Filing for bankruptcy may seem scary at first and a “last resort option.” However, filing for bankruptcy can be very beneficial to individuals or businesses facing overwhelming financial challenges. It’s important to understand that bankruptcy is a solution that can help you get a fresh start. In this blog, we provide six benefits of filing for bankruptcy to help you decide if this option is right for you.
Six benefits of filing for bankruptcy
While filing for bankruptcy does provide benefits for individuals and businesses, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Port St. Lucie. After you read this blog, if you have questions, please call our firm at 866-930-6435.
1. Discharge your debt
One of the primary benefits of filing for bankruptcy is the ability to discharge your debt. This means that you can eliminate or “wipe out” certain unsecured debt. Chapter 7 is a type of bankruptcy that helps individuals get a fresh start by forgiving most of their unsecured debts entirely. If you are drowning in debt, this can be a lifesaver. Filing for bankruptcy can provide significant relief from financial burdens that have become unmanageable.
2. Be protected from creditors
When you file for bankruptcy in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie, an automatic stay goes into effect. This legal provision prevents creditors from taking any further collection actions against you. It stops creditor harassment, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and even home foreclosure or vehicle repossession. The automatic stay gives you the breathing room needed to regain control of your finances and make a plan for a fresh financial start.
3. Your assets will be protected
Bankruptcy laws in Florida provide exemptions that allow individuals to protect certain assets from being sold off to repay creditors. These exemptions vary, but they typically include essential assets, like your primary residence, vehicle, and personal belongings. This means that you don’t necessarily have to lose everything you own when filing for bankruptcy, enabling you to maintain stability as you rebuild your financial life.
4. You can adopt structured repayment plans
Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as the wage earner’s plan, provides another option for those who may not qualify for Chapter 7 or wish to repay their debts partially. Under Chapter 13, individuals create a manageable repayment plan spanning three to five years. This plan allows you to catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while keeping your assets intact. It offers a structured and realistic path to financial recovery.
5. You can rebuild your credit
Contrary to popular belief, bankruptcy doesn’t mean the end of your financial life. While it does appear on your credit report for a few years, it also provides an opportunity to rebuild your credit. After your debts are discharged or restructured, you can work on raising your credit score. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, many of our clients who have filed for bankruptcy in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Port St. Lucie, have found that they qualify for new credit cards, loans, and even mortgages within a few years of bankruptcy.
6. Reduce your stress and get peace of mind
One of the most stressful things in life is dealing with serious financial hardship. It can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Bankruptcy can provide a sense of relief and peace of mind. It offers a way out of the constant stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights associated with unmanageable financial debt. The mental health benefits of bankruptcy should not be underestimated.
Should you file for bankruptcy in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie?
Bankruptcy is not something to be taken lightly, but it is also not a financial death sentence. For many people and businesses, it serves as a lifeline, offering a chance to rebuild and recover from financial hardships. The benefits of bankruptcy, including debt discharge, protection from creditors, asset protection, structured repayment plans, credit rebuilding, and reduced stress, can provide a fresh start for individuals and businesses facing insurmountable financial challenges. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s essential to consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney who can guide you through the process and help you determine the best path forward for your unique circumstances.
Request a free consultation with our Treasure Coast Bankruptcy Attorneys
We can help. Call us at 866-930-6435.
If you are a resident or small business owner in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, or Vero Beach, and you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it’s crucial that you contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we have a full department dedicated to assisting individuals and business owners with filing for bankruptcy. Our reputable and trusted bankruptcy attorneys have helped hundreds of St. Lucie County and Indian River County residents and businesses get a fresh financial start.
We will help you navigate the complexities of bankruptcy law, provide personalized advice, protect your rights, streamline the process, and maximize the benefits available to you. Our expertise and support will make a significant difference in your bankruptcy experience and ensure the best possible outcome for your financial future.
We offer free bankruptcy consultations to help you understand your legal and financial options. Call us today at 866-930-6435 to schedule your complimentary meeting.