Bankruptcy Lawyer in Fresh Meadows, NY

Stop the Calls, Save Your Home

Get immediate protection from creditors and explore real debt relief options with experienced bankruptcy representation.

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Fresh Meadows Debt Relief Attorney

What Life Looks Like After Filing

The phone stops ringing with collection calls. Your paycheck stays in your account instead of being garnished. You sleep through the night without worrying about losing your home.

That’s what happens when you file for bankruptcy with proper legal guidance. The automatic stay kicks in immediately, giving you breathing room to reorganize your finances or eliminate debt entirely.

You’ll have a clear path forward instead of drowning in minimum payments that never touch the principal. Your Fresh Meadows bankruptcy lawyer handles the paperwork, court appearances, and creditor communications so you can focus on rebuilding your financial future.

Experienced Fresh Meadows Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know New York Bankruptcy Law

We have been helping Fresh Meadows residents navigate financial crises for years. We understand the local bankruptcy court procedures and have built relationships that benefit our clients.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation and explain your options in plain English. Our office is right here in your community, so we’re available when you need us most.

We’ve seen every type of financial situation and know which strategies work best for different circumstances. That experience matters when your home and financial future are on the line.

How to File Bankruptcy

Your Path to Financial Freedom

First, we sit down for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. This helps us determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation.

Once you decide to move forward, we immediately contact your creditors to let them know you’re represented by counsel. This often stops the harassment calls right away, even before we file.

We prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the court, which triggers the automatic stay. This legal protection stops all collection actions, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishments. You’ll attend a meeting of creditors about a month later, where we’ll be right there with you.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on which chapter you file. Throughout this time, we handle all communication with the court and creditors so you can focus on your fresh start.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Complete Bankruptcy Legal Services

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for Fresh Meadows residents. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about four months. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year repayment plan that often lets you keep your home and catch up on missed mortgage payments.

Our service includes foreclosure defense when you’re behind on your mortgage. We can often negotiate with lenders or use bankruptcy protection to give you time to get current on payments.

You’ll also get guidance on rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy. Many clients are surprised to learn they can qualify for new credit within a year or two of discharge. We provide the roadmap to make that happen as quickly as possible while avoiding the mistakes that led to financial trouble in the first place.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my Fresh Meadows home?

Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure immediately through the automatic stay, which goes into effect the moment we file your petition with the court. Even if your foreclosure sale is scheduled for next week, filing bankruptcy will halt the process and give you time to explore your options. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly effective for homeowners because it allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3-5 years while keeping your home. We’ve helped many Fresh Meadows families save their homes this way, even when foreclosure seemed inevitable.

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

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about four months. You typically don’t make payments to creditors, but you might have to give up non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a 3-5 year repayment plan based on your income and expenses. It’s often better for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments because it gives you time to catch up while keeping your home. The choice depends on your income, assets, and goals. During our consultation, we’ll review your specific situation and recommend the best option for your circumstances.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Fresh Meadows?

Attorney fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically range from $1,500-$2,500, plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases cost more because they require ongoing work over 3-5 years, usually $3,500-$5,000 plus a $313 filing fee. We offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy due to financial hardship. Many clients can pay attorney fees over time, and Chapter 13 attorney fees can often be included in your repayment plan. We’ll discuss all costs upfront during your free consultation so there are no surprises.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently?

Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7-10 years, but its impact decreases significantly over time. Many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months after discharge because they no longer have overwhelming debt dragging down their scores. You can often qualify for secured credit cards immediately after discharge and car loans within a year. FHA mortgages are available just two years after Chapter 7 discharge or one year into a Chapter 13 plan. The key is rebuilding responsibly with our guidance rather than letting debt problems continue to destroy your credit for years.

Can I keep my car and personal belongings if I file bankruptcy?

Yes, New York bankruptcy exemptions protect most personal belongings including clothing, furniture, appliances, and tools needed for work. You can typically keep one vehicle worth up to $4,550, or more if you’re still making payments and want to continue. If your car is worth more than the exemption amount, you might be able to pay the difference to keep it. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are fully protected. We’ll review all your assets during consultation and explain exactly what you can keep. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how much they’re allowed to protect in bankruptcy.

How long does the bankruptcy process take from start to finish?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4-6 months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one meeting of creditors about a month after filing, then wait for the discharge order. Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a 3-5 year repayment plan, but you get immediate protection from the automatic stay when we file. The timeline can vary based on your specific circumstances and whether any complications arise. We handle all the paperwork and court requirements, so the process moves as smoothly as possible. Most clients are relieved to have a definite end date for their financial problems rather than struggling with debt indefinitely.

Local Resources

Fresh Meadows, NY is located in Queens County in New York State