Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving Cape Coral and Lee County

Yes. Most Cape Coral residents who file bankruptcy are able to keep their home, especially if it’s their primary residence. Florida’s homestead exemption provides strong protection for houses in Lee County. In Chapter 13, you can also catch up on past-due mortgage payments over several years while stopping foreclosure. Chapter 7 protects your home as long as you meet exemption rules and remain current on payments. Losing your house through bankruptcy is rare.

Chapter 7, often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” wipes out unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about 3 to 4 months. It’s best for people with low income and few assets. Chapter 13, known as “reorganization,” lets you repay debt through a 3–5 year plan while protecting your home, car, and other property. In Cape Coral, Chapter 13 is often chosen by people who want to stop foreclosure or catch up on secured debts. Both options provide powerful debt relief, but the right one depends on your finances.

Usually not. Florida law allows you to protect part of your vehicle’s value through exemptions. If your car loan is current, you can often keep it under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, missed payments can be folded into your repayment plan so you don’t lose the vehicle. In Chapter 7, as long as the equity doesn’t exceed exemption limits and payments are up to date, you typically keep your car. Most people in Cape Coral keep their vehicles after filing.

Filing for bankruptcy in Lee County requires a court filing fee — about $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary based on your case’s complexity. Many firms, including ours, offer flat rates and payment plans so you can afford the process without stress. While it does cost money to file, the relief from discharged debt and the protection from creditors almost always outweigh the upfront expense.