how to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer in miami dade

by Dr. Rene Hyatt 6 min read

If you’re filing without an attorney, you’ll need to print out your forms, then hand-deliver them to the bankruptcy court or mail in your forms. If the courthouse isn’t too far away, it’s good to file your bankruptcy case in person.

Full Answer

Is it possible to file bankruptcy without a lawyer in Florida?

Sep 11, 2019 · Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Miami requires you to fill out standard, federal bankruptcy forms. The only special Florida bankruptcy form you need to fill out for the Southern District is a Declaration Regarding Payment Advices. All the other forms you need are standard for filers across the U.S. Florida Exemptions

Is there a free way to file bankruptcy?

While individuals appearing as debtors (including spouses filing jointly), creditors or other interested parties before this court do not have to be represented by a lawyer, it is recommended you meet with a lawyer before you file so that you can carefully consider your options. NOTE: A corporation must be represented by counsel, except in ...

Can I print my bankruptcy forms at the court in Florida?

Court employees and bankruptcy judges are prohibited by law from offering legal advice. Bankruptcy Forms are available to the public free of charge. Use the forms that are numbered in the 100 series to file bankruptcy for individuals or married couples. Use the forms that are numbered in the 200 series if you are preparing a bankruptcy on behalf of a nonindividual, such …

How do I get credit counseling before filing bankruptcy in Florida?

One of the most frequently asked questions in my practice is “In Florida, can I consider filing bankruptcy without a lawyer?”. Honestly, yes you can file without an lawyer, and it doesn’t matter what chapter you file. Chapter 7, 11, 12, 13 – it makes no difference. You can absolutely Home Depot that if you think you have the chops.

How much does a bankruptcy cost in Miami?

Filing bankruptcy in Miami under Chapter 7 requires that applicants pay a filing fee of $338. However, low-income filers may qualify for a fee waiver which permits the Court to process their case for free.Sep 30, 2020

What qualifies you for bankruptcy in Florida?

In a Nutshell

If your household income is less than Florida's median income for your household size, you'll qualify to file Chapter 7. If it's higher, you'll need to take the full means test and show that your expenses are high enough that you can't afford to pay the debts you're trying to eliminate.
Apr 6, 2022

How do I file Chapter 7 with no money?

Eligible filers are able to file Chapter 7 for free. If your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level, you can ask the bankruptcy judge to waive your court fees with a simple application submitted along with your bankruptcy petition.Feb 8, 2022

What bankruptcy clears all debt?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal debt relief tool. If you've fallen on hard times and are struggling to keep up with your debt, filing Chapter 7 can give you a fresh start. For most, this means the bankruptcy discharge wipes out all of their debt.Oct 20, 2020

Can you go to jail for debt in Florida?

You can't go to jail for failing to pay a debt or a judgment. However, if you do not pay a debt, or if a judgment is entered against you, this information can be reported to credit bureaus and made a part of your credit history.

What is the income limit for filing Chapter 7 in Florida?

In Florida, a one person family with an average monthly income of $3,493 or a 6-month total of $20,958 may qualify for Chapter 7. Some judges look to your ability to pay as part of the “totality of the circumstances” test that may bar you from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, even if your income is above or below the median.

How much does a lawyer charge for Chapter 7?

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
Chapter 7Chapter 13
Filing fees$338$313
Attorney fees*$500 - $3,500$1,500 - $6,000
Total$838 - $3,838$1,813 - $6,313

What is the means test for Chapter 7?

The full Means Test compares the debtor's income to their expenses to determine whether they should benefit from Chapter 7 relief based on their “disposable income.” Applying the Means Test involves deducting all household expenses from the debtor's gross income, including housing costs, utilities, medical expenses, ...

What happens when you file Chapter 7?

You will be discharged from bankruptcy

These include alimony and child support payments, student loans (if you stopped being a student less than seven years ago), court-ordered fines or penalties, and debts arising from fraud.

What debts Cannot be discharged?

Other Non-Dischargeable Debts in Bankruptcy

401k loans. Other government debt such as fines and penalties. Restitution for criminal acts. Debt arising from fraud or false pretenses.
Nov 2, 2020

Which types of debt will not be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Debts Never Discharged in Bankruptcy

Alimony and child support. Certain unpaid taxes, such as tax liens. However, some federal, state, and local taxes may be eligible for discharge if they date back several years. Debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

What debt Cannot be removed by declaring bankruptcy?

