Bankruptcy Lawyer in Merrick, NY

Stop Creditor Harassment and Eliminate Debt

Get immediate protection from collection calls and wage garnishments while keeping your home and essential assets.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Merrick

Your Fresh Financial Start Begins Here

You’re tired of choosing between groceries and credit card payments. You’re exhausted from dodging phone calls and losing sleep over mounting bills. Bankruptcy isn’t failure—it’s a legal tool designed to give people exactly like you a second chance.

When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay kicks in immediately. Those collection calls stop. The threatening letters end. Your wages can’t be garnished, and your bank account stays protected.

Most of your unsecured debts—credit cards, medical bills, personal loans—get wiped out completely. You keep your home, your car, your retirement accounts, and the essentials you need to rebuild. Within months, not years, you can start fresh with a clean slate and a clear path forward.

Bankruptcy Law Firm Nassau County

Local Experience You Can Trust

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Nassau County residents navigate financial crises and rebuild their lives through strategic bankruptcy planning. We understand the unique pressures facing Long Island families—from high property taxes to cost of living challenges that can quickly spiral out of control.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation, explain your options clearly, and develop a strategy that protects what matters most to you. Every client receives personalized attention and honest guidance about whether bankruptcy is the right solution.

We have successfully handled hundreds of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases in Nassau County courts, building relationships with trustees and understanding local procedures that can make your case move smoothly and efficiently.

File for Bankruptcy Merrick NY

The Process Is Simpler Than You Think

Your bankruptcy starts with a free consultation where you’ll get honest answers about your options. No pressure, no sales pitch—just clear information about whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes sense for your situation.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and documentation. You’ll provide financial information, and our legal team prepares and files your petition with the Nassau County bankruptcy court. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately upon filing, stopping all collection activity.

Within 30-45 days, you’ll attend a brief meeting of creditors—usually lasting just a few minutes. The trustee asks basic questions about your finances, and in most cases, that’s the only court appearance required. For Chapter 7 cases, your discharge typically comes within 3-4 months. Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year payment plan, but you get immediate protection and keep your assets while reorganizing your debts.

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Debt Relief Lawyer Merrick NY

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

We handle both Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization cases, depending on your income, assets, and goals. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts in 3-4 months, while Chapter 13 creates a manageable payment plan that lets you keep your home and catch up on missed mortgage payments.

We also provide foreclosure defense services, helping homeowners explore alternatives to bankruptcy when appropriate. Sometimes a loan modification or workout agreement can solve the problem without filing bankruptcy. Other times, bankruptcy provides the strongest protection against foreclosure.

You’ll receive comprehensive pre-filing counseling to ensure bankruptcy is the right choice, assistance with all required documentation, representation at the meeting of creditors, and guidance on rebuilding credit after discharge. We also handle any issues that arise during your case, including creditor objections or trustee requests for additional information.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Nassau County?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs include a $338 court filing fee plus attorney fees, which typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on case complexity. Chapter 13 cases have a $313 filing fee and higher attorney fees due to the longer timeline and payment plan administration. We offer payment plans for attorney fees and can often structure payments around your budget. Many clients find that even with legal fees, bankruptcy costs far less than continuing to make minimum payments on debts that will take decades to pay off. During your free consultation, you’ll receive a clear estimate of all costs involved in your specific case.

Can I keep my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Yes, most people keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of equity in your primary residence, and if you’re current on mortgage payments, you can continue making them and keep the house. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly helpful for homeowners behind on mortgage payments, as it allows you to catch up on arrears over 3-5 years while stopping foreclosure proceedings. Even in Chapter 7, you can often reaffirm your mortgage and keep the property. The key is having a clear strategy before filing, which is why discussing your situation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney is crucial for protecting your home.

What debts cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy discharge, including recent income taxes (generally less than 3 years old), student loans (with rare exceptions), child support and alimony, criminal fines, and debts obtained through fraud. However, bankruptcy eliminates most common debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, old utility bills, and deficiency balances from repossessed vehicles. Even for non-dischargeable debts like taxes, Chapter 13 can create manageable payment plans and stop penalties and interest from accruing. The automatic stay also provides immediate relief from collection efforts on all debts, giving you breathing room even for obligations that won’t be discharged.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while Chapter 13 shows for 7 years. However, the impact on your credit score decreases significantly over time, especially if you rebuild credit responsibly after discharge. Many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months of discharge because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can typically qualify for an FHA mortgage just 2 years after Chapter 7 discharge or 1 year into a Chapter 13 plan with court approval. The key is starting the rebuilding process early with secured credit cards and making all post-bankruptcy payments on time.

Should I choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

The choice depends on your income, assets, and goals. Chapter 7 works best if you pass the means test (income below median for your household size) and want to eliminate debts quickly without a payment plan. Chapter 13 is required if your income is too high for Chapter 7, or it’s preferable if you’re behind on mortgage payments, have significant non-exempt assets you want to protect, or owe non-dischargeable debts like recent taxes. Chapter 13 also allows you to strip off wholly unsecured second mortgages in some cases. During your consultation, we’ll analyze your complete financial picture and recommend the chapter that provides the best outcome for your specific situation.

Will I lose my retirement accounts in bankruptcy?

No, retirement accounts are strongly protected in bankruptcy. 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pension plans, and most IRAs are completely exempt from creditors and the bankruptcy trustee. Traditional and Roth IRAs are protected up to $1,512,350 per person (adjusted periodically for inflation), which covers the vast majority of retirement savers. This means you can eliminate your debts while preserving your retirement security. However, it’s important not to cash out retirement accounts to pay debts before filing bankruptcy, as this eliminates the protection and creates unnecessary tax consequences. Your retirement funds are one of the most important assets to preserve during financial difficulties, and bankruptcy allows you to do exactly that.

Local Resources

Merrick, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State