Category Archives: Bankruptcy
Means Testing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Do you qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Many people don’t realize that the filing process includes means testing in order to have debt discharged with no repayment plan. While it’s a federal process, state law in Florida governs the rules around exemptions—meaning you can’t claim exemptions provided under federal law. The means… Read More »
Bad News for Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
For years consumer advocates have been pushing to leave medical debt and bills off of credit score reports, because getting sick shouldn’t be a factor in whether someone is worthy of getting credit. Americans celebrated when, in January of 2025, a rule was finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ending the inclusion… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Racial Bias
Bankruptcy is often touted as a last resort for individuals who have unmanageable debt. And to be clear, many who file for bankruptcy find that the court wipes out a nice chunk of outstanding debt, improving the lifetime earnings of both the filer and of their children. That’s great news for Americans who find… Read More »
Involuntary Bankruptcy
While a bankruptcy filing is usually a step taken by a debtor who is facing crushing debt, in some cases creditors can force the debtor’s hand into filing for bankruptcy. This generally involves business debtors rather than individuals, but not always. When wealthy individuals who have significant assets that can be retrieved, creditors may… Read More »
When Financial Changes Interrupt Chapter 13 Payment Plans
Job loss—medical emergency—natural disaster—who knows when a financial emergency could turn your world upside down. It’s bad enough during normal times—but what if you’re hit with a financial crisis when you’re in the middle of trying to pay off debt through a Chapter 13 restructuring? Don’t panic—even in this situation, you do have some… Read More »
Why Choose Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
If financial pressures are building, you may be feeling trapped. You owe so much money to so many different places, it seems you’ll never get out from under the debt. What are your options moving forward? One that you should seriously consider is filing for bankruptcy. While it may sound drastic, it could be… Read More »
Addictions Can Lead to Bankruptcy
For the families of someone who struggles with an addiction, there are many challenges. One that sometimes doesn’t get the attention it deserves centers on the debt that is related to addictions. The Challenge One of the biggest problems associated with the one-two-punch of addiction and debt is that families often don’t realize either… Read More »
The Impact of Debt on Children
No one loves the idea of serious debt, although many adults throughout the country struggle with it every day. It’s pretty obvious that crippling debt can have a negative impact on debtors in terms of stress, relationships, and satisfaction in life. But many of us never consider the impact of debt on our kids…. Read More »
Should You File for Bankruptcy Jointly with Your Spouse?
If you and your spouse are suffering financial distress and are considering filing for bankruptcy in Florida, you may be wondering whether you should file as an individual or jointly. In most cases it benefits couples to file jointly, although in certain situations that is not the case. Regardless of how you file, remember… Read More »
Getting Out of Debt is Possible
If you’ve been letting the mail pile up because you can’t bear to see one more bill, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Instead, working with the knowledgeable debt relief and bankruptcy attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos can help you reduce or eliminate debt you’ve accumulated related to credit cards, your… Read More »