Losing one’s source of income is one of the most common reasons people
in Florida file for
bankruptcy. If you have lost your job and you can no longer afford to keep up with
all of your living expenses and debts, then filing for bankruptcy is one
option you can use to keep your property and discharge unsecured debts.
How Do I File for Bankruptcy if I’m Unemployed?
If you are unemployed, you can file for
Chapter 13 or
Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Both of these options do not have an employment requirement to file.
Courts will take the following things into account to decide which option
you are eligible for:
- Income from any jobs you had
- Unemployment benefits
- Investment income
To determine your current income, courts will use your average earnings
from the six months prior to filing your bankruptcy paperwork.
If you are planning to file for Chapter 7, you will have to complete a
means test form that compares your six-month average income with the mean average
income in your bankruptcy district. If the average is too high, you won’t
be eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When it comes to Chapter
13 cases, you must have a source of income to fund your repayment plan
in order to be approved for bankruptcy.
Consult with a Bankruptcy Lawyer in St. Augustine
As you can see, filing for bankruptcy while you are unemployed requires
a solid legal strategy, which is why you should speak with one of our
experienced bankruptcy lawyers to get advice for handling your case. Our
skilled legal team can assess the details of your case and explain all
of your options under the law. We are here to walk you through every aspect
of your case to make sure your rights and interests are fully protected.
Call (904) 637-1839 to
request a free consultation with a St. Augustine bankruptcy attorney.