Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving Palm Bay and Brevard County

Yes. Filing bankruptcy in Palm Bay immediately stops foreclosure actions through the automatic stay. Chapter 13 is especially helpful, because it allows you to catch up on overdue mortgage payments over 3 to 5 years while keeping your home. Chapter 7 will also pause foreclosure temporarily, giving you time to consider options. Acting quickly is important if your Brevard County home already has a scheduled sale date.

Most Palm Bay residents keep their home and car when filing bankruptcy. Florida’s exemptions strongly protect primary residences and cover a portion of vehicle equity. In Chapter 13, you can spread out missed payments and prevent foreclosure or repossession. In Chapter 7, you can keep your property if it falls under exemption limits and you’re current on payments. The law is designed to protect essentials, not strip them away.

In Palm Bay, a Chapter 7 case usually takes 3 to 4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 lasts longer, since it involves a repayment plan of 3 to 5 years. The length depends on how quickly you provide documents and whether creditors object. Most clients are surprised by how manageable the process is, especially with legal guidance.

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical bills, without requiring repayment. It’s usually best for people with limited income and few assets. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan that lets you keep your property while catching up on secured debts, like mortgages or car loans. In Palm Bay, both chapters are commonly used depending on the filer’s financial goals and situation.