Fort Myers Chapter 7 Attorney
When unsecured debt reaches a point where repayment is no longer realistic, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer a lawful way to reset and move forward. Hurtado Immigration Law Firm represents individuals and families in Fort Myers and throughout Lee County in Chapter 7 filings handled through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Chapter 7 is often used to address credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and other unsecured obligations. The process is court-supervised, deadline-driven, and built around full financial disclosure. Hurtado Immigration Law Firm provides steady legal guidance from the first case review through discharge.
Schedule a confidential consultation online or call (239) 800-0580 to discuss Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Myers.
How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Works in Florida
Chapter 7 is sometimes called a liquidation bankruptcy. A court-appointed trustee reviews the filing, confirms what property is protected under Florida exemption law, and determines whether any non-exempt assets are available for creditors.
Many Chapter 7 cases in Florida are “no-asset” cases, meaning exempt property covers what the filer owns and there is nothing to liquidate. Each case depends on the details of income, assets, recent financial activity, and exemption eligibility.
Chapter 7 can lead to the discharge of many unsecured debts, while certain obligations usually remain, including child support, alimony, most student loans, and some recent tax debts.
Hurtado Immigration Law Firm evaluates whether Chapter 7 fits your situation and prepares the case with accuracy and court compliance in mind.
Get Chapter 7 Representation Rooted in Careful Legal Guidance
Hurtado Immigration Law Firm brings a steady, structured approach to Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings in Fort Myers and across Lee County. The firm’s work in federal legal matters since 2011 reflects a long-standing commitment to careful preparation, clear communication, and responsible advocacy during high-stakes moments. With Hurtado Immigration Law Firm, you can expect:
- Direct Attorney Involvement. Attorney Pablo S. Hurtado leads the representation and remains involved in key decisions, filings, and case progress from start to finish.
- Organized Case Management. Hurtado Immigration Law Firm handles the documentation, disclosures, and court requirements that Chapter 7 demands, with close attention to timing and accuracy.
- Clear Guidance. The firm prepares you for each required step, including trustee review and the meeting of creditors, so expectations stay grounded and the process remains predictable.
- Accessible Support. Virtual consultations and bilingual English-Spanish communication help make legal guidance more accessible for individuals and families throughout Fort Myers and the surrounding communities.
- A Practice Built on Serving People Through Complex Federal Systems. The firm’s foundation in immigration law has shaped a disciplined approach to document-heavy, federally governed processes, which carries naturally into our Chapter 7 bankruptcy work.
The Chapter 7 Process
Chapter 7 is a federal court process with specific requirements, strict disclosures, and a timeline that moves quickly once a case is filed. We keep the process organized from the first eligibility review through discharge, with clear guidance at each step and proactive follow-through on deadlines and trustee requests.
- Step 1. Case Review & Eligibility Check. We review income, debts, household size, assets, and recent financial activity to confirm whether Chapter 7 is a workable path and to flag issues that can affect timing or strategy.
- Step 2. Credit Counseling Completion. We confirm the required pre-filing credit counseling is completed through an approved provider and make sure the completion certificate is ready for the filing packet.
- Step 3. Document Gathering. We provide a clear checklist, collect the records needed for an accurate filing, and organize information such as pay history, tax returns, bank activity, and a complete creditor list.
- Step 4. Petition & Schedules Preparation. We prepare the petition, schedules, and required statements with careful attention to accuracy, Florida exemptions, and the disclosures the trustee will review.
- Step 5. Filing in the Middle District of Florida. We file the case with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida and track court notices and deadlines from the moment the case is opened.
- Step 6. Trustee Assignment & Follow-Up Requests. We coordinate communications related to the trustee’s review, help respond to document requests, and keep the case moving while requirements are being satisfied.
- Step 7. Meeting of Creditors Preparation. We prepare you for the trustee’s questions, confirm what identification and documentation will be required, and provide guidance so you walk in knowing what to expect.
- Step 8. Debtor Education & Discharge Completion. We make sure the required post-filing debtor education course is completed on time and monitor the case through discharge, including any final notices or last-stage requirements.
Chapter 7 Eligibility & the Florida Means Test
Filing Chapter 7 requires meeting eligibility standards under the Bankruptcy Code, including the means test. The means test compares household income to Florida median income for a household of the same size, using an average of the last six months of income.
If income falls below the applicable median, Chapter 7 eligibility is generally straightforward. If income is above median, a second calculation applies that considers allowable expenses and disposable income.
Income reviewed in this process may include:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment or contract income
- Rental income
- Retirement or pension payments
- Unemployment benefits
- Household contributions from others
Eligibility is not determined by one number alone. Hurtado Immigration Law Firm reviews income history, household size, expenses, and the full financial picture before any filing is submitted.
Florida Exemptions & What Property May Be Protected
Florida uses its own exemption system, which plays a central role in Chapter 7 cases. Exemptions determine what property can be kept during the process.
Common Florida exemptions may apply to:
- A primary residence under the Florida homestead exemption, subject to legal requirements
- Equity in a motor vehicle up to the statutory limit
- Certain personal property within defined caps
- Retirement accounts that qualify for protection
- Social Security, disability benefits, and certain wage protections
Homestead protection can be significant, but timing and residency rules matter, including the federal 1,215-day lookback period tied to full homestead protection in bankruptcy.
Hurtado Immigration Law Firm reviews assets carefully, including real estate, vehicles, bank funds, and retirement accounts, to determine how Florida exemptions apply in your case.
Debts Commonly Addressed Through Chapter 7
Chapter 7 is often used to address unsecured debts such as credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, certain older utility debts, and some judgment-related unsecured obligations. The exact treatment depends on how each debt is classified and documented in the filing.
Some obligations generally remain, including domestic support obligations, many recent tax debts, most student loans, criminal fines and restitution, and debts tied to fraud findings. Secured debts, such as mortgages and vehicle loans, require separate decisions based on the collateral and the terms of the case, including whether the property is kept or surrendered, and Hurtado Immigration Law Firm reviews each debt with you so expectations are clear before moving forward.
Costs, Timing, & Practical Considerations
Chapter 7 involves court costs and attorney fees. The federal filing fee is set by the court, and some filers may qualify to pay in installments or request a waiver depending on income.
Credit reporting impact is also an important consideration. A Chapter 7 filing can remain on a credit report for up to ten years, though many people begin rebuilding credit earlier through stable income and responsible financial habits.
Accuracy matters throughout the case. Bankruptcy requires full disclosure, and incomplete or misleading filings can lead to delays or dismissal. We focus on thorough preparation so your case proceeds properly.
Chapter 7 is not always the right choice when income is too high to qualify under the means test or when someone needs additional time to address secured debts tied to a home or vehicle. Because Chapter 7 is designed to discharge qualifying unsecured debt through a relatively short process, it may not fit situations where a repayment structure is needed to catch up on missed payments or protect significant non-exempt property.
Hurtado Immigration Law Firm reviews the full financial picture and explains which approach aligns with the relief available under the law.
Take Your First Step Towards a Fresh Financial Start
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a federal legal process with serious financial consequences and strict requirements. Hurtado Immigration Law Firm represents clients with organized preparation, steady communication, and careful handling of each stage of the filing.
Consultations are available in English and Spanish, including virtual appointments for those who prefer to meet remotely.
Request a consultation online or call (239) 800-0580 to speak with us about Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Myers and Lee County.
