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The economy and real estate markets may be bouncing back, but if you have lost your job or your home, or if you have suffered a painful divorce, you may find yourself buried in deep financial debt and in need of one of our bankruptcy lawyers. Know your rights before you lose your home or an investment property, or before you make your next move. Our Tampa Bay bankruptcy attorneys are here to inform you of the different types of bankruptcy and what your best options are.

Different Types of Bankruptcy | Chapter 7

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy. In simple terms, the debtor surrenders all of his or her non-exempt assets and certain debts are discharged. Generally, in Florida, a home is exempt. Additionally, a bankruptcy debtor can retain $1,000 of his or her personal property. If the debtor does not own a home, the personal property exemption is $5,000. Additionally, certain investment assets can be exempt such as annuities, life insurance and retirement accounts.

Different Types of Bankruptcy | Chapter 11

Chapter 11 involves a reorganization of finances and is primarily filed by businesses. These cases typically involve tremendous complexity and require extensive legal work.  An individual should not consider a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case except as a matter of last resort and only under the direction and representation of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.  Only in the rarest of circumstances is a Chapter 11 appropriate for an individual.

Different Types of Bankruptcy | Chapter 13

Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides for a repayment period that can last up to five years. It does not necessarily require that the debtor repay all of his or her debt, but that he or she commits all of his or her disposable income. A Chapter 13 can provide an avenue for an individual to save his or her home from foreclosure, or to strip a second mortgage, depending upon the value of the property.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

Let the experienced Clearwater bankruptcy attorneys at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys help. As Tampa Bay bankruptcy attorneys with offices in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey, we understand that the unexpected happens in life. Our personal bankruptcy attorneys have more than 20 years of experience and have represented thousands of consumers and businesses in bankruptcy cases.

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