Bankruptcy Lawyer in Bellmore, NY

Stop the Calls, Save Your Home

Get immediate relief from creditors and protect what matters most with experienced Nassau County bankruptcy representation.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

What Life Looks Like After Filing

The phone stops ringing. That constant knot in your stomach starts to loosen. You sleep through the night without worrying about losing your house.

When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay kicks in immediately. Creditors must stop calling. Foreclosure proceedings halt. Wage garnishments end. You get breathing room to figure out your next steps without harassment.

Most clients tell us the relief is almost instant. After months or years of drowning, you finally have legal protection and a clear path forward. Whether that’s eliminating debt completely through Chapter 7 or reorganizing payments through Chapter 13, you’re no longer fighting this battle alone.

Bellmore Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know Nassau County Courts

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Long Island families navigate financial crises for years. We know the local trustees, understand Nassau County procedures, and have guided hundreds of clients through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.

We’re not a bankruptcy mill churning out cookie-cutter filings. Every case gets personal attention because we understand that behind every bankruptcy petition is a person who never expected to be here. Most of our clients are hardworking people who got hit with medical bills, job loss, or divorce – not people who were reckless with money.

How to File for Bankruptcy

Your Clear Path to Financial Freedom

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. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts in about four months. Chapter 13 creates a payment plan that lets you keep your house while catching up on missed payments.

Once we file your petition, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately. Creditors must stop all collection activities. We handle all communication with trustees and creditors while you focus on rebuilding.

The entire process typically takes 3-5 months for Chapter 7 or 3-5 years for Chapter 13. Throughout, we’re there to answer questions, attend hearings with you, and make sure everything goes smoothly. Most clients are surprised how straightforward the process actually is once they have proper legal guidance.

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Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

We handle every aspect of your bankruptcy case from start to finish. That includes preparing and filing all paperwork, representing you at the meeting of creditors, and dealing with any issues that arise during your case.

Beyond bankruptcy, we also help clients explore alternatives like debt negotiation or foreclosure defense when appropriate. Sometimes bankruptcy isn’t the right answer, and we’ll tell you that honestly during your consultation.

For Bellmore residents facing foreclosure, we understand the urgency. Nassau County moves quickly on foreclosure cases, but Chapter 13 can stop the process and give you time to catch up on missed payments while keeping your home. We’ve helped many local families save houses they thought they’d already lost.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure proceedings in Nassau County?

Bankruptcy creates an automatic stay the moment we file your petition with the court. This immediately stops foreclosure proceedings, even if a sale date has been scheduled. The foreclosure cannot proceed while your bankruptcy case is active. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up over time while keeping your home. However, timing is critical – the closer you are to a foreclosure sale, the more urgent it becomes to act. We’ve stopped foreclosures the day before scheduled sales, but it’s always better to file sooner rather than later.

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

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about four months. You keep essential assets protected by New York exemption laws, but non-exempt property could be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year payment plan based on your income. You keep all your property but must make monthly payments to a trustee. Chapter 13 is often better if you’re behind on mortgage payments, have significant assets to protect, or earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7. The choice depends on your specific financial situation, which we’ll analyze during your consultation.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Most clients keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects significant home equity, and if you’re current on mortgage payments, Chapter 7 typically won’t affect your house. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help you catch up while stopping foreclosure. The key is being realistic about what you can afford going forward. If mortgage payments fit your budget after eliminating other debts, bankruptcy often makes keeping your home more affordable. We’ll review your specific situation and explain exactly how bankruptcy would affect your house.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Bellmore?

Attorney fees vary based on case complexity, but we offer affordable payment plans and transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Chapter 7 cases are typically less expensive than Chapter 13 since they’re shorter and less complex. 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 payment options that work with your budget. Many clients find that the money saved by stopping creditor payments quickly covers legal fees. We also accept credit cards and can work with you on timing if needed.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy appears on credit reports for 10 years, while Chapter 13 shows for 7 years. However, most clients see their credit scores improve much faster than these timeframes suggest. Once you eliminate overwhelming debt, your debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. Many clients qualify for car loans within a year and mortgages within 2-3 years after bankruptcy. The key is rebuilding credit responsibly after your case closes. We provide guidance on credit rebuilding strategies, and most clients find their post-bankruptcy financial situation much stronger than the years they spent struggling with unmanageable debt.

Can bankruptcy eliminate all my debts including taxes and student loans?

Bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills. However, certain debts survive bankruptcy including recent taxes, most student loans, child support, and recent luxury purchases. Some tax debts can be eliminated if they meet specific age and filing requirements – this gets complex and requires careful analysis. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans aren’t eliminated, but bankruptcy can make these payments more manageable by eliminating your other debts. During consultation, we’ll review each of your debts and explain exactly what bankruptcy can and cannot eliminate in your specific situation.

Local Resources

Bellmore, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State