Facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, or creditor lawsuits? Filing bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay — by federal law, collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosure actions must stop immediately once your case is filed.
Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Options
Every situation is different. We guide individuals and businesses across Miami-Dade and Broward through the option that best fits their goals.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Eliminate qualifying unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — and get a true fresh start, often in just a few months.
Learn more →Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Reorganize into a manageable 3–5 year repayment plan, catch up on missed payments, and keep your home and car while you recover.
Learn more →Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Restructure debts for businesses and individuals with more complex finances, keeping operations running while you reorganize.
Learn more →Foreclosure Defense
Behind on your mortgage? We help Miami homeowners stop or delay foreclosure and explore every option to stay in their home.
Learn more →Debt Relief Options
Not sure bankruptcy is right for you? We review all your alternatives and help you choose the clearest path out of debt.
Learn more →Alexis Garcia Legal also helps Miami families with estate planning — protecting what you’ve built, for the people you love.
Estate Planning
Protecting your assets and your family doesn’t require a crisis — just a clear plan, put in place on your own schedule.
Last Will & Testament
A clear, legally sound plan for your assets and guardianship wishes, drafted around your goals.
Learn more →Living Trusts
Keep assets out of probate and control exactly how and when they pass to your family.
Learn more →Lady Bird Deeds
Keep your home out of probate while retaining full control during your lifetime — a Florida-specific tool worth asking about.
Learn more →
A Clear Path Forward
A straightforward, step-by-step process designed to reduce stress and give you confidence from day one.
Consultation
We review your full situation — income, debts, and any urgent issues like foreclosure or garnishment — and outline your best options. Free and confidential.
Plan
We choose the right chapter for your goals and prepare every document needed to file accurately, so nothing delays your relief.
Relief
Once filed, the automatic stay can stop collections immediately — and you begin moving forward toward a genuine fresh start.
How to File Bankruptcy in Miami
Filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, but the process is often more straightforward than people expect. With the right guidance, you can understand your options, protect important assets, and take the first step toward financial relief. For many individuals and families in Miami — and nearby communities like Homestead — bankruptcy provides a legal path to stop collection pressure and regain control.
It usually begins with a consultation to review your income, debts, assets, and any urgent matters such as foreclosure, lawsuits, or wage garnishment. From there, we help you choose the right chapter, prepare and file your paperwork accurately, and — in many cases — secure immediate protection through the automatic stay. Every case is different, which is why advice based on your specific circumstances matters most.
How Bankruptcy Can Stop Foreclosure & Wage Garnishment
For many people, the most urgent reason to consider bankruptcy is the need to stop aggressive collection activity. If you are facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, lawsuits, or constant collection calls, filing a bankruptcy case can provide immediate legal breathing room.
The Automatic Stay
When a case is filed, the automatic stay typically takes effect right away — a court-ordered protection that stops most collection actions, including foreclosure proceedings, garnishments, collection calls, and lawsuits. It is one of the most powerful, immediate benefits of filing.
Stopping Wage Garnishment
If your wages are being garnished, bankruptcy may be able to stop it quickly once the case is filed, providing relief for those already struggling to cover everyday expenses. You can read more about stopping wage garnishment in Florida here.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Florida
Understanding the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 is one of the most important steps when weighing your options. Each is designed for different financial situations, and the right choice can significantly affect how your debts are handled and what assets you protect.
Chapter 7 — The “Fresh Start”
Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Miami is designed to eliminate qualifying unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans, often within a few months. Florida exemptions frequently allow you to protect important assets, including your home and vehicle. You can also read a deeper walkthrough of the Chapter 7 process here.
Chapter 13 — Reorganization
Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Miami involves a structured repayment plan that typically lasts three to five years. Rather than eliminating debts immediately, it lets you catch up on missed payments over time while keeping your property — often the right fit for those with steady income who want to save a home or vehicle.