Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney, Melbourne, FL
Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL Bankruptcy Attorney.
Beau Bowin, the founder of Bowin Law Group, is a top-rated Melbourne Florida bankruptcy attorney. We practice exclusively Bankruptcy and foreclosure defense in Brevard County, from Melbourne, to Cocoa to Titusville, Florida. Recognized as one of Florida’s top bankruptcy and foreclosure defense lawyers, Beau has earned peer-nominated Rising Star honors in Florida Super Lawyers Magazine (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014)—an elite distinction awarded to fewer than 2% of attorneys statewide by Thomson Reuters. Among the select few in Melbourne and all of Brevard County to receive this accolade, Beau also holds a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating, reflecting exceptional client satisfaction.
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Specializing in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, mortgage modification, short sales, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and strategic default, Bowin Law Group has guided thousands of Brevard families through financial crises—from Melbourne and Titusville to Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Viera, Rockledge, and the entire Space Coast.
We are Brevard's Hometown Law Group, Proudly Serving: Brevard County, Florida, including Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Melbourne Beach, Viera, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Saint John, Titusville, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Merritt Island, and Port Saint John.
Why Choose Bowin Law Group's Bankruptcy Attorneys?
Choosing the right Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Melbourne FL is critical. Here’s why thousands across Brevard choose Bowin Law Group:
- Unmatched Local Recognition: Peer-selected Rising Star (2010–2014) and one of the only Melbourne attorneys honored by Super Lawyers and have a perfect 10.0 AVVO score.
- Serving Every Corner of Brevard: From Cape Canaveral to Micco, Satellite Beach to Mims, in-person, phone, and virtual consultations available.
- 4,000+ Families Helped: Real results in debt discharge, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage workouts. No attorney has won more foreclosure cases for homeowners in Brevard County since 2009.
- Transparent & Flexible Fees: Flat-rate bankruptcy representation.
- Compassionate, Judgment-Free Advocacy: Financial hardship strikes everyone—divorce, medical emergencies, job loss, or Space Coast industry downturns. Beau fights for you.
- We are Brevard's Hometown Law Group.
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Bankruptcy Options Tailored for Melbourne & Brevard Residents
Florida offers robust state property exemptions that protect your assets in Chapter 7 bankruptcy —especially vital for protecting your Melbourne home or Palm Bay vehicle. Some of the property exemptions that apply in Chapter 7 bankruptcy include:
- Homestead: Unlimited equity is exempt in most cases.
- Personal Property: $1,000 + $4,000 wildcard (if no homestead claimed).
- Vehicle: $5,000 equity.
- Retirement: 100% protected (IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions).
The primary qualification for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an income analysis, known as the “Means Test”, which compares your household income to median household income in Florida with the same number of members in the family. Bowin Law Group will run this means test for you at your initial consultation to ensure you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
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What Chapter 7 bankruptcy can do for you.
Debt Type | Solution |
|---|---|
Credit Card Debt | 100% discharge in Chapter 7 |
Medical Bills | Florida’s #1 bankruptcy trigger—fully eliminated |
Foreclosure | Automatic stay to halt the foreclosure |
Wage Garnishment | Stops 25% paycheck deductions instantly |
Vehicle Repossession | Recover repossessed cars post-filing |
IRS & Florida Tax Debt | Discharge old income taxes; manage liens |
Judgments & Lawsuits | Halt collections immediately |
Student Loans | Rare hardship discharge; deferment strategies |
Whether you’re a retiree in Indialantic, a teacher in Viera, or a small business owner in downtown Melbourne, Bowin Law Group is here for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Bankruptcy in Melbourne & Brevard County
Q: How much are attorney fees for bankruptcy in Melbourne FL?
A: Bowin Law Group offers flat fees: $1,500– $2,500 (Chapter 7);. Court fees: $338. Initial Consultations are free.
Q: Will I lose my home filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Brevard?
A: No. Florida’s homestead exemption protects your primary residence. Chapter 13 can save your home from foreclosure. Visit our Blog for more information on the property you can keep in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Q: Can Bowin Law Group stop a foreclosure sale in Palm Bay or Titusville?
A: Yes—immediately. The Automatic Stay halts sales upon filing. Chapter 13 lets you cure arrears over 5 years. Visit our Blog to learn more about the Automatic Stay and how it protects you.
Q: What debts cannot be discharged?
A: Child support, recent taxes, most student loans, criminal fines. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans = 100% dischargeable.
Q: How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit?
A:
- Chapter 7: 10 years from filing
- Chapter 13: 7 years
Impact fades after 2 years with rebuilding.
Visit our Blog to learn more about how Chapter 7 bankruptcy may actually improve your credit score.
Q: Do I have to go to court?
No. You never appear before a judge. You are interviewed by video by a Chapter 7 Trustee to verify the information in your petition is accurate. Bowin Law Group appears with you. It typically lasts 5-10 minutes.
Q: Can my spouse and I file separately?
Yes, but joint filing often doubles exemptions. Attorney Bowin analyzes both options.
Q: What is the Florida means test?
A: The “means test” compares your income to the median household income in Florida with the same number of members in the family. If you make too much money, you may not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Bowin Law Group evaluates your eligibility for Chapter 7 in your initial consultation. Visit our Blog to learn more about the Means Test in Florida.
Above-median? Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be required.
Q: Can I keep my car in Chapter 7?
A: Yes. Up to $5,000 equity is exempt. Continue monthly payments to retain financed vehicles. Visit our Blog to learn more about Florida property exemptions and the property you can keep in Chapter 7.
Q: How soon can I file again?
- Ch. 7 → Ch. 7: 8 years
- Ch. 13 → Ch. 13: 2 years
Q: Does bankruptcy stop IRS wage garnishment?
A: Immediately. Older income taxes may sometimes be discharged.
Q: What about rental property in Cocoa Beach?
A: Non-homestead property may be sold in Chapter 7 if there is significant equity above the mortgage lien. Chapter 13 or short sale alternatives available.
Q: Is bankruptcy public record?
A: Yes, but rarely noticed. No newspaper publication. It would be difficult for anyone to learn of your bankruptcy other than your creditors.
Q: Do I need an attorney to file?
A: You can file pro se—but most of them fail, or they lose assets they did not want to lose. Bowin Law Group ensures accuracy and protects your assets. Visit our Blog to learn why it is extremely important to hire an attorney to file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Q: Can Beau help with mortgage modification?
A: We can assist homeowners in evaluating the benefits of a modification and provide advice on how to obtain a modification from their lender. No attorney can guaranty a modification. It is a completely voluntary transaction between the borrower and the lender. Run away from any attorney that tells you otherwise.
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Proudly Serving:
The Bowin Law Group proudly serves many areas in Brevard County, Florida, including Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Melbourne Beach, Viera, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Saint John, Titusville, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Merritt Island, and Port Saint John.