Miami Florida Bankruptcy Blog

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as a “Straight Bankruptcy” or a “Liquidation Bankruptcy” allows you to discharge your debts. What does “discharge” mean? Quite simply, it means that you can get rid of your debts, not pay them back and keep almost everything you own as per state exemptions. Often you will have to pay back very little and keep all of your property. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, in most instances, gives a family a chance to start over again without the burden of bills. A Chapter 7 allows you to have a clean slate and even buy property again.

To fully understand Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you need to be well informed. It was created so that people in severe financial hardship would not have to suffer forever. It gives them the opportunity to obtain a clean slate and start over and build a credit history they deserve.
Not everyone qualifies for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. You must pass what is called the “Means Test.”

If you do not qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, all hope is not lost. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Court Ordered Payment Plan) is still a viable option. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can still make your life much better than it is right now if you are behind on payments, being harassed by debt collectors, and worried about your financial future.

In future posts we will talk about the “means test” and common misunderstandings about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Matthew E. Mazur, Jr. Esq., is the managing shareholder of Matthew Mazur, P.A., a Coral Gables, Florida based law firm that represents clients in Bankrutpcy matters. For more information please visit www.coralgablesbankruptcyattorney.com.

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