Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Jacksonville, Florida
Several types of bankruptcy can provide debt relief for struggling Jacksonville residents and it is best to talk to an attorney at the bankruptcy Law Offices of Justin McMurray to help you determine and decide which type of bankruptcy best suits your situation. Understanding all your options is important so you can make an informed decision whether to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Jacksonville or a different type of bankruptcy, depending on your eligibility. Here are important steps to take when filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy:
- Make sure a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida is your best option. Remember that any type of bankruptcy should be considered as a last resort and must only be used if you already exhausted all other options.
- Not everyone is qualified for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Jacksonville. Eligibility is determined by your family size, income, and other factors relative to the area or state you are filing in. Passing the Means Test (a federal form that determines Chapter 7 bankruptcy qualification) verifies your eligibility. If you don't qualify, otherwise, you can explore other options like debt consolidation or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
- Consult with a bankruptcy attorney. At Law Offices of Justin McMurray, we will help you through the entire process from filing your petition to receiving your discharge orders.
- Mandatory credit counseling is also required. Failing to undergo this compulsory step may cause your petition to be dismissed before obtaining discharge.
- With the help of your bankruptcy Chapter 7 Florida lawyer, complete and review all necessary paper work, ranging from the petition to the schedule of your assets and liabilities, debts, income and expenditures, unexpired leases and executory contracts, exempt assets, means test, and other important forms necessary for the bankruptcy petition.
- Before heading for the bankruptcy court, secure your petition, complete paperwork, and credit counseling certificate. File the petition with the court serving your specific area or the area where your business and most your assets are located. Once the petition has been filed, legal actions against you are stayed; therefore, your creditors and the people you owe debt to will be unable to continue or start new lawsuits, demand payment, or garnish wages. A filing fee may be required if you had not applied for a fee waiver.
- Prepare for post-filing activities like the creditor's meeting, and follow-up counseling, and wait for your discharge orders.