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Attorney Walter Beninati: Bankruptcy can be a legal reset, not a life sentence
Summary
In a Domino Effect interview, bankruptcy attorney Walter Beninati explains Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 basics, Florida exemptions, rising filing trends and resources — including pro bono work with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association.
Charlene Stanford Green, host of the Domino Effect, spoke with bankruptcy attorney Walter Beninati about how bankruptcy works, who it helps and what comes after filing.
Beninati said Chapter 7 is typically a short, roughly four‑month process in which a trustee reviews a debtor’s estate and unsecured debts may be discharged. "This process is a 4 month process and oftentimes, it's for the price of 1 month's rent where you're able to discharge all your credit card debt," he said, noting that Florida’s homestead and vehicle exemptions mean many people can retain homes and necessary vehicles.
He described Chapter 13 as a three‑ to five‑year reorganization plan that allows debtors to repay some obligations, catch up on mortgages and sometimes reduce the principal balance owed on secured items such as vehicles. "In a chapter 13 … you get your…
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