Experienced Florida Bankruptcy Lawyers

Assisting with your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the Florida Panhandle

The Sliva Law Firm is trusted local law firm based in Pensacola, Florida serving individuals and families in Pensacola, Milton, Crestview, Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Destin,  Panama City and surrounding communities throughout the Florida Panhandle . With over 50 years of combined experience, we specialize in helping clients navigate the bankruptcy process with compassion and clarity, guiding you every step of the way—from your first consultation through to a fresh financial start.

Bankruptcy is a federal legal process designed to help people overwhelmed by debt regain control of their finances and stop creditor harassment. When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay immediately halts most collection efforts, giving you much-needed breathing room.

At Sliva Law Firm, our goal is to help you move past this challenging time as smoothly and quickly as possible, so you can focus on rebuilding your financial future. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide personalized support tailored to your unique situation.

What can bankruptcy do for you?

Filing for bankruptcy can provide powerful legal protection and immediate financial relief. At Sliva Law Firm, we help individuals and families in Pensacola and the surrounding areas use bankruptcy to:

✅ Eliminate Most Debts
Discharge unsecured debts such as credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and more—giving you a fresh financial start.

✅ Stop Foreclosure and Keep Your Home
Filing bankruptcy can halt foreclosure proceedings, giving you a chance to catch up on missed mortgage or mobile home payments. (Note: Bankruptcy does not automatically remove mortgages or liens without repayment.)

✅ Remove Judgment Liens from Homestead Property
In many cases, judgment liens that impair your Florida homestead exemption can be stripped off during bankruptcy, helping you fully protect your home.

✅ Prevent Repossession or Recover Property
Chapter 13 bankruptcy may stop repossession of your vehicle or other property, or even require creditors to return property that has already been repossessed.

✅ End Wage Garnishment and Creditor Harassment
Put an immediate stop to wage garnishments, collection calls, lawsuits, and aggressive debt collection actions through the automatic stay protection.

✅ Keep Your Lights On
Bankruptcy may help you restore or prevent disconnection of utility services, such as electricity, water, or gas.

✅ Challenge Invalid or Fraudulent Debts
You can dispute and possibly eliminate debts from creditors who have overcharged you or engaged in fraudulent billing practices.

What bankruptcy cannot do?

While bankruptcy offers powerful financial relief, it isn’t a cure-all—and it’s not the right solution for every situation. At Sliva Law Firm, we make sure our clients in Pensacola and the Gulf Coast area understand both the benefits and the limitations of filing for bankruptcy.

Here are some things bankruptcy typically cannot do:

🚫 Eliminate Secured Debts Without Giving Up Collateral
Bankruptcy cannot remove the rights of secured creditors (like mortgage lenders or car finance companies) without conditions.

• If you want to keep your home or vehicle, you generally must continue making payments.

• Bankruptcy may restructure payment terms and wipe out your personal liability for any balance due after a repossession or foreclosure, but you can’t keep the property without paying.

🚫 Discharge Certain Non-Dischargeable Debts
Some debts are considered non-dischargeable under bankruptcy law, meaning they usually cannot be eliminated:

• Child support and alimony

• Most student loans (unless you meet very strict hardship criteria)

• Recent or certain types of taxes

• Criminal fines, restitution orders, and debts from fraud or willful misconduct

🚫 Protect Co-Signers in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If someone co-signed a loan for you, they could still be on the hook.

• In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, discharging your debt does not protect your co-signer—creditors may still pursue them.

• Chapter 13 may offer more protection for co-signers under certain conditions.

🚫 Eliminate Debts You Incur After Filing
Bankruptcy only covers debts you owed at the time your case is filed.

• Any new debts—including loans, credit cards, or bills you incur afterward—are not included and remain your responsibility.

What types of bankruptcy cases should I consider?

At Sliva Law Firm, we focus on helping individuals and families in Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy—the two most common and effective forms of consumer debt relief.

✅ Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – “Liquidation”

Chapter 7, also called straight bankruptcy, is ideal for individuals with limited income who need to eliminate unsecured debt.

• Wipes out most debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.

• Many clients can keep essential assets through Florida’s bankruptcy exemptions.

• Most cases are completed in 3 to 6 months.

✅ Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – “Debt Reorganization”

Chapter 13 is designed for people who have a steady income and want to:

• Catch up on mortgage or car payments,

• Stop foreclosure,

• Or pay off debts over time without losing property.
  You’ll submit a court-approved repayment plan that usually lasts 3 to 5 years.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

Whether you’re looking to eliminate debt through Chapter 7 or restructure payments through Chapter 13, we will help you understand your options and make the best choice for your situation.

Bankruptcy can offer real relief—but choosing the right path is essential. That’s why we offer personalized guidance every step of the way.

Speak with a Pensacola Bankruptcy Attorney Today

If you're overwhelmed by debt, facing creditor harassment, or behind on your mortgage, Sliva Law Firm is here to help. We serve clients across Pensacola, Escambia County, and surrounding areas.

📞 Call us at 850-438-6603 or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation with a local bankruptcy lawyer.