Best Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

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Founded in 1891
1,287 people in their team
English
For 130 years, Baker Donelson has built a reputation for achieving results for our clients on a wide range of legal matters. While providing legal services is our focus, it is how we deliver them that sets us apart. Our goal is to provide clients with more than what they have come to expect from a...
Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Fort Lauderdale, United States

Founded in 1967
2,300 people in their team
English
Five decades ago, while at lunch in a South Florida deli, attorneys Larry J. Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to establish a new breed of law firm for South Florida; a firm that mirrored a New York style firm. In 1967, they founded the law firm Greenberg Traurig...
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About Restructuring & Insolvency Law in Fort Lauderdale, United States

Restructuring and insolvency law in Fort Lauderdale falls under the broader scope of financial and bankruptcy law in the United States. This area of law deals with the processes businesses and individuals can use to address financial distress, manage debt, or, in some cases, liquidate assets to satisfy creditors. Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, observes both federal bankruptcy laws and certain Florida state statutes that affect how insolvency and restructuring proceedings are handled locally.

Restructuring typically refers to legal and financial strategies intended to help a business or individual reorganize their debts to continue operations and repay creditors over time. Insolvency denotes the situation where debts exceed assets or there is an inability to pay debts as they come due. In such cases, legal remedies like bankruptcy may be necessary to resolve financial instability.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Navigating restructuring and insolvency issues can be overwhelming and complex, especially when legal risks and financial liabilities are high. Common reasons you may need a lawyer in Fort Lauderdale include:

  • Considering bankruptcy as an individual or business and needing to understand your options
  • Creditor harassment or threats of foreclosure, repossession, or wage garnishment
  • Negotiating debt settlements or structuring repayment plans
  • Guidance through Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings
  • Responding to lawsuits or collection actions from creditors
  • Advice on asset protection or business restructuring to avoid insolvency
  • Handling legal requirements for creditor meetings, court hearings, or trustee interactions
  • Protecting personal or business assets through available exemptions under Florida law

A lawyer specializing in restructuring and insolvency can provide legal clarity, represent you in court, and help you achieve the best possible outcome under the law.

Local Laws Overview

Fort Lauderdale is governed by the United States Bankruptcy Code, which provides the framework for most insolvency and restructuring matters. However, Florida-specific laws and exemptions play a critical role in bankruptcy proceedings filed in Fort Lauderdale.

Key aspects of local laws relevant to restructuring and insolvency include:

  • Homestead Exemption: Florida allows one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country, protecting a primary residence from most creditors during bankruptcy, with certain limitations.
  • Personal Property Exemptions: Additional Florida statutes offer exemptions for personal property, vehicles, retirement accounts, and certain wages.
  • Credit Counseling Requirement: Debtors must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider prior to filing for bankruptcy.
  • Means Test: Individuals seeking Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Lauderdale must pass a means test to determine eligibility based on household income and expenses.
  • Automatic Stay: Upon filing for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is invoked, halting most creditor actions including lawsuits, foreclosures, and collection calls.
  • Business Reorganizations: For businesses, Chapter 11 proceedings allow debt reorganization under court supervision. Florida local courts have procedures and timelines specific to commercial bankruptcy cases.

Understanding both federal and state legal nuances is critical for anyone navigating restructuring and insolvency in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bankruptcy and insolvency?

Insolvency is a financial state where an individual or entity cannot pay their debts as they come due. Bankruptcy is a legal process that can be used to handle insolvency, providing ways to discharge or reorganize debts under court supervision.

What types of bankruptcy are most commonly filed in Fort Lauderdale?

The most common types are Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 13 (wage earner's plan for individuals), and Chapter 11 (business reorganization). Each type has specific eligibility requirements and processes.

How does the Florida homestead exemption protect my home?

The Florida homestead exemption protects the primary residence from most creditors, allowing you to exempt an unlimited amount of value in your home, provided certain residency and size requirements are met.

Can I keep my car if I file for bankruptcy in Fort Lauderdale?

Florida law allows you to exempt a certain amount of value in a vehicle. Whether you can keep your car depends on your equity in the vehicle and the specific chapter of bankruptcy you file.

Are businesses eligible for bankruptcy relief in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. Businesses can file for Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 11 (reorganization). Chapter 11 is designed to help businesses restructure debt and continue operations under court oversight.

What happens to my credit after filing for bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy filing will appear on your credit report for up to 10 years depending on the chapter, which will initially lower your credit score. Over time, responsible financial behavior can help rebuild your credit.

What is the means test and why does it matter?

The means test determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy by evaluating your income and expenses. If your income exceeds the allowed threshold, you may instead need to file under Chapter 13.

Will bankruptcy stop creditor calls and lawsuits?

Yes. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops most collection actions, including calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosures.

Can all debts be discharged in bankruptcy?

Not all debts are dischargeable. Common nondischargeable debts include most tax obligations, student loans (with limited exceptions), child support, and certain court-ordered payments.

How long does a typical bankruptcy process take in Fort Lauderdale?

A Chapter 7 case usually lasts 3 to 6 months. Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan that runs for 3 to 5 years. Chapter 11 cases are highly variable, depending on business complexity and negotiations.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or direct assistance regarding restructuring and insolvency in Fort Lauderdale, consider reaching out to these resources:

  • United States Bankruptcy Court - Southern District of Florida
  • Florida Bar - Lawyer Referral Service
  • Broward County Bar Association
  • Legal Aid Service of Broward County
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  • Florida Department of Financial Services

Next Steps

If you are considering restructuring or insolvency, it is important to seek professional guidance. Here are suggested actions you can take:

  • Evaluate your financial situation and gather relevant documents, such as income statements, asset listings, and debt records
  • Consult with a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy and restructuring in Fort Lauderdale to understand your options and rights
  • Attend a credit counseling session from an approved provider if considering bankruptcy
  • Prepare questions about timelines, costs, and the potential impact on your assets and credit
  • Stay proactive in communicating with creditors and legal representatives throughout the process

Professional legal advice can help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve a more favorable resolution for your financial future.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.