Bankruptcy Lawyer in Briarwood, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Get Debt Relief

Local bankruptcy lawyer helping Briarwood families eliminate overwhelming debt and protect their financial future through proven legal strategies.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

What Life Looks Like After Bankruptcy

You sleep through the night without worrying about tomorrow’s collection calls. Your phone rings with friends and family, not debt collectors threatening legal action every few hours.

The constant knot in your stomach starts to loosen. You can focus on work, spend time with your kids, and make plans beyond just surviving until next month.

Your mailbox fills with regular bills you can actually handle, not past-due notices that make your heart race. You have a clear path forward instead of drowning in minimum payments that never seem to reduce your actual debt. The automatic stay protection kicks in immediately after filing, giving you breathing room to rebuild rather than just react to the next financial crisis.

Experienced Briarwood Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know New York Bankruptcy Law

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been guiding Queens residents through bankruptcy proceedings and debt relief options for years. We understand the local bankruptcy courts, the judges, and exactly what paperwork needs to be perfect to get your case approved.

You’re not getting a cookie-cutter approach from some distant firm. We’re based right here in your community, dealing with the same cost of living pressures you face every day.

Most importantly, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to protecting your assets and getting the fresh start you need. No judgment, no lectures about how you got here—just practical legal guidance to get you out.

How to File for Bankruptcy

Your Bankruptcy Process, Step by Step

First, we sit down for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. We’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation, or if there are alternatives worth exploring first.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and filing requirements. This includes the petition, schedules of assets and debts, income documentation, and credit counseling certificates. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately, stopping all collection activities.

You’ll attend a meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, where a trustee asks basic questions about your financial situation. We prepare you for this meeting and attend with you. For Chapter 7 cases, you typically receive your discharge in about 3-4 months. Chapter 13 involves a 3-5 year repayment plan, but you get immediate protection while making affordable monthly payments.

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Comprehensive Debt Relief Services

More Than Just Bankruptcy Filing

Every case starts with a thorough analysis of your complete financial picture. We review all your debts, assets, income sources, and expenses to determine the best strategy for your specific situation.

You get help with foreclosure defense when your home is at risk. We can work with mortgage companies on loan modifications, payment plans, or use bankruptcy’s automatic stay to stop foreclosure proceedings while we sort out a long-term solution.

Our service includes all required bankruptcy paperwork, court filings, and representation at hearings. We also provide guidance on rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy and avoiding the mistakes that led to financial trouble in the first place. You’re not just filing papers—you’re getting a complete plan to regain financial stability.

What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy that typically discharges most unsecured debts in 3-4 months. You may have to give up non-exempt assets, but most people keep their home, car, and personal belongings. Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy where you make monthly payments for 3-5 years based on your income and expenses. You keep your assets but must have regular income to qualify. Chapter 13 works well if you’re behind on mortgage payments or have assets you want to protect that might not be exempt in Chapter 7. We’ll analyze your situation to recommend which option gives you the best outcome.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Most people keep their homes in bankruptcy, especially if you’re current on mortgage payments. New York has generous homestead exemptions that protect significant home equity. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can actually help you catch up through a payment plan while stopping foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 7 can eliminate other debts, freeing up money to stay current on your mortgage. The key is acting before you’re too far behind on payments. We’ll review your mortgage situation and equity to determine the best strategy for protecting your home while getting debt relief.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. However, the impact on your credit score decreases significantly over time, especially if you rebuild credit responsibly. Many clients see their credit scores improve within 1-2 years after bankruptcy because they’ve eliminated overwhelming debt payments. You can often qualify for secured credit cards immediately after discharge, and car loans within a year or two. The key is that bankruptcy gives you a clean slate to rebuild from, rather than struggling with debts you can’t pay for years.

Can bankruptcy stop creditor harassment and collection calls?

Yes, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately when we file your bankruptcy petition, and creditors must stop all collection activities. This includes phone calls, letters, wage garnishments, and lawsuits. Creditors who continue collection efforts after receiving notice of your bankruptcy filing can face penalties. The automatic stay is one of bankruptcy’s most powerful protections, giving you immediate relief from the stress of constant creditor contact. This protection lasts throughout your bankruptcy case, and most discharged debts cannot be collected after your case closes. It’s often the first real peace of mind our clients have experienced in months or years.

What debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, recent taxes, child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud. However, bankruptcy can still help by eliminating other debts and freeing up money to handle these non-dischargeable obligations. For example, discharging credit card debt might give you enough monthly cash flow to set up a payment plan with the IRS. Some tax debts can be discharged if they meet specific age and filing requirements. We’ll review all your debts to identify what can be eliminated and develop a strategy for handling obligations that will remain after bankruptcy.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Briarwood?

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but we offer transparent pricing and payment plan options. Chapter 7 cases are typically less expensive than Chapter 13 because they resolve faster. Court filing fees are set by federal law – currently $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. We discuss all costs upfront during your free consultation, including our fees and any additional expenses. Many clients find that bankruptcy pays for itself within months through eliminated debt payments. We also offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy due to financial difficulties, not because you have extra money sitting around.

Local Resources

Briarwood, NY is located in Queens County in New York State