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FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS

If you need a personal reset, a path to keep your company afloat, or a plan to recover what you’re owed, our attorneys clearly explain your options and guide you through each step of the process.

Business Bankruptcy

When cash flow tightens or creditors close in, bankruptcy can offer a structured way to protect jobs, meet obligations, and give your company room to breathe. Our attorneys explain each option plainly so you can choose the course that aligns with your goals.

Chapter 7 Business Liquidation

If rescue is no longer realistic, Chapter 7 lets you wind down with dignity. A court-appointed trustee sells assets, settles priority debts, and distributes any remaining funds, sparing owners the stress of individual collection actions. Employees receive required notices, creditors gain transparency, and you gain closure so you can focus on your next venture.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 keeps the doors open while you reorganize. Management stays in control, daily operations continue, and automatic stays pause lawsuits or foreclosures. You’ll craft a court-supervised plan to renegotiate leases, reduce unsecured balances, and stabilize cash flow, all under clear deadlines that help lenders stay at the table.

Small Business Reorganization Act Of 2019 (Subchapter V)

Designed for companies with under $7.5 million in debt, Subchapter V trims legal costs and shortens timelines. There’s no creditors’ committee, the owner can keep equity, and a trustee facilitates quick consensus on a lean repayment plan, often confirmed within months instead of years, so you return to growth faster.

Assignment For The Benefit Of Creditors (ABC)

An ABC is a state-law alternative that avoids federal court altogether. You voluntarily transfer assets to a neutral assignee, who liquidates property, pays creditors in the statutory order, and files a final report. It’s typically quicker, more private, and less expensive than bankruptcy, giving stakeholders predictable results without prolonged litigation.

Personal Bankruptcy

Crushing credit-card balances, medical bills, or pending lawsuits can make it feel like you’re working just to stay afloat. A personal bankruptcy filing, or even a well-timed negotiation, can halt collection calls, pause wage garnishments, and give you breathing room to plan your next chapter. During your confidential Strategy Session, we’ll review your income, assets, and goals, then match you with the path that keeps the most money in your pocket while protecting the things that matter most.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This option liquidates non-exempt assets to wipe out most unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical expenses. In as little as four months, the court can issue a discharge, letting you rebuild credit sooner than many clients expect, often within a year, with no repayment plan hanging over you.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If you’re behind on mortgage or car payments, Chapter 13 sets up a three-to-five-year repayment schedule approved by the court. You keep your property while consolidating arrears into one affordable monthly payment, stopping foreclosure actions and repossessions so you can catch up without constant creditor pressure.

Chapter 11 Individual

Designed for individuals whose obligations exceed Chapter 13 limits, this flexible reorganization lets you restructure secured and unsecured debts on terms you propose. You maintain control of valuable assets like rental properties, business interests, or high-equity homes, while negotiating manageable payment timelines with creditors.

Debt Negotiation

When bankruptcy isn’t the right fit, we contact creditors to reduce balances, interest rates, and collection activity. Successful settlements can clear accounts for less than you owe, shorten payoff periods, and avoid court filings, giving you the relief you need with minimal public record impact.

Creditor Representation

When a debtor turns to bankruptcy for relief, your right to payment can slip through the cracks without the help of a focused bankruptcy lawyer in Florida. Our creditor representation team steps in early, scrutinizing schedules, filing timely proofs of claim, and challenging improper exemptions to preserve every dollar you are owed. We negotiate adequate-protection or reaffirmation terms, contest preference or fraudulent-transfer actions, and pursue nondischargeability claims when the facts support them. Throughout Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, or Chapter 13 repayment plans, we keep you informed of critical deadlines and court hearings so you can protect cash flow and make confident business decisions.

HOA & Condominium Creditors

Community associations rely on steady assessments to fund maintenance and reserves. We secure past-due fees by perfecting liens, filing priority claims, and resisting discharge of ongoing obligations. When necessary, we litigate lien-priority disputes and craft payment stipulations that stabilize budgets and safeguard property values.

