Bankruptcy Lawyer in East Hauppauge, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Eliminate Debt

Get immediate relief from overwhelming debt with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer who understands your situation.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Your Fresh Financial Start Begins Here

You’re drowning in bills that never seem to get smaller. Every month, you pay the minimums and watch interest pile on top of what you already owe. The phone won’t stop ringing with collection calls, and you’re losing sleep wondering if you’ll lose your house.

Bankruptcy isn’t failure—it’s a legal tool designed to give people exactly like you a way out. Chapter 7 can eliminate most of your unsecured debts in just a few months, wiping out credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans completely. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home while restructuring your debts into one manageable monthly payment.

The moment you file, an automatic stay goes into effect. That means creditors must stop calling, wage garnishments end, and foreclosure proceedings halt. You can finally breathe again while we work through the legal process that gets you back on solid ground.

East Hauppauge Bankruptcy Attorney

Local Expertise You Can Trust

We have been helping Long Island residents navigate financial difficulties with practical legal solutions. We understand the unique challenges facing East Hauppauge families—from the high cost of living to unexpected medical expenses that can derail even the most careful budgets.

You won’t find judgment here, just straightforward legal advice from someone who’s guided hundreds of people through this exact situation. We know the local bankruptcy courts, the trustees, and exactly what it takes to get your case approved quickly and efficiently.

This isn’t about complex legal theory. It’s about getting you the relief you need so you can focus on rebuilding instead of just surviving.

How to File for Bankruptcy

Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

Your bankruptcy case starts with a free consultation where we review your debts, income, and assets. No sales pitch—just an honest assessment of whether bankruptcy makes sense for your situation and which chapter gives you the best outcome.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle the paperwork and filing with the bankruptcy court. You’ll need to provide financial documents and complete a credit counseling course, but we guide you through each requirement. Most people are surprised how straightforward the process actually is.

The automatic stay takes effect immediately when we file your case, stopping all collection activity. For Chapter 7, you’ll attend one brief meeting with the trustee, and most cases are complete within four months. Chapter 13 involves a payment plan, but you get to keep your property while catching up on missed mortgage or car payments over three to five years.

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About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

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Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense

Complete Protection for Your Financial Future

When you work with us, you get comprehensive bankruptcy representation that covers every aspect of your case. We handle the petition, schedules, and all required court filings. You’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout the process—not just a paralegal or case manager.

We also provide foreclosure defense for East Hauppauge homeowners facing the loss of their property. Sometimes bankruptcy is the right answer, but other times we can negotiate loan modifications or other alternatives that let you keep your home without filing.

Every case includes a thorough analysis of your debts to make sure you’re eliminating everything possible. We look for potential issues before they become problems and make sure you understand exactly what happens to your property, your credit, and your financial obligations after your case is complete.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in New York?

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in New York are completed within three to four months from the filing date. The timeline includes a 30-day period for creditors to object, followed by the Meeting of Creditors (usually scheduled 4-6 weeks after filing), and then a 60-day waiting period before the discharge is entered. The actual time can vary slightly depending on the court’s schedule and whether any complications arise, but the vast majority of straightforward cases follow this timeline. You’ll receive your discharge order—which eliminates your qualifying debts—before the four-month mark in most situations.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Whether you keep your house depends on several factors, including which chapter you file and how much equity you have. In Chapter 7, New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of equity in your primary residence (more in some counties). If you’re current on your mortgage and your equity falls within the exemption limits, you can keep your home. Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help you keep your house while catching up on missed mortgage payments through a 3-5 year payment plan. Many people file Chapter 13 precisely because they want to stop foreclosure and save their home.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in East Hauppauge?

Bankruptcy attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and which chapter you file. Chapter 7 cases typically involve a flat fee paid upfront, while Chapter 13 cases often allow you to pay attorney fees through your payment plan. Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, plus additional administrative fees. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of all costs involved in your specific situation. We also offer payment plans for Chapter 7 cases when needed, because we understand that if you had extra money lying around, you probably wouldn’t need to file bankruptcy in the first place.

What debts cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy and cannot be discharged. These include most student loans (unless you can prove undue hardship), recent tax debts, child support and alimony, debts incurred through fraud, and criminal fines or restitution. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans are handled differently—the debt may be discharged, but the lender can still repossess the collateral if you don’t maintain payments. Most credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and older tax debts can be eliminated completely. We’ll review your specific debts during consultation to explain exactly what will and won’t be discharged in your case.

Can I file bankruptcy if I have a job?

Yes, having a job doesn’t disqualify you from filing bankruptcy. For Chapter 7, we use the “means test” to determine if your income is below the median for New York or if your disposable income is low enough to qualify. Many working people pass this test, especially when you factor in necessary living expenses. If your income is too high for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 might be a better option—it’s designed for people with regular income who can afford a payment plan but need help reorganizing their debts. Having steady employment actually makes you a better candidate for Chapter 13 since you can fund a feasible repayment plan.

How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?

Bankruptcy will initially lower your credit score, but many people are surprised how quickly they can rebuild. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. However, the individual debts that were discharged are removed much sooner. Many clients see their credit scores start improving within 12-18 months after filing because they no longer have overwhelming debt-to-income ratios and late payments. You can often qualify for a secured credit card or car loan within a year or two after bankruptcy. The key is that bankruptcy gives you a clean slate to rebuild from, rather than spending years making minimum payments on debts that never decrease.

Local Resources

East Hauppauge, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State