Barbara Cusumano Has the Answers
Bankruptcy Q&A
Dedicated Bankruptcy Lawyer in Gainesville, Ocala, St. Pete, & Tampa, Florida
Don’t fall for the myths and misconceptions about bankruptcy! While this federal form of debt relief may seem daunting, bankruptcy is a viable option that has helped millions of Americans recover from tough financial situations. Everyone deserves a second chance!
My name is Barbara Cusumano, and as a Gainesville bankruptcy lawyer, I have been honored to help thousands of men and women just like you to achieve renewed stability and peace of mind in the wake of unexpected financial hardships and insurmountable debt. The following are answers to some of the most common questions I have received about bankruptcy in my 25 years of practice.
If I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, will I lose all my assets?
Many people mistakenly believe that they will lose their home, car and household goods if they file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our clients keep their homes, vehicles, wages, retirement accounts, life insurance, jewelry and household goods (within certain limitations). Call me today to schedule your free initial bankruptcy telephone consultation.
Can bankruptcy end the harassing creditor calls?
Yes. Filing for bankruptcy puts an immediate freeze on debt collection activities such as wage garnishment and harassing phone calls. Just as soon as we file your case, creditors are immediately prohibited from any form of communication with you.
Will someone come search through my house?
I would say that in over 98 percent of my cases, no one comes to my clients’ homes. If you are honest and thorough in listing your assets and other information requested by me and the bankruptcy court, you should be just fine. It is important that you hire a lawyer who will ask you the right questions and take the time to gather the appropriate information. Many law firms simply give their clients paperwork to fill out, without really delving deeper–and trouble tends to follow. I take the burden off of your shoulders and personally prepare each and every bankruptcy petition and schedules. Rest assured that when I file your bankruptcy petition and schedules, I know that the information is true and correct. We have a 100 percent success (discharge) rate with our bankruptcy filings.
Can filing for bankruptcy save my home from foreclosure?
Yes, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be used as an effective method of foreclosure defense. If filed prior to the date of sale, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will freeze the foreclosure and allow you to structure a repayment plan, enabling you to pay your current mortgage payments going forward and the back mortgage payments in installments over a period of three to five years. There are mortgage modification options within a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well. Your home is so much more than just a house. It is the heartbeat of your family and we are committed to saving it!
Will filing for bankruptcy permanently destroy my credit?
Absolutely not! In fact, by following my advice, my clients are able to see their credit scores improve dramatically within a year of filing. Our goal is to get your credit score in the 700s within a year!
How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I work very hard to keep my fees as low and as reasonable as possible. The average Chapter 7 bankruptcy fee is between $1,600 and $2000, plus the filing fee. For a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court sets the legal fees and they average between $3,500 and $4,000, plus the filing fee. Not all of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy fee is required to be paid up front. We offer payments plans for the Chapter 13 fees, even after we have filed your case. Attorney fees vary depending on each case and we offer various bankruptcy packages to meet your needs. Contact my office to learn more about fees for your case. At Barbara Cusumano, Attorney at Law, we offer payment plans to our both our Chapter 7 and 13 clients.
But I feel guilty about filing! What should I do?
Don’t beat yourself up over filing for bankruptcy. Many of the men and women who come to me are hardworking individuals who express that they feel ashamed and embarrassed about the prospect of filing for bankruptcy. No one should feel this way! Everyone goes through financial hard times—particularly with interest rates as high as 29.99 percent and a world health crisis! Don’t let misconceptions about bankruptcy stop you from obtaining the second chance you deserve. I am here to discharge your debt, help you rebuild your finances and achieve renewed stability, security, and independence!
Gain Peace of Mind with a Financial Fresh Start
No matter what your financial situation looks like, I understand the bankruptcy laws that affect you and I am prepared to help and provide answers. Over the course of my 25 years in practice in Florida, I have been able to discharge tens of millions of dollars in debt on behalf of my clients. With each new case I accept, I work hard to ensure that my clients are able to achieve freedom and stability through the debt relief solution that is right for them.
Why wait?
Take a step toward a better future — call Barbara Cusumano, Attorney at Law to schedule your confidential appointment. The road to financial freedom starts today!
Call Now:
- 352.379.2828 Gainesville / Ocala
- 727.498.5008 Tampa / St. Pete