Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving Pembroke Pines and Broward County

In most Pembroke Pines bankruptcy cases, you can keep your home and car. Florida law has some of the strongest protections in the country for primary residences under the homestead exemption. Vehicles are also protected up to a certain value. In Chapter 13, you can catch up on missed payments over time and prevent repossession or foreclosure. In Chapter 7, you can usually keep your property if payments are current and the equity is within Florida’s exemption limits.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. But this doesn’t mean your credit is ruined that entire time. Many Pembroke Pines residents are surprised to find their credit improves within 12 to 24 months after filing, since past-due debts are wiped away. With steady income and good credit habits, you can often qualify for loans, credit cards, or even a mortgage much sooner than expected.

Yes. Bankruptcy immediately stops wage garnishment through the automatic stay. If your wages are being garnished by a Broward County court order, the garnishment must stop as soon as you file. Chapter 7 can permanently eliminate the underlying debt, while Chapter 13 stops garnishments and structures repayment under a plan. For many Pembroke Pines residents, stopping garnishment is one of the biggest reliefs bankruptcy provides.

Most people in Pembroke Pines who file bankruptcy don’t ever step into a courtroom in the traditional sense. Instead, you’ll attend a short “341 Meeting of Creditors,” which usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. A trustee will ask you basic questions about your finances, and creditors can attend but rarely do. These meetings are often virtual or held in a conference room, not a courtroom. Your attorney will prepare you so you know exactly what to expect.