Orlando Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney – Simplified Eligibility & Transparent Pricing
Bankruptcy is a way for you to get your life back and start fresh.
Here is a quick guide to bankruptcy in Florida.
At certain times in life, debts from credit cards, medical bills, or car payments become overwhelming. Job loss, reduced income, illness, or unexpected hardships often create financial situations that seem impossible to manage. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer you a much-needed fresh start by eliminating many unsecured debts like medical expenses and credit card balances.
However, bankruptcy is not suitable for everyone, and to maintain our personalized and lower-cost approach to the practice of law, as of 2025, our law firm takes only limited-income Chapter 7 cases. To better serve our clients and to provide straightforward, efficient assistance, we handle cases that only meet the following strict criteria:
-
Fixed income only (Social Security or disability).
-
If married, your shoals must also be in a fixed income.
-
Own only ONE home located in Florida.
-
Have no more than THREE bank accounts.
-
Have NO investment accounts or assets.
-
Own only ONE vehicle.
-
Do NOT receive regular financial contributions from family or friends.
If your financial situation meets our flat-rate transparent pricing criteria, Orlando bankruptcy Attorney Carolina Nunez and staff at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. -- we help guide you through the process and make sure we protect as much of your property as possible. Many debts such as medical bills, credit cards, and other unsecured debts may be discharged. Many individuals feel relief after a Chapter 7 filing because they know it may lead to a new beginning to make things “right” again.
Whenever you decide to call our offices, the first step would be to determine whether filing a Chapter 7 would be right for you. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as the “liquidation” bankruptcy.
Step 1 - FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY MEANS TEST Qualifications
Under federal bankruptcy law, specifically the U.S. Bankruptcy Code 11 U.S.C. § 707(b), eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is determined primarily by the Means Test.
The Means Test, described in 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2), compares your average monthly income over the six months preceding your bankruptcy filing to Florida’s median household income based on your family size. If your income is below the state median, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
However, if your income exceeds Florida’s median income, the Means Test further evaluates your allowable monthly expenses—including housing, healthcare, food, utilities, and transportation—using IRS standardized guidelines. These allowable expenses and deductions are explicitly regulated under 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)(A)(ii).
If your disposable income, after allowable expenses, remains sufficiently low, you still qualify for Chapter 7. If it exceeds certain thresholds, you might be required to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as outlined in 11 U.S.C. § 1322. Chapter 13 involves a structured debt repayment plan lasting three to five years, rather than immediate debt discharge.
The Means Test helps ensure that Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection is reserved for individuals genuinely unable to repay their debts, aligning with federal standards established under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA).
2025 Florida Bankruptcy Means Test Calculation
The Means Test, required by federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C. § 707(b)), determines your eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy by comparing your average monthly income (calculated over the last six months) against Florida’s 2025 median income, based on your household size.
-
If your income is below Florida’s median, you typically qualify directly for Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in the Orlando-based Middle District Bankruptcy Court.
-
If your income is above the median, further calculations under 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2) must determine your disposable income to assess Chapter 7 eligibility.
Florida Median Income Levels for 2025
Household of 1: $64,801
Household of 2: $79,981
Household of 3: $92,735
Household of 4: $107,341
Each Additional Person: Add $10,190
(Updated regularly by the U.S. Trustee Program)
Steps in the Means Test (Florida, 2025)
Calculate Current Monthly Income (CMI)
-
Determine your average monthly income over the six-month period before filing bankruptcy (defined as Current Monthly Income, or CMI, under 11 U.S.C. § 101(10A)).
Compare to Median Income
-
If your CMI is below Florida's median income for your household size (see current median income levels here), you automatically qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Calculate Allowable Expenses
-
If your CMI exceeds Florida's median income, subtract allowable expenses—based on IRS National and Local Standards as set forth in 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)(A)(ii)—to determine your disposable monthly income.
Disposable Income Analysis
-
If your disposable income after allowable deductions is below the statutory threshold (11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)), you qualify for Chapter 7.
-
If your disposable income exceeds this threshold, you may need to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which involves a structured repayment plan (outlined in 11 U.S.C. § 1322).
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy in Orlando, Florida?
Attorney Carolina Nunez believes in transparency and honesty when representing clients which is why we, unlike other law firms, publish our prices. It's also important to point out that at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., we reduce our fees to support veterans, military, police officers, and firefighters as a way to honor their service.
