COVID 19 could cause bankruptcy filings to go up in record numbers in Florida

For anyone struggling to make ends meet before the coronavirus hit, the last few months have been a financial nightmare. The nightmare won't end until the virus is diminished and the economy gets rolling again. But even then, will it be too late? What will you need to do to get out from under the crushing debt? It's scary because we just don't know what's coming next.

Bankruptcy in the middle of coronavirus and post coronavirus-Changes In Bankruptcy

As part of the stimulus package, temporary changes were made to the bankruptcy law. There's help for consumers who may need to file for bankruptcy or for those who had already filed before COVID-19. Helpful changes include: Means Test: When you file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you must pass a means test to determine if you have the ability to pay your creditors. If you received money as part of the government’s stimulus package, it will not be considered income on the means test. It is also not considered disposable income for those filing for Chapter 13.

Repayment: For people who have filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and are currently in repayment, you may be able to modify your payment plan and make changes due to a hardship that resulted from COVID 19. Help for those who qualify include extending your payment up to an additional 2 years, which will lower your plan payments; delaying your payments, or even applying for a hardship discharge. Call us to discuss these changes more changes that were implemented.

What next? We all have lots of questions as a result of this virus. For the lucky ones, it’s "Is it really safe to go to the beach again?” But for many people, "How will I pay my bills?" is the tough question that keeps them up at night.

If you're worried about paying bills, losing your home or paying the rent, wage garnishment, repossession of your car, and other debt related concerns, Call Attorney Arna Cortazzo at (321) 690-2363 or email us at advocates@cortazzolaw.com for a free telephone conference or video consultation to find out how we can help you. We are working safely, efficiently and we're getting things done for our clients in Viera, Melbourne, Rockledge, and all of Brevard County and Orange County during these difficult times.