Business Creditors

Whether you are a supplier, lender, or service provider, unpaid invoices can disrupt operations. We analyze contracts for collateral rights, seek adequate-protection payments, and monitor cash-collateral and critical-vendor motions. By negotiating plan treatment and contesting preference actions, we help you recover the maximum allowed without undermining future commercial relationships.

Personal Creditors

From promissory notes to judgment debts, individual creditors often feel sidelined in bankruptcy proceedings. We assemble complete claim packages, track every procedural milestone, and litigate nondischargeability when fraud, embezzlement, or willful injury is at issue. Our goal is straightforward: streamline the process and position you for the highest possible recovery with minimal court time.

About LSS Law

FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS

Bankruptcy isn’t the finish line; it’s a legal reset. Since 2016, LSS Law’s Florida bankruptcy lawyers have focused exclusively on insolvency, guiding individuals, family businesses, and creditors through every chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code with plain-language advice and steady advocacy. Because the entire practice centers on bankruptcy, the team follows procedural updates in real time and turns complex rules into practical strategies.

Two Offices Serving Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Meaningful counsel should be close to home. Clients connect with our Miami office or our Fort Lauderdale office, in person or by secure video, without rearranging packed calendars. Evening and weekend Strategy Sessions are available when life or work makes weekday meetings tough.

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE LSS LAW & STAY

Experience

With years of hands-on work in Florida bankruptcy law, our team guides businesses and individuals through Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11, and creditor matters with confidence backed by real-world results.

Trustworthiness

Transparency and integrity are at the heart of our practice. From the first conversation forward, we focus on lifting financial weight, not adding to it.

Personalized Approach

No two balance sheets look alike. Whether you need a debt-management plan, a custom consolidation strategy, or a well-timed bankruptcy filing, we build a solution that fits your life and long-term goals.

Education

We believe informed clients make better decisions. Expect clear explanations of every option and step so you can move ahead with certainty.

Compassion

Debt is stressful enough. We meet you with empathy, practical support, and steady communication, keeping the process as smooth as possible.

LSS Law is more than a law firm; we’re partners in your financial reset, here to help you regain control and step into a brighter future.

MEET THE TEAM

Zach B. Shelomith

Partner

Christian Somodevilla

Partner

Jonathan S. Leiderman

Counsel

Hear From Our Clients

Walter Laramore

Google - Client Reviewed

Jonathan is quite splendid to deal with and has been an ideal representative for my case. Well prepared, great attention to detail, and very empathetic to my needs. Superior communication skills and gets back with you, anticipating your needs. Worth every penny!

Janice Williams

Google - Client Reviewed

Thank you for All of your help. Ms. Ann you are my biggest supporter when I wanted to give up...And to my Attorney..Jonathan..I owe you my financial freedom..
Thank you, LSS LAW. You are the greatest bankruptcy firm i know to get the job done.

Camille Zhuk

Google - Client Reviewed

Christian Somodevilla is hands down one of the best Bankruptcy Attorneys I've gotten to work with. He's aggressive in the courtroom, on time with motions and meetings and a great communicator. I can't speak highly enough of his professionalism and efforts. I recommend him to everyone that needs his services!

Merril Galante

Google - Client Reviewed

Christian Somodevilla and his staff are absolutely the best! My father needed to file bankruptcy and Christian and his staff made every step clear and easy. They are kind, caring, attentive and understanding. I cannot thank them enough for all their help! I would absolutely recommend LSS Law!

Commonly Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions related to your circumstances.

Business Bankruptcy FAQS

1. Can Chapter 11 Keep My Company Operating?

Yes. Filing Chapter 11 triggers the automatic stay, which pauses most collections and lawsuits while owners keep running day-to-day operations as debtors in possession. A qualified business bankruptcy law firm can also use Subchapter V if total debt is below the current cap, giving small businesses a faster, lower-cost path to reorganization.

2. How Is Chapter 11 Different From Chapter 7?

Chapter 11 is a restructuring tool that lets management negotiate new terms with creditors and propose a repayment plan. Chapter 7 is a liquidation in which a trustee sells non-exempt assets and distributes the proceeds. Chapter 11 costs more but can preserve jobs, contracts, intellectual property, and brand value.

