Bankruptcy Lawyer in Fair Harbor, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Eliminate Debt

Get immediate relief from overwhelming debt and protect your family’s future with experienced bankruptcy representation.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

The phone calls stop. The wage garnishments end. The sleepless nights become a thing of the past.

When you file for bankruptcy protection, you’re not giving up—you’re taking control. Most clients see immediate relief from creditor harassment within days of filing. Your paycheck stays in your pocket instead of going to collection agencies.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in as little as four months. Chapter 13 creates a manageable payment plan that lets you keep your home while catching up on missed mortgage payments. Either way, you get the breathing room you need to rebuild your financial life on solid ground.

Fair Harbor Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know New York Bankruptcy Law

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has helped Fair Harbor families navigate financial crises for years. We understand the unique challenges facing Long Island residents—from seasonal employment in the tourism industry to the high cost of living that can quickly overwhelm even careful budgeters.

You won’t get shuffled through a bankruptcy mill here. Every case receives personal attention because we know that behind every filing is a family trying to get back on their feet. We’ve guided hundreds of clients through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings in New York bankruptcy courts.

How to File for Bankruptcy

The Process is Simpler Than You Think

Your bankruptcy case starts with a free consultation where we review your debts, income, and assets. We’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation. Most Fair Harbor residents qualify for Chapter 7, which eliminates most debts without a repayment plan.

Once we file your petition, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This legal protection stops all collection calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. Creditors must deal with the bankruptcy court, not you.

The entire Chapter 7 process typically takes four to six months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, usually lasting less than ten minutes. After that, you wait for your discharge order that legally eliminates your qualifying debts forever.

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Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense

Complete Financial Protection Services

Bankruptcy is just one tool in your debt relief arsenal. We also handle foreclosure defense to help you keep your home, negotiate with creditors for payment reductions, and advise on asset protection strategies.

Many Fair Harbor residents worry about losing their house, but bankruptcy often provides the best path to keeping it. Chapter 13 lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments over three to five years while stopping foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 7 can eliminate second mortgages and other liens that make your home payments unaffordable.

We also help with the practical side of financial recovery. You’ll get guidance on rebuilding your credit score, managing your post-bankruptcy budget, and avoiding the mistakes that led to financial trouble in the first place.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in New York?

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in New York take four to six months from filing to discharge. The timeline depends on your specific circumstances and the court’s schedule, but the process moves relatively quickly. You’ll attend one meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, then wait for your discharge order. During this time, you’re protected from collection efforts and can start planning your financial fresh start. The automatic stay begins immediately when we file your petition, so you get relief from creditor harassment right away.

Can I keep my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Yes, many Fair Harbor residents keep their homes through bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of equity in your primary residence. If you’re current on mortgage payments and have equity within the exemption limit, you can usually keep your house in Chapter 7. Chapter 13 is even better for homeowners behind on payments—it stops foreclosure and lets you catch up on missed payments over three to five years while keeping your home. We’ll analyze your specific situation during your free consultation.

What debts cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy discharge, including recent taxes, student loans, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or criminal activity. However, bankruptcy eliminates most common debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills. Even if some debts can’t be discharged, bankruptcy often provides enough relief to make the remaining payments manageable. We’ll review your specific debts during consultation to explain exactly what can and cannot be eliminated in your case.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Fair Harbor?

Attorney fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases cost more due to the longer timeline and payment plan administration. We offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy precisely because money is tight. Many clients pay part of the fee upfront and the remainder before filing. We’ll discuss all costs during your free consultation so there are no surprises. The investment in professional legal help usually pays for itself through better outcomes and peace of mind.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score forever?

Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, but your credit score can start improving much sooner. Many clients see their scores increase within 12 to 18 months after discharge because they no longer have overwhelming debt dragging down their credit utilization ratio. You can qualify for a car loan within a year and a mortgage within two to three years in most cases. The key is rebuilding responsibly with secured credit cards and staying current on any remaining obligations like your mortgage or car payment.

Should I choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 works best if you have little disposable income and want to eliminate debts quickly without a repayment plan. Chapter 13 makes sense if you have regular income and need to catch up on mortgage or car payments while keeping your property. Your income level, asset values, and financial goals all factor into this decision. Most Fair Harbor residents with income below the state median qualify for Chapter 7, but Chapter 13 might be better if you’re behind on house payments or have non-exempt assets you want to protect. We’ll analyze your situation and recommend the best option during your consultation.

Local Resources

Fair Harbor, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State