Unlike many law firms, we openly publish our simplified pricing at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A.:
-
$1,800 flat fee (includes filing fees and one attendance at your 341 Meeting).
-
Does not include credit report fees, required debtor courses, extra-representation outside of a typical one meeting case.
-
Typical legal representation for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida ranges from $1,700 to $3,000, depending on complexity.
To maintain our personalized and lower-cost approach to the practice of law, as of 2025, our law firm takes only limited-income Chapter 7 cases. To better serve our clients and to provide straightforward, efficient assistance, we handle cases that only meet the following strict criteria:
-
Fixed income only (Social Security or disability).
-
If married, your shoals must also be in a fixed income.
-
Own only ONE home located in Florida.
-
Have no more than THREE bank accounts.
-
Have NO investment accounts or assets.
-
Own only ONE vehicle.
-
Do NOT receive regular financial contributions from family or friends.
Don't risk filing bankruptcy alone—without experienced legal counsel, you may lose important protections available under federal bankruptcy law. Our experienced Orlando bankruptcy team handles your case clearly, compassionately, and efficiently.
-
To see if you qualify, complete our easy Online Case Evaluation Form.
-
While we encourage the Online Case Evaluation Form due to the high number of calls, you can always call us at 407-900-FIRM for further assistance.
-
Para abogado de bancarrota del Capítulo 7 en español, llame 386-PLEITOS.
-
Offices conveniently located near Orlando, Winter Park, and Daytona Beach.
Step 2 - Credit Counseling BANKRUPTCY COURSE
Federal law (11 U.S.C. § 109(h)) requires all individuals filing bankruptcy to complete credit counseling from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee Program. These sessions generally cover:
-
Budget analysis and financial management
-
Alternatives to bankruptcy
-
Debt management options
-
Financial planning advice
For your convenience, the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court provides an updated list of approved credit counseling providers. Selecting from this official list ensures compliance and helps avoid potential filing issues.
Obtain Your Counseling Certificate
-
After completing the counseling session, you will receive an official Certificate of Completion. This certificate is mandatory for your bankruptcy filing, verifying you’ve fulfilled the federal counseling requirement under 11 U.S.C. § 521(b).
-
Keep this certificate safe and easily accessible—it must be included with your bankruptcy petition to avoid processing delays or rejection by the court.
Step 3 - CHAPTER 7 FLORIDA Bankruptcy EXEMPTIONS
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, commonly known as "liquidation bankruptcy," the court appoints a bankruptcy trustee to oversee your case, examine your assets, and determine whether any non-exempt assets can be sold to repay creditors, as required under federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C. § 704).
Understandably, many people worry about losing personal belongings or essential property during this process. Fortunately, Florida’s bankruptcy exemptions (Fla. Stat. § 222) and federal exemption guidelines (11 U.S.C. § 522) are specifically designed to protect necessary assets, allowing most filers to retain their home, vehicle, and personal property.
Trustee RESPONSIBILITIES IN A CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY INCLUDE:
-
Reviewing your financial records and verifying asset disclosures.
-
Identifying non-exempt assets eligible for liquidation (sale).
-
Liquidating non-exempt assets, if any, to repay creditors in order of priority as set forth by federal law (11 U.S.C. § 726).
While the role of the trustee may initially seem intimidating, in practice, the vast majority of Chapter 7 filers can keep most—if not all—of their property due to generous exemption laws designed to offer protection and peace of mind.
Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions -- Protecting Your Assets
Many people fear losing their home, vehicle, or personal belongings when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Fortunately, Florida law provides strong exemptions that protect essential assets from being liquidated by the bankruptcy trustee. These state exemptions allow most filers to retain important personal property and maintain financial stability after bankruptcy.
Homestead Exemption
-
Protects your primary home equity from creditors without limit in Florida, provided the property is no larger than half an acre if located within a municipality or up to 160 acres if outside city limits (Florida Constitution, Article X, Section 4).
Personal Property Exemption
-
You can protect up to $1,000 in personal property (such as furniture, electronics, and household items). If you do not claim the homestead exemption, you can claim an additional $4,000 exemption to protect more personal property (Fla. Stat. § 222.25(4)).
