Bankruptcy Lawyers Serving Gainesville and Alachua County

Facing Debt in Gainesville?

Bankruptcy Can Help You Rebuild

If you’re behind on bills, receiving collection calls, or at risk of losing your home or car, bankruptcy may offer the financial reset you need. At Consumer Law Attorney, we help Gainesville residents file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy — giving you legal protection from creditors and a clear path to a fresh start.

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Bankruptcy Services in Gainesville

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Gainesville Residents

Chapter 7
Chapter 13

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Eliminate unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills
Most cases completed in 3–4 months
Florida’s generous exemptions protect many assets
Ideal for low-income individuals seeking fast relief

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Create a 3–5 year repayment plan under court supervision
Stop foreclosure, repossession, and wage garnishment
Catch up on mortgage, tax, or loan arrears
Designed for wage earners with assets to protect

Why Gainesville Clients Choose Us

Experienced Bankruptcy Attorneys in Alachua County

We’ve helped students, families, and professionals across Gainesville eliminate debt and move forward with confidence. Our attorneys offer personalized service and full guidance from day one through discharge.

Key Benefits:

Experience with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Florida
Local understanding of Alachua County rules and procedures
Flat fees and flexible payment plans available
No hidden costs, no judgment — just help

The Bankruptcy Process

What to Expect When Filing Bankruptcy in Gainesville

Bankruptcy Steps:

Free consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney
Review income, assets, and debt to determine eligibility
File your bankruptcy petition — collections stop immediately
Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors
Receive a discharge (Chapter 7) or begin your repayment plan (Chapter 13)

What Clients in Gainesville Are Saying

    
 
 
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   Marvin Louka 
 
 
 
  Very professional and quick turn around!
  
 
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   Kiera Smith 
 
 
 
  Great firm. Polite, honest, and professional. Handled our dispute accordingly.Elaine Prado is amazing. Definitely recommend. Took all of my anxiety away as legal matters can be very grey sometimes.
  
 
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   Dorron Turner 
 
 
 
  Elaine Prado did a great job of keeping me informed on my case and letting me know my options.
  
 
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   Gabrielle Valentine 
 
 
 
  Exceptional Personal Injury Firm I engaged Consumer Law Attorneys to assist me with a personal injury matter that occurred during my pregnancy. It was a particularly frightening experience, especially during the third trimester. From my initial consultation with Attorney Young Kim, I found him to be informative, professional, and friendly. Throughout the process, he was always available to answer my questions, which gave me great confidence and allowed me to focus on my family rather than the case. Attorney Kim reached a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I am extremely pleased with the outcome. My baby and I are doing well, thanks to Mr. Kim and his dedicated paralegal, Elaine. I highly recommend Consumer Law.
  
 
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   Robert M 
 
 
 
  Excellent Legal Representation I recently had the pleasure of working with Consumer Law Attorneys (CLA) on my personal injury case. Attorney Young Kim and his Paralegal Elaine were always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. I received a fair settlement that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend CLA to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Their exceptional service and genuine care for their clients set them apart from their competitors.
  
 
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   Chrissa Haygood 
 
 
 
  These lawyers have great communication skills and will fight for you!
  
 
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   Jennifer Kennedy 
 
 
 
  I stupidly signed as a Co Borrower for a young family member.  I had no idea home was in foreclosure until contacted by a process server. Consumer Law worked with me to stop foreclosure until house could be sold.  They saved me from financial ruin!

Common Questions From Gainesville Residents

Can bankruptcy stop a student loan collection?

In Gainesville, bankruptcy usually cannot erase student loans, but it can stop collection efforts temporarily through the automatic stay. This means calls, letters, and garnishments will pause while your case is active. In very rare cases, student loans may be discharged if you can prove “undue hardship,” but that is difficult to qualify for. More commonly, bankruptcy helps by clearing away other debts like credit cards or medical bills, freeing up money so you can focus on your student loans.

Will I lose my apartment or car?

Most Gainesville residents filing for bankruptcy keep their apartments and vehicles. Landlords cannot evict you during bankruptcy without special permission from the court, though you will need to stay current on rent going forward. Florida exemptions also protect a portion of your car’s value, and Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on missed payments. In Chapter 7, you typically keep your car if the value is within exemption limits and you’re current on payments.

What is the income limit for Chapter 7?

Eligibility for Chapter 7 in Gainesville depends on your household size and whether your income is above or below Florida’s median. If your income is lower than the state median, you generally qualify. If it’s higher, the “means test” is applied, which subtracts necessary living expenses from your income to see if you have enough disposable income to repay debts. Many people who assume they earn too much still qualify once the full calculation is done.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

In Gainesville, Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. This doesn’t mean your credit is ruined for that entire time. Most people begin rebuilding credit within a year or two after filing. Because bankruptcy clears away overdue accounts, lenders may actually view you as less of a risk than someone still behind on bills. Over time, the impact of bankruptcy lessens as you demonstrate responsible financial behavior.

Contact Consumer Law AttorneysSpeak With a Gainesville Bankruptcy Attorney Today

Take back control of your financial future. Schedule your free consultation today — no risk, no obligation.

(877) 241-2200

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Main Office: 2727 Ulmerton Road, Ste. 270, Clearwater, FL 33762

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(877) 241-2200

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*Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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