Bankruptcy Lawyer in East Elmhurst, NY

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East Elmhurst Debt Relief Attorney

Your Fresh Financial Start Begins Here

You’re drowning in bills, and every phone call makes your stomach drop. The constant worry about losing your home keeps you awake at night. You need real relief, not just temporary fixes.

Filing for bankruptcy stops creditor harassment immediately. No more threatening calls or letters. Your wages stay in your pocket instead of being garnished. Your home gets protection from foreclosure while you figure out your next steps.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most of your unsecured debt in just a few months. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans – gone. Chapter 13 lets you keep your assets while paying back what you can afford over three to five years. Both options give you the breathing room you desperately need to rebuild your financial life.

Queens Bankruptcy Law Firm

Real Experience in East Elmhurst Courts

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping East Elmhurst families escape debt for years. We understand the unique challenges facing Queens residents – from medical emergencies that spiral into bankruptcy to small businesses struggling with commercial debt.

Located right in your community, we know the local federal bankruptcy court procedures inside and out. You’re not just another case number. You’re a neighbor who deserves straight answers and effective legal representation during one of the most stressful times in your life.

How to File Bankruptcy

Your Path to Debt Freedom

Your bankruptcy process starts with a free consultation where you’ll get honest answers about your options. No sales pitch, no pressure – just clear information about whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes sense for your situation.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and court filings. You’ll complete required credit counseling, and then your case gets filed with the federal bankruptcy court. The automatic stay kicks in immediately, stopping all collection activity against you.

Most Chapter 7 cases finish in three to four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a payment plan that typically lasts three to five years. Either way, you’ll have legal protection and a clear path forward instead of the chaos you’re dealing with now.

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Bankruptcy Attorney Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

The Frank Law Firm P.C. handles every type of bankruptcy case East Elmhurst residents face. Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts quickly. Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy lets you keep your home and car while paying back creditors over time.

We also provide foreclosure defense services that can buy you time and potentially save your home. We also help with mortgage modifications, short sales, and deed in lieu arrangements when bankruptcy isn’t the right fit. Small business owners get guidance on both personal and business bankruptcy options.

You’ll also receive help with credit counseling requirements, asset protection strategies, and rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy. Our goal isn’t just to get you through the legal process – it’s to set you up for long-term financial success.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in East Elmhurst?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases cost more because they involve ongoing court supervision, usually $3,000 to $5,000 in attorney fees plus a $313 filing fee. The Frank Law Firm P.C. offers payment plans because we understand you’re already struggling financially. Many clients find that the money they save by stopping credit card payments covers their legal fees. You’ll get exact pricing during your free consultation based on your specific situation.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Most people keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of home equity in Chapter 7 cases. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you catch up over time while keeping your house. The automatic stay stops foreclosure proceedings immediately when you file. However, you must continue making current mortgage payments going forward. If you want to surrender your home, bankruptcy eliminates any remaining mortgage debt after the sale. Your bankruptcy attorney will review your specific situation and explain exactly what happens to your property.

How long does the bankruptcy process take in New York?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes three to four months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, then wait for the discharge order. Chapter 13 cases involve a three to five-year payment plan, but you get immediate protection from creditors when you file. Most people feel relief within days of filing because creditor harassment stops immediately. The timeline can vary based on your case complexity and whether creditors object to your discharge. Having an experienced East Elmhurst bankruptcy lawyer ensures your case moves as quickly as possible through the system.

What debts cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy discharge, including recent income taxes, child support, spousal support, and student loans in most cases. Criminal fines, court-ordered restitution, and debts from drunk driving accidents also remain. Recent luxury purchases over $725 or cash advances over $1,000 may not be dischargeable if made within specific timeframes before filing. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans continue unless you surrender the property. However, bankruptcy eliminates most credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and older tax debts. Your attorney will review your specific debts and explain what gets eliminated versus what you’ll still owe.

Can I file for bankruptcy if I'm unemployed?

Yes, unemployment often makes you a better candidate for Chapter 7 bankruptcy because your income is lower. You must pass the means test, which compares your income to New York’s median income levels. Unemployment benefits, disability payments, and Social Security count as income, but these amounts are usually well below the threshold. Being unemployed doesn’t disqualify you from Chapter 13 either, as long as you have some regular income source to fund a payment plan. Many East Elmhurst residents file bankruptcy after job loss creates insurmountable debt. Your attorney will calculate whether your current income level qualifies you for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 relief.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently?

Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, but your score starts improving much sooner. Many clients see their credit scores increase within 12-18 months after discharge because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can get secured credit cards and car loans relatively quickly after bankruptcy. Most people qualify for mortgages two to four years post-bankruptcy with proper credit rebuilding. The key is that bankruptcy eliminates the debt that was already destroying your credit. Late payments, collections, and maxed-out credit cards hurt your score more than bankruptcy itself. Your fresh start lets you rebuild credit properly instead of struggling with unmanageable debt payments.

Local Resources

East Elmhurst, NY is located in Queens County in New York State