Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Stuart, FL

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Stuart, FL

Ozment Law serves Stuart, FL, and the surrounding Martin County, Treasure Coast region, as a trusted Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney with more than three decades of experience. If creditor calls, wage garnishments, or mounting medical bills are weighing down families in Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, or Port Salerno, a fresh financial start may be closer than you think. Call (772) 344-9090 today to schedule a free consultation.

What Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Actually Do?

Chapter 7 can legally eliminate most unsecured debt, stopping collection activity and giving you a clean slate. Often called a "liquidation" bankruptcy, it allows qualifying filers to discharge eligible debts without a multi-year repayment plan. The entire process typically takes four to six months from filing to discharge. Most people never appear before a judge. The only required appearance is a brief meeting with a trustee, usually lasting under ten minutes.

Debts That May Be Discharged Include

  • Credit card balances.
  • Medical and hospital bills.
  • Personal and payday loans.
  • Certain older utility balances.
  • Some civil court judgments.

Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Florida?

Qualifying starts with the Florida means test, which compares your average household income over the prior six months to the Florida median income for your family size.

How the Florida Means Test Works

If your household income falls below the Florida median, currently approximately $68,085 for a single person and higher for larger households, you likely qualify without further review. If your income is above the median, you may still qualify after deducting allowable living expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, and insurance. A Martin County chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney can run this calculation for free during your initial consultation.

What Debts Cannot Be Discharged?

Not every obligation disappears in Chapter 7. Child support, alimony, most student loans, recent tax debts, and criminal fines generally survive a discharge. Understanding what stays and what goes is a critical part of your planning conversation with Ozment Law.

Can You Keep Your Home or Car in Chapter 7?

Florida's exemption laws are among the most protective in the country, and most Stuart-area filers can keep their essential property.

Florida Exemptions That Protect Martin County Filers

Florida provides an unlimited homestead exemption for your primary residence, meaning creditors generally cannot force the sale of your home to pay unsecured debts. Your vehicle may be protected up to $5,000 in equity under the motor vehicle exemption, and if you do not claim the homestead exemption, a $4,000 wildcard exemption can cover additional property. Retirement accounts are fully exempt regardless of value.

Your Chapter 7 Process With Ozment Law

Here is a typical path from your first call to your discharge:

  • Free consultation to review income, debts, and goals.
  • Means test and exemption analysis to confirm eligibility.
  • Preparation and filing of your petition with the West Palm Beach Division.
  • Automatic stay goes into effect, halting creditor calls and garnishments immediately.
  • Meeting of creditors (usually about 30 days after filing), typically brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1-Will Chapter 7 Ruin My Credit Score?

    Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, but many filers begin rebuilding credit within one to two years of discharge.

  • 2-Can I Get the Filing Fee Waived in Florida?

    Yes. If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a full filing fee waiver.

  • 3-Is Chapter 7 Better Than Debt Settlement?

    Unlike debt settlement, Chapter 7 does not require creditor agreement. The court discharges eligible debts, and creditors cannot reject or block it.

Start Fresh With a Free Consultation

Ozment Law has helped more than 10,000 clients across Martin County and the Treasure Coast region since 1990, earning over 200 five-star reviews. Attorney Drake Ozment oversees every case personally, offering same-day appointments and clear answers from start to finish. When you are searching for a chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Stuart, FL, experience and local knowledge matter. Visit us on Google to read client reviews, or explore Chapter 13 as an alternative if Chapter 7 is not the right fit for your situation.

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