Q: Advice on helping my son with debts after eviction in Pensacola and considering bankruptcy.

A: You can help him by helping him find a bankruptcy attorney who is admitted to the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. If your town is close to the Fla/Alabama line, you can look in both Florida and Alabama. I don't recommend filing bankruptcy without an attorney.

A: He should consult a Florida bankruptcy attorney to explore his option. Most attorneys offer free consultation and will do them by phone. If he needs help finding a Florida attorney, he should consult the Bankruptcy Court website to see if there are any free or low-cost options. us.courts.gov. Good luck to both of you.

A: You’re doing the right thing by trying to help your son now, before legal judgments or collections start to escalate. Since he was evicted in Pensacola and all his debts are based in Florida, Florida remains the proper venue for any legal action, including bankruptcy. Even though he’s staying with you in Alabama, courts typically look at where the majority of a person’s financial activity took place when determining the proper district for filing.

Bankruptcy might provide real relief, but it’s important to first get a full list of what your son owes—rent arrears, credit cards, medical bills, anything outstanding. Then you can evaluate whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is appropriate. Chapter 7 could discharge most debts if he qualifies based on income, while Chapter 13 might allow a repayment plan over three to five years if he has some steady income. Either way, the court will likely require documentation of his income, expenses, and any assets, so start gathering that now.

If you're unsure where to turn, many legal aid offices in Florida or nearby may offer free consultations. You can also contact the bankruptcy court in the Northern District of Florida for information about the process. Most importantly, your son should not ignore notices or letters—missing deadlines can result in wage garnishment or judgments. Acting early gives you more control and more options. Keep the communication open and steady; this is fixable.