Tampa Bankruptcy Lawyers Helping You Take Back Control

Eligibility in Tampa depends on your income, assets, and debts. Chapter 7 is typically for people with limited income and few assets, and you must pass a “means test” that compares your household income to Florida’s median. If you don’t qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 is usually an option, since it allows you to create a repayment plan over 3 to 5 years. Chapter 13 is often chosen by those who want to keep their home, car, or other assets while catching up on overdue payments. An attorney can review your finances and determine which option best fits your needs.

In Tampa, the cost to file bankruptcy includes court filing fees and attorney fees. The filing fee is set by the court — currently around $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Many Tampa bankruptcy attorneys, including Consumer Law Attorneys, offer flat fees with payment plans, so you don’t need to come up with a large sum all at once. Overall, the cost is usually far less than the debt relief you gain.

Yes, most people in Tampa start rebuilding credit within months of a bankruptcy discharge. Chapter 7 stays on your credit for 10 years, and Chapter 13 stays for 7 years, but the negative impact lessens over time. Many clients are surprised to receive credit card or loan offers within a year of filing. By keeping up with bills, using credit responsibly, and monitoring your score, you can often rebuild your credit score faster than expected. Bankruptcy is meant to give you a fresh start, not keep you stuck.

Yes. Filing bankruptcy in Tampa puts an “automatic stay” in place, which stops foreclosure proceedings right away. If your home is in Hillsborough County and you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 allows you to repay the arrears over time while keeping your home. Chapter 7 may not provide a long-term solution if you’re behind, but it can delay a foreclosure and give you breathing room. Acting quickly is key if your property already has a foreclosure sale date.