Live From the Legal Zone: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in South Florida Explained by Chad Van Horn

South Florida bankruptcy lawyer Chad Van Horn helps individuals and small businesses tackle debt, foreclosure, wage garnishment, and credit rebuilding. 

Learn actionable tips from his Legal Zone segment on Fish Tank Live.

When Chad Van Horn, Esq., a South Florida bankruptcy lawyer focused on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, steps into the Legal Zone on Fish Tank Live, the conversation shifts. What starts as sports talk quickly becomes practical guidance for people struggling with debt, foreclosure, wage garnishment, and small-business challenges.

Viewers come for Dolphins commentary, but they leave with actionable strategies and a clear plan for their financial future. Chad’s approach is straightforward: no jargon, no judgment—just solutions.

Why Mindset Matters in Bankruptcy

Many people facing debt feel shame, but Chad starts with facts. In South Florida, medical bills, job loss, and unexpected emergencies are the main drivers of financial hardship—not overspending. Understanding this is the first step to finding the right solution.

One Fort Lauderdale couple believed they had “failed” financially. In a single consultation, Chad helped them realize their debt was caused by medical layoff and emergency room bills, not poor choices. With clarity, they could confidently explore Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy options.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in South Florida: Choosing the Right Option

Choosing the right type of bankruptcy is crucial.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (“Fresh Start”)

• Wipes out unsecured debt like credit cards and medical bills
  
• Florida exemptions protect essential assets
  
• Fast discharge, but budgeting and credit rebuilding are still needed
  

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (“Catch-Up Plan”)

• Stops collections and sets a 3–5 year repayment plan
  
• Used to cure mortgage or auto loan arrears
  
• Keeps crucial assets while creating financial order
  

Example: A Palm Beach nurse with mortgage arrears used Chapter 13 to cure debts over 60 months while keeping her home.

How Bankruptcy Stops Collection Activity in Florida (Wage Garnishment & Foreclosure)

If you’re facing wage garnishments, lawsuits, repossessions, or foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay, which temporarily halts most collection activity.

Chad’s pre-consult checklist helps him act fast:

• Gather notices, lawsuits, and collection letters
  
• List all creditors, balances, and interest rates
  
• Pull recent pay stubs and bank statements
  
• Note any Florida deadlines for lawsuits or foreclosure
  

Example: A Broward client with 25% of his paycheck garnished and a car at risk filed for bankruptcy. The automatic stay stopped the garnishments, and Chad’s team stabilized his finances within weeks.

Small-Business Bankruptcy Relief in South Florida: Subchapter V

Small businesses in South Florida often face uneven cash flow, high rent, or vendor debt. Subchapter V is a streamlined Chapter 11 option that allows owners to restructure and stay open.

Example: A Fort Lauderdale café struggling after high build-out costs used Subchapter V to renegotiate vendor contracts and resize a lease, keeping the staff and brand intact.

High-Income Earners and Bankruptcy in South Florida

Even professional athletes, contractors, and startup founders can face financial stress. Chad recommends:

• Choosing advisers carefully
  
• Tracking cash flow monthly
  
• Using bankruptcy strategically to reorganize or discharge debt
  

Example: A South Florida athlete stabilized finances, cut predatory contracts, and rebuilt credit responsibly with Chad’s guidance.

Condo Fees, HOAs, and Bankruptcy Challenges in South Florida

Rising condo assessments and HOA fees are a common issue in South Florida. Chad advises:

• Check if the HOA carries D&O insurance
  
• Assess whether debts are collectible
  
• Consider contingency-fee attorneys
  
• Focus on protecting fixed-income owners if multiple lawyers decline

Viewer question: Does joining the board help? 

Chad’s answer: Only if it’s compensated and clearly defined—otherwise, board politics can create more stress than solutions.

Protecting Families From Student Loan Stress

Co-signed loans can strain family relationships. Chad negotiates settlements that protect both finances and relationships.

Example: A father sued his daughter over co-signed student loans. Chad represented the daughter pro bono, negotiated a settlement, and helped the family reconcile.

Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy in Florida

Bankruptcy is not the end of credit—it’s a new beginning. With a structured approach, clients often see progress in 12–18 months:

• Open a secured credit card and pay on time
  
• Keep utilization below 10–20%
  
• Automate bills and track a simple budget
  
• FHA mortgages possible ~24 months post-discharge
  

One client’s credit score went from “N/A” to 600+ in just one year.

How to Prepare for a Bankruptcy Consultation in South Florida

Even a free consultation is valuable if you bring organized information:

• List of creditors, balances, and interest rates
  
• Recent pay stubs and bank statements
  
• Lease/mortgage, auto loan, and insurance info
  
• Realistic monthly budget

This snapshot allows a South Florida bankruptcy lawyer to turn confusion into a clear, actionable plan.

Why Chad Van Horn’s Legal Zone Matters

Fish Tank Live blends community, conversation, and actionable legal help. In the Legal Zone, Chad offers guidance on:

• Bankruptcy and debt relief
  
• Foreclosure defense
  
• Wage garnishment
  
• Small-business restructuring
  
• Student loans
  
• Credit rebuilding
  

Each episode delivers clear, practical steps that protect homes, paychecks, and peace of mind.

Bring a question. Bring a friend. Leave with a plan.

Watch the episode here.

About Van Horn Law Group, P.A.

Van Horn Law Group is ranked among the top five bankruptcy law firms in the U.S. by case volume. The firm helps individuals and businesses navigate personal and corporate bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, debt negotiation, student loans, and corporate restructuring. Led by board-certified attorney Chad Van Horn, the firm has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Doral, Miramar, Orlando, and Pittsburgh.

954-765-3166 |  www.vanhornlawgroup.com