Motor Vehicle Exemption
-
Allows you to exempt up to $1,000 in equity in one vehicle, ensuring reliable transportation (Fla. Stat. § 222.25(1)).
Wage Exemption
-
Florida law protects wages of a head of family from garnishment, exempting up to $750 per week of net disposable income (Fla. Stat. § 222.11).
Florida also Safeguards:
-
Pension and retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA).
-
Public benefits such as Social Security, Disability, and Unemployment Compensation.
-
Specific insurance and annuity contracts (Fla. Stat. Chapter 222).
Step 4 - Debt That Cannot Be Discharged IN A BANKRUPTCY
While Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers significant relief from many debts, certain financial obligations are typically non-dischargeable under federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C. § 523). Understanding these limitations helps set realistic expectations for your financial recovery.
Some Tax Debt
-
Most recent federal, state, or local taxes usually cannot be discharged, unless specific criteria under bankruptcy law are met (such as older tax debts and certain penalties).
Secured Loans
-
Debts secured by collateral (homes, vehicles) typically remain after bankruptcy if you wish to retain the asset. To keep your home or car, you must continue timely payments.
-
If you decide to surrender the asset (e.g., returning a car), you generally won’t owe any further payments after bankruptcy discharge.
Child Support and Alimony
-
Obligations like child support, spousal support (alimony), and similar family support payments are strictly non-dischargeable.
Other Secured Loans
-
Loans with collateral that you wish to keep.
Student Loans
-
Student loans are a hot topic, especially when it comes to bankruptcy. Many people are confused about how Chapter 7 bankruptcy impacts student debt.
-
Student loan debt generally cannot be discharged in bankruptcy without proving "undue hardship," which requires specific legal standards to be met (outlined in 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(8)).
-
Successfully discharging student loans is rare, but an experienced bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and options.
BANKRUPTCY RELIEF - HIRING A LAWYER IN ORLANDO FLORIDA TO GUIDE YOU
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy in Orlando, Florida?
Attorney Carolina Nunez believes in transparency and honesty when representing clients which is why we, unlike other law firms, publish our prices. It's also important to point out that at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., we reduce our fees to support veterans, military, police officers, and firefighters as a way to honor their service.
Unlike many law firms, we openly publish our simplified pricing at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A.:
-
$1,800 flat fee (includes filing fees and one attendance at your 341 Meeting).
-
Does not include credit report fees, required debtor courses, extra-representation outside of a typical one meeting case.
-
Typical legal representation for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida ranges from $1,700 to $3,000, depending on complexity.
To maintain our personalized and lower-cost approach to the practice of law, as of 2025, our law firm takes only limited-income Chapter 7 cases. To better serve our clients and to provide straightforward, efficient assistance, we handle cases that only meet the following strict criteria:
-
Fixed income only (Social Security or disability).
-
If married, your shoals must also be in a fixed income.
-
Own only ONE home located in Florida.
-
Have no more than THREE bank accounts.
-
Have NO investment accounts or assets.
-
Own only ONE vehicle.
-
Do NOT receive regular financial contributions from family or friends.
Don't risk filing bankruptcy alone—without experienced legal counsel, you may lose important protections available under federal bankruptcy law. Our experienced Orlando bankruptcy team handles your case clearly, compassionately, and efficiently.
-
To see if you qualify, complete our easy Online Case Evaluation Form.
-
While we encourage the Online Case Evaluation Form due to the high number of calls, you can always call us at 407-900-FIRM for further assistance.
-
Para abogado de bancarrota del Capítulo 7 en español, llame 386-PLEITOS.
-
Offices conveniently located near Orlando, Winter Park, and Daytona Beach.
My Commitment
As Your Orlando Florida Bankruptcy Attorney -- Where Personalized Service is Valued
I am Attorney Carolina Nunez, and at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., we provide exceptional and compassionate legal representation for all. Our primary commitment is to pursue justice for you through skilled negotiation or aggressive courtroom litigation, depending on your unique circumstances.
We understand every case is deeply personal, often involving physical, emotional, and financial struggles. That’s why our legal approach is always customized to your specific needs. Our team not only offers experienced legal counsel but also compassionate support to guide you clearly and confidently through the entire legal process.
At The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., we pride ourselves on building attorney-client relationships founded on trust, transparency, and a shared dedication to achieving justice.
=