3. What Happens When a Business Files Bankruptcy?

After filing, the clerk issues a case number and notice of the Section 341 meeting. In Chapter 11 the debtor must file schedules and first-day motions within fourteen days, then submit monthly operating reports until a plan is confirmed. In Chapter 7 a trustee is appointed within days to gather assets, notify creditors, and schedule the 341 meeting.

4. May I Launch a New Venture After Bankruptcy?

Yes. The Bankruptcy Code does not prohibit former debtors from starting new companies once the old case is closed or discharged. Expect closer scrutiny from lenders for several years, but many entrepreneurs rebuild quickly with transparent records and solid financial controls.

5. What Do Miami Business Bankruptcy Lawyers Cost?

Bankruptcy-attorney fees in Miami depend on the chapter you choose, the complexity of your case, and the lawyer’s background. While price is part of the equation, retaining counsel with strong bankruptcy experience can streamline the process and better protect your interests.

PERSONAL Bankruptcy FAQS

1. Can I File for Bankruptcy in Florida Without a Lawyer?

Yes. The courts allow pro se filings, but missing a deadline or exemption can cause dismissal or asset loss. Most filers consult Florida bankruptcy attorneys or chapter 7 lawyers in Miami to ensure accuracy, enforce the automatic stay, and navigate trustee questions.

2. Do I Need a Certain Amount of Debt to File?

No minimum debt level exists. The decision hinges on your ability to repay, asset protection goals, and chapter-specific limits. Miami Chapter 13 attorneys often compare disposable income to a three- to five-year plan before recommending filing.

3. What Is the Current Income Limit for Chapter 7 in Florida?

As of May 2025 the median-income figures are roughly $65,801 for a single filer and $107,712 for a household of four, with about $11,100 added for each extra person. Falling below the line usually means you pass the means test; higher incomes may still qualify after allowed expense deductions.

4. How Do You Qualify for Bankruptcy in Florida?

You must complete a credit-counseling course within 180 days of filing, pass the means test (or propose a feasible Chapter 13 plan), and have lived in Florida at least 730 days to use its exemptions. A Florida bankruptcy lawyer will review income, assets, recent transfers, and prior filings before submitting your petition.

5. How Long Does a Typical Case Take?

A standard Chapter 7 in the Southern District of Florida finishes in about four to six months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 plans last three to five years, after which the court issues a final discharge if all payments are complete. Emergency “skeleton” filings can be done in one day to stop foreclosure, but full schedules must follow within fourteen days.

CREDITOR COMPENSATION FAQS

1. How Long Can a Creditor Collect on a Debt in Florida?

Creditors have five years to sue on written contracts or promissory notes and four years on open accounts such as credit cards. After that window the claim is time-barred, though voluntary repayment is still allowed.

2. What Rules Govern Debt Collection?

Collectors must follow both the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Florida’s Consumer Collection Practices Act, which prohibit harassment, false statements, and most late-night contacts. Recent changes give consumers the right to opt out of texts or emails entirely.

3. When Does a Debt Become Legally Uncollectible?

The statute of limitations clock starts on the date of default or last payment. Any written acknowledgment or partial payment can restart the clock, so creditors often seek even small payments on aging accounts.

4. What Can Creditors Do to Collect Debt?

With a judgment, creditors can garnish wages up to 25 percent of disposable earnings (subject to Florida head-of-household protections), levy non-exempt bank accounts, or place liens on real property. In bankruptcy court they can file proofs of claim, object to discharge for fraud, or move for relief from stay to resume foreclosure.

5. How Can I Improve My Recovery Odds?

Act quickly. Send a statutory demand letter, sue within the limitations period, and, if the debtor files bankruptcy, submit a timely proof of claim and be ready to challenge exemptions. Creditor representation legal services in Miami can also negotiate critical-vendor payments or defend preference actions to maximize recovery.

