The Miller family loves their home. They worked hard, saved for years, and finally took the leap
of faith to purchase their first home. This house wasn’t just a roof over their heads. It's more
than just a house—it’s where they’ve built their life. It’s where they brought all three of their
children home from the hospital. It’s where they hear the laughter of their kids playing with their
two dogs in the backyard. For the Millers, it’s not just four walls and a place to sleep; it’s their
safe haven, their fortress, their peace.
But like many families, the Millers found themselves in financial trouble. Mr. Miller was laid
off from his job due to “cutbacks,” and Mrs. Miller’s hours at work were cut back. Soon, bills
started piling up—credit cards, medical expenses, and even the mortgage. They knew they had to
do something, but the thought of losing their home kept them awake at night.
When they first heard about bankruptcy as a solution, the Millers were scared. Would they have
to give up the place they loved so much? They couldn’t imagine their lives anywhere else.
Florida’s Homestead Protection: A Beacon of Hope
Here’s where Florida law offers a lifeline. The Millers learned about something called Florida’s
Homestead Exemption, which is one of the most powerful protections for homeowners in the
country. Florida law recognizes that a home isn’t just property—it’s where families like the
Millers live, grow, and find peace. Florida offers homeowners unique protections to help people
keep their homes, even during bankruptcy.
Under Florida law:
- If the Millers' home is their primary residence , it qualifies for homestead protection.
- This means their home is shielded from creditors in Chapter 7 bankruptcy as long as they meet the requirements of the bankruptcy code.
The Millers’ Bankruptcy Journey
With this knowledge, the Millers felt a little more at ease. They met with one of our bankruptcy
attorneys who explained how the process works. They decided to file for Chapter 13
bankruptcy, which allows them to reorganize their debts while keeping their home.
Here’s how Chapter 13 worked for the Millers:
- They created a repayment plan to catch up on missed mortgage payments over the next five years.
- During this time, their creditors couldn’t touch their home.
- As long as they stayed on track with their repayment plan, they would keep their home.
Why the Millers Could Sleep Peacefully Again
The Millers were relieved to learn that bankruptcy didn’t mean losing everything. Florida’s laws ensured they had a way to protect their home and rebuild their finances. They worked hard to stick to their repayment plan, and little by little, they started to breathe easier. Now, the Millers can once again enjoy family movie nights on the couch, backyard barbecues, and quiet evenings on the porch. Most importantly, they’re still in the home where they built their life together.
What You Should Know
If you’re like the Millers and are worried about losing your home, know that Florida’s homestead
exemption can protect what matters most. Bankruptcy isn’t the end of the road—it’s a fresh
start. Whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, there are options to help you keep your home
while addressing your financial challenges.
If you’re struggling, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney
who understands Florida’s laws and can guide you toward the best solution for your family. Just
like the Millers, you might find that keeping your home is not only possible—it’s likely.
If you need help navigating bankruptcy and protecting what matters most to you, call
The Dellutri Law Group. We've been practicing bankruptcy law for over 30 years, and
Mr. Carmen Dellutri is a Board-Certified Bankruptcy Lawyer with the expertise and
compassion to guide you through the process. Our firm has over 1200 (Insert 5 Yellow
Starts) Reviews. Let us help you find your fresh start while keeping your home and your
peace of mind. Reach out today—you don’t have to face this alone.