Bankruptcy Lawyer in Fire Island Pines, NY

Stop Creditors and Save Your Property

Get immediate protection from debt collectors while keeping your Fire Island home safe from foreclosure.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Your Fresh Financial Start Begins Here

You’re drowning in debt, but you don’t have to lose everything. Bankruptcy gives you the legal power to stop creditor harassment immediately and wipe out crushing debt for good.

When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay kicks in within 24 hours. That means no more collection calls during dinner. No more threatening letters in your mailbox. No more sleepless nights wondering if they’ll take your house.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in as little as four months. Chapter 13 lets you keep your property while paying back what you can afford over three to five years. Either way, you get to keep essential assets like your home, car, and retirement accounts.

Fire Island Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Expertise You Can Trust

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Fire Island Pines residents navigate financial crises and protect their most valuable assets. We understand the unique challenges of living in a seasonal community where property values are high but income can be unpredictable.

You need an attorney who knows Suffolk County bankruptcy court procedures inside and out. Someone who understands that your Fire Island property isn’t just an investment – it’s your sanctuary.

We’ve successfully helped dozens of local families eliminate debt while keeping their homes. We know which exemptions protect your assets and how to structure your case for the best possible outcome.

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How to File for Bankruptcy

Your Clear Path to Debt Freedom

First, we’ll sit down for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. No judgment, just facts. We’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation.

Next, we’ll prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the court. The moment we file, that automatic stay goes into effect. Creditors must stop all collection activities immediately. No more calls, no more lawsuits, no more wage garnishments.

Within 30 days, you’ll attend a brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. We’ll be there with you to handle any questions. For Chapter 7 cases, you’ll typically receive your discharge in about four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a payment plan, but you get immediate protection while paying back what you can actually afford.

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Debt Relief Lawyer Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief

We handle every type of bankruptcy case, from straightforward Chapter 7 filings to complex Chapter 13 reorganizations. If you’re behind on your mortgage, we’ll fight foreclosure while working out a payment plan that lets you keep your Fire Island property.

Our foreclosure defense services buy you time and leverage to negotiate with lenders. Many times, we can modify loan terms or arrange settlements that are far better than what banks initially offer.

For business owners, we understand the seasonal nature of Fire Island enterprises. We can help restructure business debt or, if necessary, close down operations while protecting your personal assets from business creditors.

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Most people keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of equity in your primary residence, and higher amounts may apply if you’re over 65 or disabled. If you’re current on mortgage payments, Chapter 7 typically won’t affect your home. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 can stop foreclosure and let you catch up over time while keeping the property. We’ll review your specific situation to determine the best strategy for protecting your Fire Island investment.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes four to six months from filing to discharge. You’ll see immediate relief when we file because the automatic stay stops all collection activities right away. Chapter 13 takes longer because it involves a three to five year payment plan, but you get the same immediate protection from creditors. The meeting of creditors usually happens about a month after filing and lasts only a few minutes. Most of our clients are surprised how straightforward the process actually is once they understand the timeline.
Bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and collection accounts. It can also discharge certain older tax debts and stop wage garnishments. However, you’ll still owe secured debts like mortgages and car loans if you want to keep the property, plus ongoing obligations like child support, recent student loans, and recent tax debts. We’ll review your specific debts during consultation to explain exactly what can be eliminated and what you’ll still need to pay.
Attorney fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases cost more because they’re more complex, usually $3,500 to $4,500 plus a $313 filing fee. 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 arrange payments for the balance. We’ll discuss all costs upfront during your free consultation so there are no surprises.
Yes, seasonal income is common among Fire Island residents and businesses. The bankruptcy court understands that many people here earn most of their income during summer months. We’ll use your average monthly income over the past six months to determine which chapter you qualify for. If your income varies significantly, we may time your filing strategically to ensure you qualify for Chapter 7 if that’s the better option for your situation. Seasonal income actually works in your favor for the means test in many cases.
Bankruptcy does impact your credit score initially, but many people see improvement within two years because they’ve eliminated overwhelming debt. Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, Chapter 13 for seven years, but the impact lessens over time. Many clients receive credit card offers within months of discharge, though at higher interest rates initially. You can typically qualify for an FHA mortgage two years after Chapter 7 discharge or during a Chapter 13 if you’ve made payments on time. We provide credit rebuilding guidance to help you recover as quickly as possible.

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