Stop Creditor Calls and Start Fresh

Affordable bankruptcy filings in Clearwater to help you regain control of your finances.

When debt becomes unmanageable, you need clear options that fit your situation and budget. In Clearwater, families dealing with mounting bills, harassing phone calls, and wage garnishments often find relief through bankruptcy filings that stop collection efforts and provide a structured path forward. You do not need to navigate this alone or wait until the situation worsens.

Joshua Bethea Attorney at Law offers Chapter 7 bankruptcy for as low as $1,000 and Chapter 13 filings starting at $3,500, with payment plans beginning at just $500 down. We evaluate your eligibility, prepare and file all required documents, and represent you through discharge. This process stops creditor harassment, halts wage garnishments, and can prevent foreclosure actions while giving you time to reorganize your financial obligations.

If you are ready to review your debt relief options and see what filing could accomplish for your household, contact us for a free consultation in Clearwater.

How the Filing Process Protects You Immediately

Once we file your bankruptcy petition in Clearwater, an automatic stay goes into effect, which legally stops most creditors from contacting you, garnishing your wages, or pursuing foreclosure. We gather your financial records, complete credit counseling requirements, and submit your case to the bankruptcy court with all supporting schedules and statements. You attend a meeting of creditors where a trustee reviews your filing, and we are there to represent you and answer any questions that arise.

After your case is discharged, qualifying debts are eliminated, and you are no longer legally obligated to pay them. You will notice that collection calls stop, your paycheck returns to its full amount, and the constant pressure from creditors lifts.

We handle both Chapter 7 liquidation cases and Chapter 13 repayment plans, depending on your income, assets, and goals. Not all debts can be discharged, including most student loans, recent tax obligations, and certain court-ordered payments. Understanding which debts qualify and what you can keep is part of the evaluation we conduct before filing.

Bankruptcy can feel confusing, especially if this is your first time considering it. These are the questions clients in Clearwater ask most often before moving forward.

You likely have questions about what happens next

What debts can be eliminated through bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 typically discharges credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and some older tax debts. Chapter 13 allows you to reorganize secured debts like mortgages and car loans while discharging unsecured obligations at the end of your repayment plan.
How long does the bankruptcy process take?
Chapter 7 cases usually take three to four months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 involves a three- to five-year repayment plan, after which remaining qualifying debts are discharged.
Will I lose my home or car if I file?
Florida exemptions protect a significant amount of home equity and personal property. In most cases, you can keep your home and vehicle as long as you stay current on secured payments and the equity falls within exemption limits.
What happens to my credit after bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy remains on your credit report for seven to ten years, but many clients see their scores begin to recover within a year as they rebuild with secured credit and on-time payments. Filing stops the cycle of missed payments and collections that continuously damage your credit.
When should I file for bankruptcy?
You should consider filing when you cannot keep up with minimum payments, face wage garnishment or foreclosure, or when debt collectors contact you multiple times per week. Waiting often makes the situation harder to resolve and limits your options.

Joshua Bethea Attorney at Law works with clients throughout Clearwater who need a realistic, affordable way to address debt that has become unmanageable. We offer free consultations to review your situation, explain what filing would accomplish, and help you decide if bankruptcy is the right step. Reach out today to discuss your options and start moving toward financial stability.