Bankruptcy is often a good way to stop foreclosures, harassment by bill collectors and to erase unpayable debts. Many people are experiencing housing and employment problems right now in these difficult economic times. Health problems, divorce, unemployment, or underemployment can cause financial disaster to any family, despite the best of intentions. Reputable businesses can become insolvent for many reasons, such as the poor economy, loss of a major customer, inadequate insurance, or other unforeseeable events.

Learn more on our Bankruptcy Types page.

Chapter 7 - 4-6 months

Chapter 13 - 3-5 years

Not Usually

It depends on many factors, and this question can best be determined by scheduling an office appointment.

A bankruptcy filing will remain on a credit report for 10 years.

Yes

You will be offered credit immediately after your Bankruptcy case is "Discharged" or done. However, you can expect to pay higher interest rates initially than someone who never had financial problems.

Yes

Most people can buy or refinance a house at a decent interest rate three years after Bankruptcy. Some mortgage brokers say they will lend you money to buy a home one day after Bankruptcy, but watch out for high interest rates.

Usually you can buy a new or used car immediately after Bankruptcy.

With your Discharge in hand, most any creditor in town will finance your purchase — but at a very high interest rate.

Almost never can you erase student loans through bankruptcy.

There are many different repayment options to pay them back and I can help determine which one will be the best option for you.

Yes

You must report/include ALL of your debts. You can still agree to pay some of your debts after Bankruptcy, but you must disclose all debts to the Court. Please ask the attorney to discuss the difference between a "legal obligation" and a "moral obligation" if this disclosure concerns you.

Yes

Usually one time for Chapter 7 cases and twice for Chapter 13 cases. The attorney will fully prepare you for the hearings so that you do not have to worry about what to expect.

1. A list.

You will need to bring a simple, complete list of everyone you owe money to with the amount you owe to each company or person. Just write the name of the bank, company or person and the total balance due. Your handwritten or typed list should include your home mortgages, vehicles, credit cards, bank loans, personal loans, student loans, and medical bills.

2. Law Suit Documents.

If you have received any papers from an attorney bring them. If you have been sued or anyone has taken you to Court, bring those papers to your first meeting with the attorney.

**DO NOT BRING** bills or credit reports.

The attorney will spend time getting to know you and your problems, rather than reviewing all of your bills. That way she can advise you of all your options and answer all of your questions. If you arrive at your appointment with only a credit report or a large pile of bills, you will not be able to meet with Attorney Bowen until you have prepared the simple list (discussed above) with the creditor’s name and the total balance you owe to each person or company.

Yes

We charge an initial consultation fee which is discounted from our attorney’s regular hourly rate. The fee is $250.00 for up to one hour. Our attorney spends a great deal of time with you getting to know you and your personal situation. We find that while other attorneys may offer a “free” consultation, that usually entails about 15 minutes of telling you that you need to file Bankruptcy and hire them. We would rather spend time with you to understand the problems you are facing and help you find solutions. Our attorney goes over all your options and helps you determine the best course of action for you.

Your initial consultation fee will be credited toward the full flat attorney's fees due in the event you file Bankruptcy with our office within the following six months. Call our office at (407) 228-1300 to schedule your appointment.

Yes

We work with each client individually to provide them with the flexibility necessary for them to retain our firm.

I help clients through financial difficulties by advising them of their best course of action and through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcies, as well as through student loan consolidation, repayment, and counseling, negotiations with creditors, foreclosure defense, and mortgage modification mediation.

We also prepare Wills and Estate Planning, as well as practice Probate Law.

A Discharge is a Court Order that states that you are no longer responsible to pay most of your debts.

Your Driver’s License showing your current address and your Social Security card.

Before the §341 Creditor's Meeting you must read the U.S. Trustee’s Information Sheet which we mail to you. You will not be tested on it, but you want to be able to tell the Trustee that you did review the sheet.

Yes and No

We accept cash, cashier’s checks, official checks, or money orders, and you may also use a DEBIT card for payment.

Payments can be made in person, by mail, or by using our secure payment site through LawPay. When paying online you may use E-check or DEBIT card (e.g. Visa Checkcard). We can NOT accept payment by CREDIT cards from clients, however, a friend or relative may pay for fees and costs using their credit card.

You can schedule an appointment by contacting our office at 407-228-1300 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Our staff will gladly assist you in finding a time that is convenient for you.