Your Bankruptcy Law Expert
Benjamin “Skip” Martin
We handle bankruptcy cases involving Chapters 7, 11, and 13. Skip will help you determine which chapter will be most beneficial for you while determining if bankruptcy is the right approach for relieving your financial stress.
Bankruptcy Law
Chapter 7, Chapter 11 & Chapter 13
Bankruptcy can be an opportunity for individuals overburdened by debt to get a fresh start towards a more solid economic future. Understanding the difference between the different types of bankruptcy is the first step in the process. At the Law Offices of Benjamin “Skip” Martin we handle bankruptcy cases involving Chapters 7, 11, and 13. Skip will help you determine which chapter will be most beneficial for you while determining if bankruptcy is the right approach for relieving your financial stress.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 is sometimes referred to as straight bankruptcy. It is a liquidation proceeding in which the person can eliminate debt and keep property. If a person meets certain requirements, they can keep their home and exempt personal property. Non-exempt property is surrendered to a trustee and potentially sold to pay off debt to creditors. A discharge of debt (cancellation) in this type of bankruptcy usually takes around 4 months. Skip will work with you to complete a bankruptcy evaluation form to get to know your specific financial situation and help you make an informed decision. The Law Offices of Benjamin “Skip” Martin will continue to work with you throughout every step in the Chapter 7 filing process.
Chapter 11
We work with businesses or individuals who may need to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chapter 11 reorganizes a debtor’s business affairs and assets to help companies or individuals restructure their debts. If your business is struggling with unpaid debt or is facing lawsuits or seizure of assets, contact our office to find out if filing for bankruptcy is right for your situation. Skip has worked with sole proprietorships, large corporations, and every other business type in between. Contact our office to restructure, reduce, or eliminate secured and unsecured debt. His goal is to help you keep your business and give you a fresh start and to protect your income and assets which may be lost due to too much debt. Contact us at any of our offices in Sarasota, Bradenton or Port Charlotte for bankruptcy assistance and to start recovering from your debt as soon as possible.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 is a bankruptcy option that individuals can use which involves adjusting or reorganizing debt. Chapter 13 can be used by someone who has too much income to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and under the Chapter 13 rules, you are allowed to keep all of your assets. Chapter 13 involves making a monthly payment to the Chapter 13 Trustee. It is commonly used by a person who needs to catch up on mortgage payments or car payments which are behind. Chapter 13 is also an excellent way to deal with taxes owed to the IRS or Florida Department of Revenue. If you are an individual who has regular monthly income and can afford to make monthly payments over a three to five year period, Chapter 13 can be the solution you need to get out of debt. While the process takes longer than Chapter 7 to complete, the risks are lower and eligibility requirements are less restrictive. Contact The Law Offices of Benjamin “Skip” Martin for more information and to find out if this method of debt elimination will work for you.
Our Practices Areas
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can be an opportunity for individuals overburdened by debt to get a fresh start toward a solid economic future. With a free initial consultation, we can provide you with the preliminary information you need to assess whether bankruptcy is the right approach for relieving your financial stress, and if so, which bankruptcy chapter will be right for you.
Immigration
Immigration law issues can often be the most difficult and painful we encounter in the legal field. At the Law Offices of Benjamin "Skip" Martin, we understand the impact these complex issues have on you and your family. We strive to carefully represent our clients, so that the immigration, visa or naturalization petition we assist you with can be processed correctly and as quickly as possible.
Law Resources
With more than 30 years of practice experience, Benjamin “Skip” Martin is committed to providing you with the information about the law, the courts and legal education.