Bankruptcy Lawyer in Little Neck, NY

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Get immediate protection from creditors and a clear path to eliminate overwhelming debt permanently.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

What Life Looks Like After Bankruptcy

You wake up without that knot in your stomach. The phone rings and you actually answer it because you’re not dodging collectors anymore.

Your mailbox has normal mail instead of threatening letters. You can focus on your family instead of juggling minimum payments that never seem to make a dent.

The foreclosure notice is gone. Your car is safe. You’re rebuilding with a plan that actually works instead of drowning in debt that keeps growing no matter what you pay.

Little Neck Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know New York Bankruptcy Law

We’ve been helping Little Neck families navigate bankruptcy for years. We know the local trustees, understand how the Eastern District of New York handles cases, and we’ve seen every situation you can imagine.

We’re not a bankruptcy mill that rushes you through. We take time to understand your specific situation and choose the right chapter for your circumstances.

Most importantly, we know that filing bankruptcy isn’t a failure. It’s a legal tool designed to give people a fresh start when life hits hard.

How to File for Bankruptcy

The Process is Straightforward

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. We’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes more sense for your situation.

Next, we prepare and file your petition. The moment it’s filed, you get automatic stay protection – creditors must stop calling, wage garnishments end, and foreclosure proceedings halt.

Then we guide you through the meeting of creditors, which is typically brief and straightforward. For Chapter 7, you’ll likely receive your discharge in about four months. Chapter 13 involves a payment plan that typically lasts three to five years, but you keep your property and pay only what you can afford.

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Debt Relief Lawyer Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, plus foreclosure defense when you need to buy time or explore alternatives to bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home and car while paying back what you can afford over time.

We also provide foreclosure defense to stop sheriff sales and negotiate with lenders when bankruptcy isn’t the right solution. Every case gets personal attention because your situation is unique, and cookie-cutter approaches don’t work when your home and financial future are on the line.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Little Neck?

Chapter 7 attorney fees typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 costs more because it involves a 3-5 year payment plan – usually $3,500 to $4,500 plus a $313 filing fee. We offer payment plans because we understand that if you had extra money lying around, you probably wouldn’t need bankruptcy. The consultation is always free, and we’ll give you exact pricing based on your specific situation. Most people find that bankruptcy saves them far more money than it costs, especially when you consider the debt that gets eliminated.

Will I lose my house if I file bankruptcy?

Not necessarily. In Chapter 13, you can keep your house as long as you stay current on payments going forward and catch up on any missed payments through your plan. In Chapter 7, you can keep your house if you’re current on payments and the equity doesn’t exceed New York’s homestead exemption. Many Little Neck residents successfully keep their homes through bankruptcy. The key is acting before you fall too far behind on mortgage payments. If foreclosure has already started, bankruptcy can stop it immediately and give you time to reorganize your finances.

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

Chapter 7 is faster – about 4 months from filing to discharge. It eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, but you might have to give up non-exempt property. Chapter 13 takes 3-5 years but lets you keep your property while paying back what you can afford. Chapter 7 has income limits based on the means test, while Chapter 13 is available regardless of income. For Little Neck homeowners behind on mortgages, Chapter 13 is often better because you can catch up on missed payments over time while keeping the house.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7 years. But here’s what matters more – most people see their credit score start improving within 6-12 months after filing. That’s because your debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically when you eliminate debt. Many clients get credit card offers within a year and qualify for car loans at reasonable rates within two years. A mortgage is typically possible 2-3 years after Chapter 7 or while still in a Chapter 13 plan. The bankruptcy notation matters less than having manageable debt and making payments on time.

Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment and creditor harassment?

Yes, immediately. The moment we file your bankruptcy petition, the automatic stay goes into effect. Creditors must stop calling, wage garnishments end, bank account freezes are lifted, and collection lawsuits get dismissed. This happens automatically by law – creditors who continue collection efforts after receiving notice of your bankruptcy filing can face penalties. The automatic stay is one of the most powerful protections in bankruptcy law. It gives you breathing room to reorganize your finances without constant pressure from creditors. Even if you’re facing multiple garnishments, bankruptcy stops them all instantly.

What debts cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Student loans, recent taxes, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or criminal activity typically can’t be discharged. Most credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills get eliminated in Chapter 7 or reduced in Chapter 13. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans can be kept if you stay current on payments, or you can surrender the property and eliminate any deficiency balance. Each situation is different, which is why we review your specific debts during the consultation. The goal is to eliminate as much debt as legally possible while protecting the assets that matter most to you.

Local Resources

Little Neck, NY is located in Queens County in New York State