by LawGina | Jun 24, 2026 | Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy and Property Collateral, Bankruptcy and Property Liens, Bankruptcy and Unsecured Debt, Bankruptcy Conversion, Bankruptcy Debt, Bankruptcy Settlement, Bankruptcy Tips, Bankruptcy Tips Gift Giving, Bankruptcy Trustee, Bankrututcy and Evictions, Chapter 13, Chapter 7
If you’re overwhelmed by mounting debt, medical bills, job loss, or creditor harassment, you’re not alone. Many hardworking people in Tampa and throughout the Tampa Bay area face financial challenges that feel impossible to overcome. Filing bankruptcy can provide the fresh start you deserve — and it’s often a smarter, more responsible choice than continuing to struggle.
At The Gina Rosato Law Firm, P.A., we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate bankruptcy with compassion, clarity, and proven results. With nearly 30 years of experience and a limited caseload for personalized attention, Attorney Gina Rosato is here to guide you every step of the way.
When Should You Consider Filing Bankruptcy?
Common signs it may be time to explore bankruptcy include:
- Constant stress from creditor calls and collection letters
- Falling behind on mortgage, car payments, or credit card minimums
- Medical debt or lawsuits that threaten your financial stability
- Inability to make ends meet despite your best efforts
Bankruptcy is a legal tool provided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to give honest people relief and a path forward — not a sign of failure.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Which One Is Right for You?
Most individuals in Florida file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation / Fresh Start)
- Best for: People with lower income and mostly unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans).
- How it works: Most unsecured debts are discharged (eliminated). The process is typically completed in 4–6 months.
- Benefits: Quick relief, stop creditor harassment immediately, and a true fresh financial start.
- Eligibility: You must pass the Chapter 7 Means Test (comparing your income to Florida medians). Most of our clients qualify.
Ideal if you want the fastest path to debt freedom and don’t have significant non-exempt assets you want to protect.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Repayment Plan)
- Best for: Individuals with regular income who want to catch up on mortgage or car payments, or who have too much income to qualify for Chapter 7.
- How it works: You propose a 3–5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all debts while keeping your home, car, and other important assets.
- Benefits: Stops foreclosure, allows you to keep property, and can help with certain tax debts or other obligations.
Ideal if you’re behind on secured debts or need time to reorganize your finances while protecting what matters most.
The Bankruptcy Process in Tampa (Middle District of Florida)
- Free Consultation — We review your full financial picture and recommend the best option.
- Credit Counseling — Complete a short approved counseling course (online).
- Filing the Petition — We prepare and file all required documents with the court.
- 341 Meeting — A short meeting with the bankruptcy trustee (usually straightforward with proper preparation).
- Discharge — Debts are eliminated (Chapter 7) or your repayment plan is completed (Chapter 13).
We handle everything so you can focus on moving forward with less stress.
Common Concerns Addressed
Will I lose everything? No. Florida has generous bankruptcy exemptions that often allow you to keep your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal belongings.
Will it hurt my credit? Bankruptcy does appear on your credit report, but many clients see their scores improve within 12–24 months as they rebuild responsibly. The relief from debt often makes rebuilding easier.
Can I keep my house or car? In many cases — yes. Especially with Chapter 13.
Why Choose The Gina Rosato Law Firm for Bankruptcy?
- Nearly 30 years of legal experience
- Licensed in Florida and the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court
- Personalized service with a limited caseload
- Compassionate, non-judgmental approach during a difficult time
- Proven track record helping Tampa Bay clients get relief
“Bankruptcy is a very personal and difficult decision… Thank you for letting me breathe again.” — Actual Client Testimonial
Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom
Filing bankruptcy is not the end — it’s a new beginning. If you’re in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, contact us today for a free phone consultation.
Call (813) 463-8000 now to speak directly with our team and learn your options.
Attorney Gina Rosato and her dedicated staff are here to help you regain control of your finances with dignity and respect.
Tags / Categories: Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief, Tampa Bankruptcy Attorney
Call to Action at Bottom: Ready for relief? Contact The Gina Rosato Law Firm for your free consultation.
by LawGina | Jun 22, 2026 | Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy and Unsecured Debt, Bankruptcy Conversion, Bankruptcy Debt, Bankruptcy Settlement, Bankruptcy Tips, Bankruptcy Tips Gift Giving, Bankruptcy Trustee, Bankrututcy and Evictions, Chapter 13, Chapter 7
Financial stress affects thousands of Tampa Bay families every year. Whether it’s overwhelming medical bills, job loss, creditor harassment, or the threat of foreclosure, the burden can feel crushing. If you’re struggling with debt in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, or surrounding areas, a Tampa bankruptcy attorney like Gina Rosato can help you explore real solutions for a fresh financial start.
