There are several steps involved when filing for bankruptcy. Each of these must be followed in the right order to ensure a successful case. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you qualify for, the filing process can take as long as six months. Each phase of your case may require specific meetings, classes, documentation or court appearances. Within the legal system there are two types of consumer bankruptcy that are the most common, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

In the state of Florida, and specifically in all of Hillsborough County, you must be under the median income in order to qualify for Chapter 7. If you’re not at or under the median income, you must pass a means test to determine which type of bankruptcy you qualify to file. Your attorney will administer the test that requires proof of income and documentation of each of your debts. Once you have taken the test, your attorney will determine the type of bankruptcy meets your eligibility. As soon as you retain SunCoast Law, you can notify creditors or debt collectors that you no longer wish to be contacted and have retained legal counsel.

We will gather all of the necessary paperwork and documentation required by the Court and file the bankruptcy petition for you. Our attorneys will also accompany you to a mandatory “meeting of the creditors” where a trustee will ask you about the debt you owe, your financial circumstances, and any amounts you wish to discharge. The trustee will also ensure that all necessary paperwork required by the Court is complete and accurate. Our attorneys will advise you about any required credit counseling you must attend before or after the filing of your petition as well.