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M.D. Fla. · Tampa Division

Sarasota Bankruptcy Attorney, Chapter 7 & Chapter 13

Steven C. Fraser files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. Stop wage garnishment, save your home with the Florida homestead exemption, and discharge credit card & medical debt. Flat $1,500 attorney fee + $338 court filing fee.

Schedule Free Consultation → 📞 877-862-7188

Quick answer: If you live in Sarasota or any of the surrounding counties (Sarasota, Manatee), your bankruptcy case is filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division (801 N. Florida Ave., Ste 555 (Tampa)). Attorney Steven C. Fraser (Florida Bar #625825) is admitted in M.D. Fla. and files Chapter 7 ($1,500 flat + $338 filing fee) and Chapter 13 ($313 filing fee + plan-based attorney fee) cases for Sarasota residents. Most consultations are virtual; the 341 Meeting of Creditors is conducted by Zoom.

Tampa Division, Quick Reference

Court & Jurisdiction

CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Fla.
DivisionTampa
Address801 N. Florida Ave., Ste 555 (Tampa)
Counties servedSarasota, Manatee
341 meeting formatZoom
FilingElectronic (CM/ECF)

Fees, Sarasota

Ch. 7 attorney fee (single)$1,500
Ch. 7 attorney fee (married)$1,750
Ch. 7 court filing fee$338
Ch. 13 court filing fee$313
Ch. 13 attorney feeQuoted at consult
Payment plansYes, Confido Legal

What Bankruptcy Can Stop, Often Within 24 Hours

The moment your case is filed in M.D. Fla., the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 freezes most collection activity. Notice typically reaches your Sarasota employer or creditor within 24-48 hours of filing.

Wage Garnishment

Stops the next pay period. Florida's head-of-household exemption (Fla. Stat. § 222.11) may also fully protect your wages outside bankruptcy. Learn more →

Foreclosure on Your Sarasota Home

The stay halts the foreclosure sale. Chapter 13 lets you cure mortgage arrears over 3-5 years. Learn more →

Vehicle Repossession

Filing stops the tow. In Chapter 13 you may be able to cram down a non-purchase-money vehicle loan to fair market value if more than 910 days old.

Lawsuits, Bank Levies, IRS Collection

Lawsuits are stayed. Bank levies are released. Most IRS collection actions are halted. Creditor harassment phone calls must stop under 11 U.S.C. § 362(a)(6).

Frequently Asked Questions, Sarasota Bankruptcy

Where do I file bankruptcy in Sarasota, Florida?
Sarasota cases are filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division at 801 N. Florida Ave., Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. The Tampa Division covers Sarasota County, Manatee County. Attorney Fraser files all cases electronically via CM/ECF and most consultations are virtual.
How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Sarasota?
A typical Chapter 7 case in the Middle District of Florida takes 4 to 6 months from filing to discharge. The 341 Meeting of Creditors is held approximately 30-45 days after filing (currently conducted by Zoom for Tampa Division cases). The discharge order is entered roughly 60 days after the 341 meeting if no objections are filed.
How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost in Sarasota?
Attorney Fraser's flat fee for Chapter 7 in Sarasota is $1,500 for a single filer or $1,750 for a married couple. The court filing fee is $338, bringing the total to $1,838 single / $2,088 married. Chapter 13 filing fee is $313; attorney fees are quoted at consultation based on plan complexity. Payment plans are available through Confido Legal.
Will Florida's homestead exemption protect my Sarasota home in Chapter 7?
Yes, in most cases. Florida's homestead exemption (Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution) protects unlimited home equity if you have owned and resided in the property for at least 1,215 days before filing. If you have owned the home for less than 1,215 days, federal BAPCPA caps your exemption at $189,050 (2026). Sarasota homeowners with significant equity benefit substantially from Florida's homestead protection.
Can I stop wage garnishment in Sarasota by filing bankruptcy?
Yes. The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 takes effect the moment your case is filed and immediately halts wage garnishments, bank levies, foreclosures, repossessions, and most lawsuits. Notice to your Sarasota employer is typically sent within 24-48 hours. Florida's head-of-household wage exemption under Fla. Stat. § 222.11 may also fully protect your wages from most garnishments even outside bankruptcy.
Do I have to come to court in Sarasota?
For most consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases in the Tampa Division, you do not need to physically appear. The 341 Meeting of Creditors is conducted by Zoom. Many Sarasota-area clients complete the entire bankruptcy process, consultation, document signing (via SignNow), and the 341 meeting, without leaving home.

Free Sarasota Bankruptcy Consultation

Get a clear answer to two questions: do you qualify for Chapter 7, and what will it cost? Most consultations take 30 minutes and are conducted by phone or Zoom.

Schedule Free Consultation → 📞 877-862-7188

Visit the Jacksonville Office

Steven C. Fraser, P.A. serves the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida from the Jacksonville office. Most consultations are virtual; in-person meetings available by appointment.

Jacksonville Office

4651 Salisbury Rd, Suite 400
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Phone: 877-862-7188

Hours: Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM
Evenings & weekends by appointment

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