Bankruptcy Lawyer in Island Trees, NY

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Services

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

The phone stops ringing. The threatening letters stop coming. Your wages stay in your paycheck where they belong.

That’s what happens when you file for bankruptcy protection. The automatic stay kicks in immediately, giving you breathing room you haven’t had in months or years.

Most of our Chapter 7 clients eliminate their credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans completely within 3-4 months. You keep your home, your car, and your essential belongings while wiping out the debt that’s been crushing you.

For those who need to catch up on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a manageable payment plan over 3-5 years. You stop foreclosure and keep your house while dealing with other debts at the same time.

Experienced Island Trees Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference

We at The Frank Law Firm P.C. have been helping Long Island families navigate financial difficulties for years. We know the local bankruptcy trustees, understand Nassau County court procedures, and maximize your New York state exemptions.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation and explain your options clearly. No legal jargon, no confusing explanations – just straight talk about what bankruptcy can and can’t do for you.

Most importantly, we’ve seen hundreds of people come through our doors feeling hopeless and leave with a clear plan forward. Financial stress doesn’t have to define your life.

How to File Bankruptcy Process

Simple Steps to Financial Relief

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, or if there are alternatives worth considering.

Once you decide to move forward, we gather the required financial documents and prepare your bankruptcy petition. This includes listing all debts, assets, income, and expenses. We handle the paperwork while you focus on your daily life.

After filing, the automatic stay immediately stops all collection activities. You’ll attend one brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, usually lasting 5-10 minutes. We prepare you for this meeting and attend with you.

In Chapter 7 cases, most clients receive their discharge within 3-4 months. Chapter 13 clients make payments according to their court-approved plan while keeping their assets. Either way, you get the fresh start you need.

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Debt Relief Lawyer Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Solutions

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for individuals and married couples. Our services include foreclosure defense when you need time to explore options or negotiate with your mortgage company.

Beyond bankruptcy, we help with debt settlement negotiations, creditor harassment issues, and wage garnishment problems. Sometimes bankruptcy isn’t necessary – we’ll tell you honestly if there’s a simpler solution.

You’ll work directly with an experienced bankruptcy attorney throughout your case, not paralegals or assistants. We offer flexible payment plans because we understand money is tight when you’re considering bankruptcy.

Our goal is getting you back on solid financial ground as quickly as possible. That means protecting your assets, eliminating overwhelming debt, and giving you tools to rebuild your credit afterward.

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

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees are $338 paid to the court, plus attorney fees typically ranging from $1,500-$2,500 depending on case complexity. Chapter 13 cases have a $313 court filing fee with attorney fees usually between $3,000-$4,000. We offer payment plans for attorney fees because we understand you’re already facing financial pressure. Many clients can pay attorney fees over several months before filing, and Chapter 13 attorney fees can often be included in your repayment plan. The investment in professional legal help protects your assets and ensures your case goes smoothly.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Most people keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of home equity for most filers. If you’re current on mortgage payments and have equity within exemption limits, Chapter 7 won’t affect your house. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop foreclosure and let you catch up over 3-5 years while keeping the home. Even if you have significant equity above exemption amounts, Chapter 13 often provides solutions to protect your property. We review your specific situation during consultation to explain exactly how bankruptcy affects your home.

How long does the bankruptcy process take in Nassau County?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge in Nassau County. You’ll attend one meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, then receive your discharge 60-90 days later if no issues arise. Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year payment plan, but you get immediate protection when we file your petition. The automatic stay stops collection activities right away, so you feel relief immediately even though the full process takes longer. Most clients tell us the hardest part is making the decision to file – once we start the process, it moves relatively quickly through the local bankruptcy court.

What debts can be eliminated through bankruptcy on Long Island?

Bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, collection accounts, and old utility bills. You can also discharge certain older tax debts and eliminate personal liability on foreclosed mortgages or repossessed vehicles. However, you’ll still owe recent taxes, student loans, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or intentional wrongdoing. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans continue if you want to keep the property, but you can eliminate personal liability and walk away if needed. We review your specific debts during consultation to explain what gets eliminated and what remains.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently in New York?

Bankruptcy appears on credit reports for 7-10 years, but most clients see credit improvement within 1-2 years after filing. This happens because bankruptcy eliminates the debts dragging down your credit score and stops late payments from accumulating. Many clients qualify for secured credit cards within months of discharge and conventional mortgages within 2-4 years. The key is rebuilding responsibly after bankruptcy rather than avoiding credit entirely. We provide guidance on credit rebuilding strategies as part of our service. Remember, continuing to struggle with overwhelming debt often damages credit more than bankruptcy does.

Can I file for bankruptcy without my spouse in Island Trees?

Yes, married individuals can file bankruptcy alone in New York. However, we need to list your spouse’s income if you live together, which affects the means test for Chapter 7 eligibility. Your spouse’s separate debts won’t be eliminated unless they’re jointly responsible. Filing individually makes sense when most debts belong to one spouse or when the other spouse has excellent credit worth protecting. Sometimes joint filing saves money and provides better results, especially with shared debts or jointly-owned assets. We analyze both options during consultation to recommend the best approach for your family’s specific financial situation and goals.

Local Resources

Island Trees, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State