Ready for clear answers from experienced Florida bankruptcy lawyers?
Call (954) 799-3312 to schedule your confidential strategy session.

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A SOLUTION IS WITHIN REACH

When your family’s or company’s finances are on the line, early guidance makes all the difference. The seasoned attorneys at LSS Law counsel and represent individuals, entrepreneurs, and established businesses in matters such as bankruptcy, debt negotiation, and small-business reorganization.

Every case starts with a tailored plan. We dig into the details, craft practical debt strategies, and pursue results that move clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and nearby communities toward lasting stability.

Ready to chart a clearer financial course?

Schedule your Confidential Strategy Session with our team today.

About LSS Law

FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS

Two Offices Serving Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Personal Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Relief

Unexpected medical bills, gig-economy income swings, or soaring living costs can strain any household. Chapter 7 lawyers in Miami can often close a case in about three months, discharge unsecured debt, and trigger the automatic stay the moment the petition is filed.

When home equity or above-median income blocks that path, Miami Chapter 13 attorneys craft three- to five-year repayment plans that stop foreclosures, cure mortgage arrears, and fold credit-card balances into one affordable monthly payment. Our bankruptcy attorneys review means-test numbers, Florida exemption rules, and long-term goals to design filings that protect assets and fit real-world budgets. We attend every Section 341 meeting, prepare clients for trustee questions, and amend schedules promptly if circumstances change.

Business Reorganization Through Chapter 11

Market disruptions and supply-chain delays can squeeze even profitable ventures. As a dedicated business bankruptcy law firm, LSS Law uses Chapter 11 to renegotiate secured loans, address trade vendor debt, and preserve going-concern value while doors stay open. When liabilities sit below the Subchapter V threshold, we leverage that streamlined framework to cut timelines and reduce fees. Collaboration with outside tax advisors and financial consultants helps ensure a sustainable capital structure.

Creditor Representation

A balanced system protects debtors’ fresh starts while honoring legitimate claims. Our creditor representation legal services in Miami help community associations, trade vendors, and private lenders file precise proofs of claim, challenge improper exemptions, and litigate nondischargeability, preference, or lien-priority disputes. Early involvement often preserves collateral value, especially for condominium associations seeking past-due assessments or businesses defending preference actions.

Comprehensive Service Menu

Insolvency intersects with other disputes. The firm litigates adversary proceedings involving fraud, preferences, and fraudulent transfers; explores student-loan hardship discharge options; and offers pre-bankruptcy counseling on budgeting, exemptions, and mandatory credit courses. Outside the courthouse, attorneys negotiate loan modifications, forbearance agreements, short sales, and deeds in lieu, giving clients flexible, cost-conscious alternatives that may keep courts out of the picture entirely.

Decades Of Combined Courtroom Experience

Though LSS Law is in its first decade, its attorneys share more than seventy years in bankruptcy practice, spanning routine consumer cases and multimillion-dollar reorganizations, and have built constructive relationships with trustees, opposing counsel, and the United States Trustee’s office. Familiarity with local procedures moves cases from petition to discharge without unnecessary delay.

Client-Centered Approach & Cost Transparency

Financial stress is hard enough without surprise invoices. Initial consultations are free, many consumer matters use flat fees, and every anticipated cost, court fees, credit reports, and credit-counseling courses, is disclosed during the first Strategy Session. Evening and weekend appointments, bilingual staff, and encrypted client portals keep communication open and documents secure.

Serving The Broader South-Florida Community

Clients from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties file in one of the nation’s busiest bankruptcy districts. Our bilingual team guides English- and Spanish-speaking clients through each step, monitors electronic dockets daily, and keeps clients informed of hearing dates and trustee requests, reducing unnecessary courthouse trips.

Your Path To A Fresh Start

Bankruptcy aims to restore financial stability and encourage renewed economic participation. With offices in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, comprehensive chapter coverage, and decades of courtroom insight, LSS Law is ready to help South-Florida residents and businesses leave debt behind.

Call Today To Schedule Your Confidential Strategy Session: (954) 799-3312