The Oprah Magazine
Super Lawyers
Avvo Rating
Entrepreneur Magazine
Martindale-Hubbell 20 Year Anniversary

Bankruptcy Definitions

Legal Terms to know in BANKRUPTCY

The best way to understand what a bankruptcy and all its legal terms entails is to sit down for your FREE CONSULTATION with Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Attorney Carmen G. Soto. For a simplified idea, here are some key terms when dealing with a bankruptcy.

Asset - this word refers to items of value that may be added to the bankruptcy estate.

Automatic Stay - This a protection to the debtor in which the law automatically prohibits creditors from continuing any collection efforts after the debtor files for bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy (Ch. 7) - The process in which an individual may liquidate as much of their consumer debt permissible under the Bankruptcy Code.

Creditor - The person to which the debtor owes money.

Debtor - The person that is in debt and filing bankruptcy.

Discharge - A relief action for a debtor taken by the court which cancels the debt owed to a creditor.

Discharge Objection - Legal action taken by a creditor to attempt to keep their interest in a debt non-dischargeable by the Bankruptcy court.

Exemption - A protection of certain possession of the debtor from the reach of creditors or liquidation, provided in the Bankruptcy Code.

Secured debt - This is the kind of debt that is secured with property owned by the debtor. The debtor has promised to pay, but has also allowed the creditor to place a lien on certain property if there is non-payment. The most common examples are Mortgages which impose a lien on the home, or motor vehicle loans which impose liens on the vehicle. Essentially the creditor has the right to collect the property in the place of the repayment.

Trustee - Upon filing for bankruptcy the court appoints a Trustee/representative to review and evaluate the process. The Trustee has the responsibility to determine if there are any additional assets, collect assets, distribute assets, and also declare if it is a non-asset bankruptcy case.

Unsecured debt - This type of debt is not secured by any of the debtor's property. The creditor has no right to place a lien or collect the debtor's property for non-payment. The most common unsecured debt are credit cards, utility bills and medical bills.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Carmen G. Soto, PA and her amazing legal team is Excellent!!!! represented my daughter during divorce and we would absolutely recommend her!! Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU!! Ing. Delgado and Family
★★★★★
Carmen G. Soto, is an excellent attorney. She is very patient, knowledgeable, professional and my favorite.... flexible with payment plans. I was in need of an attorney to secure my sons future, and Carmen with her knowledge and experience provided the support we needed. I can honestly say that as a man/father we never get a fair chance in the courtrooms concerning family matters but Carmen made sure the Court systems saw past that stigma and justice was rightfully served. I would highly recommend Carmen G. Soto and her staff. Anonymous
★★★★★
Never having to use an attorney before, I was quite nervous and skeptical about my first meeting. Carmen Soto, not only made my first experience very comfortable, but was very informative and quite knowledgeable in the field of family law and divorce. She was there every step of the way for me as a support system, and her confidence and expertise made my otherwise very difficult situation, a very positive one. I highly recommend Carmen Soto. She is an excellent and compassionate attorney who clearly outlines all your options and takes a personal interest in your individual situation. Anonymous