Bankruptcy Lawyer in Greenlawn, NY

Stop Foreclosure and Eliminate Debt Fast

Get immediate relief from creditors and protect your home with experienced bankruptcy representation in Greenlawn.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

What Life Looks Like After Filing

The phone stops ringing. No more collection calls at dinner time or threatening letters in your mailbox. Your wages stay in your paycheck instead of going to creditors.

Within 24 hours of filing, an automatic stay goes into effect. This legal protection stops all collection activities, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. You can finally sleep without wondering if tomorrow brings another financial crisis.

Most Chapter 7 cases wrap up in 3-4 months. Your credit cards, medical bills, and other unsecured debts get wiped clean. You keep your home, car, and essential belongings while getting the fresh start you need to rebuild your financial future.

Greenlawn Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Attorney Who Gets It

We’ve been helping Long Island families navigate bankruptcy for years. We understand the unique financial pressures facing Greenlawn residents – from high property taxes to job market challenges.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation and explain your options in plain English. No legal jargon, no judgment – just clear guidance on the best path forward.

Our office serves Suffolk County families who need immediate debt relief and foreclosure protection. We know the local bankruptcy court procedures and work efficiently to get you results fast.

How to File for Bankruptcy

Your Path to Financial Freedom

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. We’ll determine if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation. This conversation stays completely confidential.

Next, we prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the Suffolk County court. The automatic stay takes effect immediately, stopping all collection activities. Your creditors must deal with us, not you.

You’ll attend one meeting with the bankruptcy trustee about 30 days after filing. We prepare you for this meeting and attend with you. Most meetings last less than 10 minutes with routine questions about your financial situation.

Finally, the court discharges your qualifying debts. Chapter 7 cases typically complete in 3-4 months. Chapter 13 payment plans run 3-5 years but let you keep your home while catching up on missed payments.

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Debt Relief Lawyer Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Defense

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for Greenlawn residents. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts in a few months, while Chapter 13 creates manageable payment plans to save your home from foreclosure.

Foreclosure defense is critical when you’re behind on mortgage payments. We can file bankruptcy to stop foreclosure proceedings and give you time to explore loan modifications or catch up on missed payments through a Chapter 13 plan.

Our debt relief services extend beyond bankruptcy filing. We negotiate with creditors, stop wage garnishments, and protect your assets using New York exemption laws. Medical debt, credit card debt, and business debt can all be addressed through the bankruptcy process.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my home?

Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure immediately through the automatic stay provision. Once we file your bankruptcy petition with the court, all collection activities must cease, including foreclosure proceedings. This gives you breathing room to explore options like loan modification or a Chapter 13 repayment plan. The automatic stay goes into effect the moment your case is filed, even if it’s filed electronically after business hours. However, the stay is temporary in Chapter 7 cases unless you’re current on payments, while Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3-5 years.

What debts can be eliminated through Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills. Business debts from failed ventures and deficiency balances from repossessed vehicles also qualify for discharge. However, certain debts survive bankruptcy including recent taxes, student loans, child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans continue, but you can surrender the property and eliminate any remaining balance. The key is distinguishing between dischargeable and non-dischargeable debts during your consultation.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in New York?

Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, set by federal law. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity, but we offer transparent pricing and payment plans to make bankruptcy affordable when you need it most. Many clients use their tax refunds or stop paying dischargeable debts to fund their bankruptcy case. We’ll discuss all costs upfront during your free consultation, including any additional expenses like credit counseling courses required by law. The investment in bankruptcy typically pays for itself by eliminating thousands in debt and stopping costly collection activities.

Will I lose my house and car if I file bankruptcy?

Most people keep their homes and cars in bankruptcy using New York exemption laws. The homestead exemption protects significant equity in your primary residence, while the motor vehicle exemption covers basic transportation needs. If you’re current on secured debt payments, you can usually keep the property by continuing payments. Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help you catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while eliminating other debts. The goal is preserving essential assets while getting debt relief, not punishing people for financial hardship.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 shows for 7 years from the filing date. However, the impact on your credit score decreases over time, especially if you rebuild credit responsibly after discharge. Many clients see their scores improve within 1-2 years because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can qualify for FHA mortgages just 2 years after Chapter 7 discharge or 1 year into a Chapter 13 plan with court approval. The key is viewing bankruptcy as a tool for financial recovery, not a permanent mark against you.

Can I file bankruptcy if I have a job and regular income?

Yes, having a job doesn’t disqualify you from bankruptcy relief. Chapter 7 uses a means test comparing your income to New York median income levels, but many working families still qualify based on their expenses and family size. If your income is too high for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 might be perfect since it requires regular income to fund a repayment plan. Chapter 13 often works better for people with steady jobs who are behind on mortgages or have non-dischargeable debts like taxes. Your employment actually helps in Chapter 13 by demonstrating ability to complete the payment plan successfully.

Local Resources

Greenlawn, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State