Ojus, FL Bankruptcy Law Firms & Lawyers

You don't have to do anything. After the extended deadline (if granted) has passed and there are no legitimate objections, the court will likely grant you a discharge in the case.

The bankruptcy code does not require that married individuals file bankruptcy jointly. I am not licensed in FL, so I cannot address state-specific issues which may factor into this, but here in California, I file many cases each year where only one spouse of a married couple files bankruptcy. That being said, there is still a lot of issues which will involve your spouse. First, you must qualify to file bankruptcy. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass a "means test," and that requires an examination of both you and your non-filing spouse's income. You generally cannot leave your spouses income out of the means test unless you are living separate and apart, and maintain entirely segregated finances. Further, if Florida is a community property state, you need to examine whether or not your creditors can pursue your non-filing spouse for your debts on the theory of community debts. You also have to look at issues of property. In California, we have to list assets belonging not only to the filing individual, but their non-filing spouse as well. I would suggest that you contact a local bankruptcy attorney. Most offer a free, initial consultation, and some of these questions can be answered in that first meeting. David L. GibbsThe Gibbs Law Firm, APCSan Clemente, Californiadavid.gibbs@gibbslaw.com *Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence. As required by 11 U.S.C. §528, we must now disclose that, "We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Assistance we provide with respect to Debt Relief may involve bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code."  

You are asking a very general question. All persons can qualify for bankruptcy protection, it is more of a question, which type (Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or Chapter 11). To determine this, check the US Trustee?s website for the Median income in your State and County. That will determine if you can file a Chapter 7 with or without a presumption of abuse. The presumption can be overcome, but it is a good place to start. Also, make an appointment with a Bankruptcy Attorney in your jurisdiction.