- Get to Know FRLS
- Get Updated
- …
- Get to Know FRLS
- Get Updated
- Get to Know FRLS
- Get Updated
- …
- Get to Know FRLS
- Get Updated
Consumer Law at FRLS
In today's world, knowing your consumer rights can protect more than just your bank account.
Civil legal services helps consumers assert their rights to fair and legal treatment in their financial affairs, safeguarding individuals and their families.
Get Free Legal Help with Consumer Law at FRLS!
Whether you are considering bankruptcy, dealing with debt collectors, or trying to avoid consumer fraud, FRLS may be able to help you understand your rights and options.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances may vary.
Bankruptcy
Many individuals struggle to afford the attorney fees associated with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. FRLS may be able to provide guidance and assistance to eligible individuals seeking a fresh financial start.
FRLS evaluates a person's income, assets, and debts to determine whether bankruptcy assistance may be available. FRLS may assist with:
- Preparing the bankruptcy petition and related documents.
- Filing the petition with the bankruptcy court.
- Attending the required meeting of creditors alongside the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated on August 24, 2026
What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a court-supervised process that may eliminate certain debts. A trustee reviews your assets to determine whether any property can be used to repay creditors. Many people who qualify for Chapter 7 are able to receive a discharge of eligible debts and get a fresh financial start.
Non-dischargeable debt and home foreclosures depend on individual circumstances.
What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-supervised repayment plan that allows individuals to reorganize their debts and make payments over time. It is often used by people who want to catch up on past-due mortgage or car payments, address secured debts, or try to keep assets that may not be protected in Chapter 7.
Non-dischargeable debt and home foreclosures depend on individual circumstances.
What debts will not be discharged in a bankruptcy?
The discharge releases you from debts covered by the plan with certain exceptions.
For example, you cannot discharge debts for alimony or child support. You also cannot discharge debts that were entered as a result of a criminal conviction.
What documents do I need to file for bankruptcy?
When filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, you must submit the following:
1. Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy
What It Is: This is the primary document that officially begins your bankruptcy case. It includes basic personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number, as well as details about your financial situation.
2. Certificate of Credit Counseling and Debt Repayment Plan
What It Is: This certificate shows that you completed a mandatory pre-filing credit counseling session with an approved credit counseling agency. The session helps you explore alternatives to bankruptcy and develop a preliminary debt repayment plan.
3. Creditor Matrix
What It Is: It's a list of all your creditors, including their names and mailing addresses- used to notify your creditors about your bankruptcy filing.
Why It’s Needed: The court uses this document to send notices, such as the meeting of creditors (also called a 341 meeting), and to ensure that creditors have the opportunity to respond or file claims.
Debt Collection
Consumers experiencing debt problems sometimes consider bankruptcy because they want collection calls and letters to stop. However, bankruptcy is not the only option.
Federal and state laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA), provide important protections against illegal debt collection practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated on August 24, 2026
What are examples of debt collection harassment?
Examples of potentially unlawful debt collection conduct may include:
- Repeated or excessive collection calls
- Threats or intimidation
- Attempts to collect amounts that are not actually owed
- False or misleading statements about a debt
- Contacting consumers in ways prohibited by law
If you believe a collector has violated your rights, it may be helpful to save:
- Voicemails
- Text messages
- Collection letters
- Emails
- Contracts
- Account statements
These records may help document what occurred.
Is filing for bankruptcy the only way to stop debt collectors from harassing me?
No. Consumers with debt problems often consider bankruptcy primarily to stop harassing telephone calls and letters from creditors. However, there may be other ways to stop collection activity. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) provide invaluable rights to consumers to prevent illegal and harassing debt collection activity.
Can a creditor take my home if I do not pay a debt?
The answer depends on a few factors.
If the mortgage is not paid, the creditor can take your house. If you have other types of debt, your home is usually safe.
If you own a home and stop paying your mortgage, the creditor can file a foreclosure action and force a sale of your home. You agreed to this when you took out the loan. Your home provides security to the lender that you would pay back the debt.
If you owe money for most other debts like credit cards and medical bills, you (usually) did not sign a security agreement. So, the creditors cannot seize your home to pay the debt. But, if you want to sell your home and creditors have filed judgements for unpaid debts, you may need to pay those debts before the sale.
Can I go to jail for not paying a debt?
The answer is almost always no. A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved.
A creditor can ask a judge to issue a judgement against you. This includes unpaid det on credit cards, medical bills, student loans, car loans, and home loans. After a judgement is issued, the creditor can request that your assets be garnished or seized. Certain assets are protected from seizure.
Practical Home Repair Tips
1Get several estimates.
Try to get written bids or estimates from at least three different contractors. Make sure you check out the contractor before hiring by calling them and asking for references.
2Get the contractor's information.
Get their full name, address, and phone number. Always check if they have a valid license. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau and courthouse for criminal history and civil cases against the contractor.
3Get a written contract.
Make sure the contract states the work that needs to be done and specifies a price. Don't sign anything you don't understand.
4Confirm required permits.
Ask whether permits are required for the work and confirm who will obtain them before the project begins.
5Be cautious of door-to-door solicitors.
Use extra caution when approached by contractors offering immediate repairs after a storm or natural disaster. Take time to verify credentials before agreeing to any work.
6Be in control of the money.
Don't pay for the entire job up front. Try to pay as little as possible up front. Don't make the final payment until you have inspected the work and are completely satisfied with the repairs.
Additional Resources
Last updated June 17, 2026
Apply for Help Today
If you are struggling with debt, considering bankruptcy, dealing with debt collection issues, or concerned about consumer fraud, have your documents ready and contact FRLS for eligibility.
News Releases & Client Stories
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Sponsor Recognition Disclaimer
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors and partners. In accordance with IRS regulations and Florida Statute 496.411, all sponsor recognition provided by FRLS is value-neutral and non-promotional.
Sponsor acknowledgments may include the sponsor’s name, logo, website, contact information, and general location. FRLS does not promote, endorse, or advertise any sponsor’s services or products. No calls to action, qualitative claims, pricing information, or comparative language will be used in any recognition content. This ensures full compliance with charitable solicitation laws and helps protect the integrity of our mission. For questions regarding sponsorship or this policy, please contact the FRLS Marketing & Communications Department at Marketing@FRLS.org .
Service areas: Lee, Polk, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Charlotte, Desoto, and Glade Counties.
© 2025