Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Attorneys Helping You Take Back Control

In Fort Lauderdale, Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually takes 3 to 4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 takes longer because it involves a repayment plan that lasts 3 to 5 years. The timeline can vary depending on how quickly you provide documents, whether creditors object, and how complex your case is. Most people find that the process moves faster than expected, especially with experienced legal help.

Yes. Many Fort Lauderdale residents keep their homes after filing bankruptcy. Florida’s homestead exemption offers some of the strongest protections in the country. Chapter 13 allows you to stop foreclosure and catch up on overdue payments through a court-approved plan. Even under Chapter 7, you can usually keep your house if it qualifies under Florida’s exemption and you stay current on the mortgage.

Generally, bankruptcy does not affect your job or professional license in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere else in Florida. Employers are not allowed to fire or discriminate against you just because you filed bankruptcy. Most state licensing boards — including those for lawyers, doctors, nurses, and contractors — do not penalize people for seeking financial relief. Bankruptcy is a legal right, not a crime, and it’s intended to give people a fresh start.

Bankruptcy can wipe out many types of debt, but not all. In Fort Lauderdale, debts like child support, alimony, recent taxes, and most student loans cannot be discharged. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 both eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, payday loans, and many other unsecured debts. If you owe debts that can’t be erased, Chapter 13 can still help by giving you time and structure to catch up. An attorney can explain which debts qualify for discharge in your case.