Find Financial Relief with a Pinellas County Bankruptcy Lawyer
Debt can seriously affect your life—your home, income, and peace of mind. If you are behind on payments, facing lawsuits, or relying on credit, bankruptcy may provide a legal solution to help you regain control.
Bankruptcy allows individuals and businesses to eliminate or reorganize debt through court-approved processes. In Florida, you can file under Chapter 7 to eliminate debt or under Chapter 13 to create a repayment plan. Florida law also includes exemptions that protect critical assets like your home, car, and retirement savings.
At Stiberman Law, P.A., we help people in Pinellas County understand their legal rights and options. Our team, led by Attorney Robert Stiberman, has decades of experience and takes a compassionate, personalized approach to every case. We prioritize clear communication, develop strategies tailored to your needs, and provide strong representation in local courts.
If you are ready to stop creditor calls and take the first step toward a fresh start, Stiberman Law, P.A. is here to help. Reach out today to start your journey toward financial stability.
Bankruptcy Options in Florida: What You Need to Know
Struggling with unmanageable debt can affect your sleep, relationships, and financial stability. Bankruptcy may provide a way forward. At Stiberman Law, P.A., we help individuals and families in Pinellas County and throughout Florida understand their rights and make informed decisions under state and federal bankruptcy laws.
Bankruptcy laws are governed by federal statutes under Title 11 of the U.S. Code, but Florida law determines which property you can protect during the process. The two most common bankruptcy options for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Your income, type of debt, and desire to protect certain assets, like your home or business, will determine which option is best for you.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7, called “liquidation bankruptcy,” helps individuals with limited disposable income eliminate unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. To qualify, you must pass the means test, which compares your income to Florida’s median income for your household size.
If eligible, Chapter 7 allows you to:
- Discharge most unsecured debts in 90 to 120 days.
- Use Florida’s homestead exemption to protect your primary home (if it meets acreage and residency requirements).
- Protect other assets under Florida’s exemption laws, like retirement accounts and vehicles with up to $1,000 in equity.
At Stiberman Law, P.A., we’ll help you determine if you qualify for Chapter 7, explain how Florida’s exemption laws apply to your situation, and protect as many assets as possible.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 is ideal for individuals with steady income who want to avoid foreclosure, repossession, or liquidation of their assets. This type of bankruptcy lets you repay part or all of your debts through a court-approved plan over three to five years.
Chapter 13 allows you to:
- Catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while keeping your property.
- Consolidate priority debts, like unpaid taxes or child support, into an affordable payment plan.
- Stop foreclosure or repossession with the automatic stay.
- Discharge remaining unsecured debts after completing your repayment plan.
If you don’t qualify for Chapter 7 due to higher income or have nonexempt assets to protect, Chapter 13 might be the better option. We will help you create a realistic repayment plan, meet court requirements, and protect your assets.
Bankruptcy is a big decision, but proper legal support can lead to a stronger financial future. Our team at Stiberman Law, P.A. is here to guide you with clarity and confidence so you can take the first step toward financial relief.
The Role of a Pinellas County Bankruptcy Attorney
Hiring a local bankruptcy attorney can make a big difference if you are struggling financially. At Stiberman Law, P.A., we have years of experience helping individuals and families in Florida, including Pinellas County, find real financial relief. We don’t just understand bankruptcy law—we know how it works in your local courts, with your trustees, and within the local economy. With an office nearby, we offer the in-person support you need when you need it.
Professional Guidance Every Step of the Way
Bankruptcy can be complicated, but choosing the right chapter—Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11—is critical to protecting your assets and securing debt relief. We carefully review your financial situation and recommend the best strategy based on your income, assets, and goals.
Once you decide to move forward, we handle the entire process. We prepare and file all required documents, represent you in court hearings, negotiate with creditors, and, if necessary, file emergency petitions to stop foreclosures, wage garnishments, or utility shutoffs.
We guide you through each step to ensure your case runs smoothly and your rights stay protected. We may also be able to file an emergency bankruptcy petition when needed.
Knowledge of Local Courts
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida oversees cases in Pinellas County and has specific procedures and preferences. We know the rules, schedules, and trustee expectations of this court. Our experience with local judges and court staff helps us move cases forward without delays or errors.
We stay up-to-date on recent rulings in the Middle District, giving your case a better chance of success. Our local insight allows us to address unique requirements that out-of-town firms might overlook.
Personalized Service You Can Count On
We offer more than generic advice. We provide personalized attention from start to finish. During face-to-face consultations at our office, we discuss your concerns and plan the right way forward. Throughout your case, our attorneys—not paralegals—handle your legal matters directly.
We remain accessible and responsive to your needs. Whether you have questions about a filing, deadlines, or repayment plans, we are here to help. Our local presence ensures you always have someone nearby to provide guidance and support.
Stopping Foreclosure and Repossession
If keeping your home is a top concern, our attorneys guide you through the process of using Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure and give you a real opportunity to catch up on your mortgage. Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers:
- Immediate protection through the automatic stay, halting foreclosure as soon as your case is filed
- A practical timeline—usually three to five years—to make up missed payments and avoid eviction
- Possible elimination of second mortgages in certain circumstances
- Retention of your home as long as you adhere to your court-approved plan
Even if Chapter 7 is your best fit, we’ll review how homestead exemptions can help you preserve your home if your equity is within allowed limits and your mortgage is current. We keep you in the loop every step of the way—so you can plan for the long term.
Asserting Your Rights Against Creditors
Filing for bankruptcy involves essential protections to help you regain control of your finances. Here’s how we ensure your rights are upheld:
- When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay protects you against collection calls, wage garnishments, and lawsuits.
- We monitor for improper creditor conduct, sometimes covered under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
- We represent you in creditor meetings and hearings, handling disputes or violations with authority and care.
- Our oversight ensures that creditors do not try to collect on debts already discharged by the bankruptcy court.
With Stiberman Law, P.A., you never face collection agents or legal proceedings alone. We provide the experienced advocacy you need, allowing you to focus on moving forward rather than looking over your shoulder.
Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Financial Future
Although facing overwhelming debt may feel isolating, you’re not alone and have options. At Stiberman Law, P.A., we ensure that your needs and questions are always addressed with clarity and care.
Every financial situation is different, so we never recommend cookie-cutter solutions. Our deep experience in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy means we’re ready for any challenge you may face, from sudden medical expenses to threats of foreclosure. We’re not merely here for paperwork—we are true partners in your journey toward financial relief and personal empowerment.
Don’t let another day go by under the weight of mounting debt. At Stiberman Law, P.A., we’re prepared to help you break free, regain control, and protect what matters most. Please schedule a consultation with our firm’s knowledgeable Pinellas County bankruptcy attorney today. Let’s build a future defined by hope, stability, and confidence.
