• Virtual Readiness: We expertly guide you in preparing for your 341 Meeting of Creditors, ensuring you avoid any potential pitfalls and achieve the best possible outcome.

Communities Served Throughout Lee County

We provide expert representation across the entire county, including:

Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Bonita Springs • Lehigh Acres • Estero • Fort Myers Beach • North Fort Myers • Sanibel • Captiva • Alva • Pine Island • Matlacha • Bokeelia

Jurisdiction: The Fort Myers Division

If you have lived in Lee County for at least 91 days of the past 180 days, your case will be handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s Fort Myers Division.

The Fort Myers Division lacks a staffed Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office. Therefore, the District Court’s Clerk’s Office at the Fort Myers Courthouse cannot accept filings in bankruptcy cases. Any bankruptcy petitions and other documents submitted by parties without an attorney must be filed either by hand delivery or by mail at the Clerk’s Office in the Tampa Division, located at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, Florida 33602. Fort Myers Division Court Website.

Our firm is well-acquainted with this division, ensuring that your petition meets all local requirements and proceeds through the system without unnecessary delays. Source: 

Typical Debts You Can Eliminate

We help local residents discharge or reorganize debts including:

• Medical Bills: From local providers like Lee Health and Cape Coral Hospital.
• Utility & HOA Arrears: We can halt service disconnections from LCEC or the City of Cape Coral Utilities and resolve HOA disputes.
• Auto Deficiency Balances: From dealerships along the US-41 corridor.
• High-Interest Loans: Debt from local lenders near the Edison Mall or online “payday” services.