Bankruptcy Lawyer in North Babylon, NY

Stop the Calls, Save Your Home

Get immediate protection from creditors and a clear path out of debt with experienced North Babylon bankruptcy representation.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

You’re not just filing paperwork. You’re reclaiming control of your financial future. When you work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, you get immediate relief from the constant stress of creditor calls and collection letters.

The automatic stay kicks in the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed. This legal protection stops all collection activities, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. No more hiding from the phone or dreading the mail.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most of your unsecured debts in just 3-4 months. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans – gone. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home while creating a manageable payment plan to catch up on mortgage arrears over 3-5 years. You choose the path that fits your situation, not what someone else thinks you should do.

North Babylon Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Experience, Real Results

We have helped hundreds of Long Island families navigate bankruptcy and get back on their feet. We understand the local economic pressures facing North Babylon residents – from high property taxes to healthcare costs that can derail even careful financial planning.

You work directly with Frank, not a paralegal or case manager. Every client gets personal attention because your situation deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. We have successfully represented clients in Suffolk County bankruptcy court for years, building relationships with trustees and understanding local procedures that can make your case move smoothly.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about solutions. We have seen every type of financial crisis and know how to protect what matters most to you and your family.

How to File for Bankruptcy

Clear Process, No Surprises

Your free consultation covers everything. We review your debts, income, assets, and goals to determine if bankruptcy is right for you and which chapter offers the best outcome. You get honest answers about what you can expect, how long it takes, and what it costs.

If you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and court filings. You’ll complete a credit counseling course (done online in about an hour) and provide financial documents. We prepare your petition and schedules of assets and debts, ensuring everything is accurate and complete.

The automatic stay goes into effect immediately when your case is filed. Creditors must stop all collection activities. You’ll attend a meeting of creditors about 30 days later – we prepare you for this and attend with you. Most Chapter 7 cases are complete within 4 months. Chapter 13 cases involve court approval of your payment plan, then you make payments to the trustee for 3-5 years while keeping your property.

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Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense

Complete Bankruptcy Representation

You get full legal representation from start to finish. We handle all court filings, communicate with creditors and trustees, and represent you at all hearings and meetings. No surprises, no extra fees for basic services that should be included.

Foreclosure defense is built into Chapter 13 representation. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 can stop the foreclosure and give you up to 5 years to catch up while keeping your home. We work with mortgage companies to ensure your payment plan is realistic and sustainable.

We also handle asset protection planning, helping you understand which property you can keep through bankruptcy exemptions. Your retirement accounts, tools of trade, reasonable home equity, and personal belongings are typically protected. We make sure you don’t give up anything you’re legally entitled to keep.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my North Babylon home?

The automatic stay goes into effect immediately when your bankruptcy petition is filed, which stops foreclosure proceedings that same day. If you’re facing an imminent foreclosure sale, we can often file an emergency petition to halt the sale, even if it’s scheduled for the next day. 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. The key is acting quickly – the closer you get to the foreclosure sale date, the more complicated it becomes to save your home.

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

Chapter 7 is liquidation bankruptcy that eliminates most unsecured debts in 3-4 months. You keep exempt property (typically your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal belongings) but non-exempt assets could be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 13 is reorganization bankruptcy where you keep all your property but pay creditors through a 3-5 year payment plan based on your disposable income. Chapter 13 is often better if you’re behind on mortgage or car payments, have significant non-exempt assets, or don’t qualify for Chapter 7 due to income limits. We analyze your specific situation to recommend the best option.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy with a North Babylon attorney?

Attorney fees vary based on case complexity, but we offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Chapter 7 cases typically cost less than Chapter 13 cases due to the shorter timeframe and less court involvement. The consultation is free, and we offer payment plan options because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy due to financial hardship. Court filing fees are set by federal law – $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. We explain all costs upfront during your consultation, including any additional expenses like credit counseling courses, so you know exactly what to expect.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently?

Bankruptcy does impact your credit score initially, but it’s often not as devastating as people fear, especially if your credit is already damaged from missed payments and high debt balances. Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months after discharge because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can start rebuilding credit immediately after filing by obtaining a secured credit card and making on-time payments. We provide credit rebuilding guidance to help you recover as quickly as possible.

Can I keep my car and house if I file for bankruptcy?

In most cases, yes. New York bankruptcy exemptions protect reasonable home equity and one vehicle per person. If you’re current on mortgage and car payments, you can usually keep both by signing reaffirmation agreements or continuing payments. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up over time while keeping the property. The key factors are how much equity you have, whether payments are current, and if the property fits within exemption limits. We review your specific situation during the consultation to determine exactly what property you can protect through bankruptcy.

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

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend a meeting of creditors about 30 days after filing, then wait for the discharge order. Chapter 13 takes longer because it involves a 3-5 year payment plan, but you get immediate protection from creditors when you file. The payment plan must be approved by the court, usually within 2-3 months of filing. Throughout the process, we handle all court requirements and keep you informed of important dates and deadlines. Most clients are surprised how straightforward the process is with experienced legal representation.

Local Resources

North Babylon, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State