At The Gina Rosato Law Firm, P.A., we provide compassionate, experienced representation in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, personal injury, and foreclosure defense.
Understanding Your Bankruptcy Options in Florida
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
- Eliminates most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans).
- Typically completes in 4–6 months.
- Ideal if you qualify under the Florida Means Test and want the fastest fresh start.
- Many clients keep their home, car, and essential belongings through Florida exemptions.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
- Allows you to keep your home and vehicle while catching up on missed payments.
- 3–5 year repayment plan for manageable monthly payments.
- Excellent for stopping foreclosure and restructuring debts.
5 Powerful Reasons Tampa Residents File Bankruptcy
- Stop Creditor Harassment — The automatic stay immediately halts collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.
- Prevent or Stop Foreclosure — Protect your home with Chapter 13 or explore deed-in-lieu options.
- Discharge Overwhelming Debt — Gain relief from medical bills, credit cards, and other unsecured debt.
- Rebuild Your Financial Future — Most clients begin rebuilding credit within months.
- Personalized Guidance — Gina Rosato limits her caseload to provide the attention every client deserves.
Why Choose Gina Rosato as Your Tampa Bankruptcy Attorney?
- Nearly 30 years of legal experience, including corporate and litigation background.
- Licensed in Florida and the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court.
- Personalized service with free phone consultations.
- Proven track record helping hundreds of Tampa Bay clients.
- Compassionate approach during difficult times.
“The attorney you choose will affect the outcome of your case. I limit my caseload so I can give every client the time, attention, and care they deserve.” — Gina Rosato
Also Serving Personal Injury Clients in Tampa
In addition to bankruptcy, The Gina Rosato Law Firm handles:
- Car Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Serious Injury Claims
We work on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my house or car? In most cases, no. Florida exemptions and strategic filing can protect your assets.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit? Chapter 7: up to 10 years. Chapter 13: up to 7 years. Many clients see credit improvement much sooner.
How do I get started? Call (813) 463-8000 for a free phone consultation. We’ll review your situation and recommend the best path forward.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom
Don’t let debt control your life any longer. Whether you need immediate relief from creditors or long-term debt restructuring, experienced Tampa bankruptcy attorney Gina Rosato is here to help.
Contact The Gina Rosato Law Firm today for your free consultation.
- Phone: (813) 463-8000
- Office: 3335 W Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33618
Service Areas: Tampa • Wesley Chapel • St. Petersburg • Hillsborough County • Pinellas County • and throughout Tampa Bay
Tags: Tampa Bankruptcy Attorney, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Tampa, Chapter 13 Lawyer Florida, Stop Foreclosure Tampa, Gina Rosato Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorney Tampa
Bankruptcy is a powerful tool for a fresh start. Let us help you navigate the process with confidence and care.
by LawGina | Nov 19, 2021 | Bankruptcy Trustee
When you file your case both a bankruptcy trustee and a judge are assigned to your case. Their roles are very different. The person with whom you’ll have your 341 hearing is actually the bankruptcy trustee not the judge.
The trustee is usually either an attorney or a certified public accountant that reviews your case and administers any assets to your creditors. For example if you are over the exemption amount by $1,500, you would pay that $1,500 to the Chapter 7 trustee and out of that $1,500 the trustee would collect a fee and they would distribute a pro rata share to any creditors who file claims in your case.
The trustee can also collect any insider payments in the past year (any money that you have repaid to friends or family members) or any gifts over $600 to any one person in the last two years. Its very important for your attorney to thoroughly review all of your bank statements and information to make sure there are no unforeseen issues on what you might have to pay the trustee.
That is also why it’s very critical to tell your attorney 100% of information so you can get proper advice on whether it’s in your best interest to file you case or whether it might be beneficial to wait to file your case. The trustee is objective is to find money to pay your creditors.
Although, creditors may also hire their own attorney to represent their interests. The judge is there to make rulings if there is a dispute between you and the trustee in terms of value of property or any other issue that may arise. In most cases there are no assets to distribute, but the trustee files the appropriate paperwork and the judge orders the discharge of your case.
