Bankruptcy Lawyer in Belle Harbor, NY

Stop the Calls, Save Your Home

Get immediate protection from creditors and a clear path to financial freedom with experienced local bankruptcy representation.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

You’re not just filing paperwork—you’re reclaiming control of your life. When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay immediately stops all collection calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. That constant knot in your stomach? It starts loosening the moment we file your case.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most of your unsecured debts in just a few months. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans—gone. You keep your home, your car, and your retirement accounts while getting rid of the debt that’s been suffocating your budget.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you a different kind of power. You get to keep everything you own while paying back only what you can afford over three to five years. Behind on your mortgage? Chapter 13 lets you catch up gradually while protecting your home from foreclosure. It’s not about losing everything—it’s about saving what matters most.

Belle Harbor Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Knowledge, Real Results

We have been helping Queens families navigate bankruptcy for years, with deep experience in the Eastern District of New York bankruptcy courts. We understand the unique financial pressures facing Belle Harbor residents—from high property taxes to the economic impacts affecting our airport and hospitality workers.

You won’t get shuffled off to a paralegal or stuck in a mill that processes hundreds of cases. When you work with us, you get direct access to an experienced bankruptcy attorney who knows the local trustees, understands the exemptions that protect your assets, and has successfully guided countless families through this exact process.

We’ve seen how quickly financial stress can spiral in our community. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans and free initial consultations—because getting help shouldn’t add to your financial burden.

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How to File for Bankruptcy

Simple Steps, Powerful Protection

First, we sit down for a free consultation to review your complete financial picture. We’ll look at your income, debts, assets, and goals to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes more sense for your situation. No judgment, no pressure—just honest assessment of your options.

Once we file your petition, the automatic stay kicks in immediately. Creditors must stop calling. Wage garnishments end. Foreclosure proceedings halt. You finally get breathing room while we handle the legal process.

We’ll prepare you for the meeting of creditors—a simple proceeding where you answer basic questions about your finances under oath. Most meetings last less than five minutes. Throughout the process, we handle all communication with trustees, creditors, and the court.

For Chapter 7 cases, you typically receive your discharge in about four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a payment plan we’ll design around your actual income and expenses. Either way, you’re moving toward a future where your paycheck belongs to you again.

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About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

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Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense

Comprehensive Bankruptcy Protection Services

Our bankruptcy representation covers everything you need for a successful fresh start. We handle the means test calculation, prepare all required schedules and statements, and ensure your case meets all legal requirements. You get complete petition preparation, filing, and representation throughout the entire process.

We also provide foreclosure defense services that work hand-in-hand with bankruptcy protection. If you’re facing foreclosure, Chapter 13 can stop the sale and give you years to catch up on missed payments. We’ll negotiate with your mortgage company and create a realistic plan that keeps you in your home.

Beyond the legal filing, we provide the guidance that makes the difference between just getting through bankruptcy and actually building a stronger financial future. We’ll help you understand which debts get eliminated, which assets you keep, and how to rebuild your credit score after discharge. This isn’t just about surviving your current crisis—it’s about making sure you never face this situation again.

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Not necessarily, and often bankruptcy is exactly what saves your home. In Chapter 7, you can keep your house as long as you’re current on payments and your equity falls within New York’s homestead exemption. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 lets you catch up gradually over 3-5 years while stopping foreclosure proceedings immediately. Many Belle Harbor homeowners use Chapter 13 specifically to save their homes. The automatic stay stops foreclosure sales, giving you time to reorganize your finances and create a manageable payment plan.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4-6 months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, then wait for the discharge. Chapter 13 takes 3-5 years because you’re paying back a portion of your debts, but you get immediate protection from creditors when we file. The timeline can vary based on your specific situation and any complications, but most cases follow predictable schedules. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation based on your particular circumstances.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts quickly but requires passing a means test based on your income. If you qualify, you can discharge credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans in about four months. Chapter 13 is for people with higher incomes or those who want to keep assets they might lose in Chapter 7. You create a 3-5 year payment plan based on your disposable income. Chapter 13 is often better if you’re behind on mortgage payments or have significant non-exempt assets you want to protect.
Our fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but we’re transparent about costs upfront. Chapter 7 cases typically cost less than Chapter 13 because they’re shorter and simpler. We offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy for financial reasons—requiring full payment upfront doesn’t make sense. During your free consultation, we’ll give you exact numbers based on your situation. Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees, and we’ll explain all costs before you commit to anything.
Bankruptcy affects your credit score, but it’s not permanent damage. Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, many clients see their scores improve within 1-2 years after discharge because they’ve eliminated overwhelming debt. If you’re already behind on payments, bankruptcy often helps your score recover faster than struggling with unmanageable debt for years. We provide guidance on rebuilding credit after bankruptcy, including when and how to apply for new credit responsibly.
Yes, New York’s exemption laws protect most of your essential personal property. You can typically keep your car (up to a certain value), household goods, clothing, and tools needed for work. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are fully protected. The goal isn’t to leave you with nothing—it’s to give you a fresh start with the basics you need to rebuild. We’ll review your assets during consultation and explain exactly what you can keep. Most people are surprised by how much they’re allowed to protect in bankruptcy.

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