Additional Non-Dischargeable Debts

Debts from fraud. Certain debts for luxury goods or services bought 90 days before filing. Certain cash advances taken within 70 days after filing. Debts from willful and malicious acts.
Apr 7, 2021

What can a non-attorney do if you file bankruptcy?

If you file bankruptcy pro se, you may be offered services by non-attorney petition preparers. By law, preparers can only enter information into forms. They are prohibited from providing legal advice, explaining answers to legal questions, or assisting you in bankruptcy court. A petition preparer must sign all documents they prepare for you; print their name, address and social security on the documents; and provide you with a copy of all documents. They cannot sign documents on your behalf or receive payment for court fees.

Can you file bankruptcy under Chapter 7?

Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues. Misunderstandings of the law or making mistakes in the process can affect your rights. Court employees and bankruptcy judges are prohibited by law from offering legal advice.

What is a non-attorney petition preparer?

Non-attorney Petition Preparers. If you file bankruptcy pro se, you may be offered services by non-attorney petition preparers. By law, preparers can only enter information into forms. They are prohibited from providing legal advice, explaining answers to legal questions, or assisting you in bankruptcy court.

How Hard Is It To File for Bankruptcy on Your Own?

You will at least need an understanding of the legal issues before filing the bankruptcy petition. How hard a case will be will also depend on other factors including :

Can You File if You Have No Money?

In general, you need to at least pay a filing fee and the credit counseling and financial management course fees to finalize your bankruptcy petition.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcies and Other Situations

While in some cases you can file bankruptcy without a lawyer, there are exceptions, depending on the type of bankruptcy. Some examples include:

Legal Advice From an Experienced Attorney May Help

Although filing bankruptcy without an attorney may be possible, it may not always be the best route for you. If you need legal help with your bankruptcy case, speak to a bankruptcy attorney near you.

How long do you have to file for bankruptcy in Florida?

In addition to the national bankruptcy forms described above, the Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court requires you to file your pay stubs for the 60-day period before filing. If you don’t have pay stubs for that period, you must file a local Florida called the Declaration Regarding Payment Advices.

How to file for bankruptcy if you are employed?

First, you’re going to need to collect all of the documents required to prepare your bankruptcy petition. If you’re employed, this includes at least 60 days of pay stubs and two years of tax returns. Bankruptcy trustees sometimes ask for bank statements and, if you own a home, they’ll ask for things like your deed and a mortgage statement. It’s good to collect these documents before filing for bankruptcy. If you’re unsure of how much you owe, get your credit report from Equifax, Transunion, or Experian through AnnualCreditReport.com.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Florida?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases are the most common for individuals filing in the Sunshine State. Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a repayment plan before unsecured debt is eliminated.

Does Florida have a bankruptcy exemption?

Florida’s bankruptcy exemptions are quite unique. You’ll have the choice of the federal exemptions and the exemptions set forth in Florida law. Folks who don’t own any real estate often choose the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Homeowners often use the exemptions under Florida bankruptcy law because the Florida homestead exemption is unlimited in amount.

What is Florida legal aid?

Florida legal aid organizations provide free representation to low-income families who make below a certain amount of income per year, which is usually 200% of the poverty line. Some programs, like Community Legal Services of Mid Florida, are large and funded by Congress through the Legal Services Corporation, while other programs may be smaller and more local.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Chapter 7?

Get Your Filing Fee. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers have to pay a $338 filing fee to the bankruptcy court. This fee is the same in the entire United States. If you earn less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines you can ask the bankruptcy court for a filing fee waiver .

What is bankruptcy course 2?

Bankruptcy Course 2 is a lot like Course 1. It’s also known as the “post-filing course” and the “debtor education course.”. People filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida have the option of taking Course 2 on the phone, over the internet, or in person.

What is the Florida court portal?

The Florida Courts e-Filing Portal is a statewide web site mandated by the Florida Legislature and the eFiling Authority that provides online filing capability to users with a single login.

How to get a refund for overpayment?

Refund requests for overpayments may be initiated by completing the Attorney’s Refund Request form and emailing it to the noted mailbox address corresponding to the location where the case was filed.

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