Bankruptcy Lawyer in Ridgewood, NY

Stop Creditor Calls This Week

Get immediate relief from debt collectors and protect your home with experienced bankruptcy representation.

Hear from Our Customers

Ridgewood Debt Relief Attorney

Your Financial Fresh Start Begins Here

You’re not sleeping. The phone won’t stop ringing. Every piece of mail feels like another threat to everything you’ve worked for.

Here’s what changes when you file for bankruptcy protection. The automatic stay kicks in immediately – no more collection calls, no more wage garnishments, no more sleepless nights wondering if you’ll lose your home. Your creditors have to back off by federal law.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most of your unsecured debt in about four months. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans – gone. Chapter 13 lets you keep your house while paying back what you can afford over three to five years. Both options protect your retirement accounts, basic household goods, and give you the breathing room to rebuild your financial life on solid ground.

Experienced Ridgewood Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Handle NY Bankruptcy Law Daily

We have been helping Ridgewood residents navigate bankruptcy and debt relief for years. We know the local courts, the trustees, and exactly how to move your case through the system efficiently.

You’re not just another case number here. We understand that financial problems happen to good people – job loss, medical emergencies, divorce, business setbacks. Our focus is getting you the relief you need without the judgment or complicated legal jargon that makes everything worse.

We’ve guided hundreds of Queens residents through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. We know which option works best for your specific situation and how to protect the assets that matter most to you.

How to File Bankruptcy Ridgewood

The Process is Simpler Than Expected

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. No charge, no pressure – just straight answers about whether bankruptcy makes sense for your situation and which chapter gives you the best outcome.

If you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork. You’ll need to gather some financial documents, but we walk you through exactly what’s needed. We prepare your petition, schedules, and statements, then file everything with the bankruptcy court.

The automatic stay goes into effect the moment we file. Creditors must stop calling immediately. Then you’ll attend one meeting with the bankruptcy trustee – we’ll be right there with you. For Chapter 7 cases, you’re typically done in about four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a repayment plan, but you get to keep your house and catch up on missed mortgage payments over time.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

Get a Free Consultation

Chapter 7 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Complete Bankruptcy Representation Included

Every bankruptcy case includes full legal representation from start to finish. We prepare and file all required documents, handle communication with creditors and trustees, and represent you at all hearings and meetings.

You get a thorough evaluation of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options. Many Ridgewood residents qualify for Chapter 7, which eliminates most debts quickly. Others benefit more from Chapter 13, especially if they’re behind on mortgage payments and want to save their home. We also handle foreclosure defense when needed to buy you time while we prepare your bankruptcy case.

Our service includes credit counseling coordination, asset protection planning, and guidance on rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy. We make sure you understand each step and know what to expect. The goal is not just to get you through bankruptcy, but to set you up for long-term financial stability.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop creditor calls and collection activities?

The automatic stay goes into effect immediately when we file your bankruptcy petition – usually within 24 hours of deciding to proceed. This federal court order forces all creditors to stop collection calls, letters, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. Creditors who violate the automatic stay can face serious penalties. You can give debt collectors our firm’s contact information and refer them to your bankruptcy case number. Most of our Ridgewood clients tell us the relief from constant creditor harassment is worth it alone, even before we eliminate their debts.

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

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts in about four months without a repayment plan. You keep essential assets like your home equity exemption, retirement accounts, and household goods, but non-exempt assets could be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 13 lets you keep all your property while paying back what you can afford over three to five years. It’s especially useful if you’re behind on mortgage payments and want to save your home. Chapter 13 also works if your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7. We’ll analyze your specific situation to determine which chapter gives you the better outcome.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy in Ridgewood?

Most people keep their homes in bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects significant home equity, and if you’re current on mortgage payments, Chapter 7 typically won’t affect your house. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 actually helps you save your home by letting you catch up on missed payments over time while stopping foreclosure. The automatic stay immediately stops any foreclosure proceedings, giving us time to work out a solution. We review your mortgage situation, equity amount, and payment history to determine the best strategy for protecting your home.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy with your Ridgewood law firm?

Attorney fees vary based on your case complexity, but we offer affordable payment plans so you don’t need all the money upfront. Chapter 7 cases typically cost less than Chapter 13 cases due to the shorter timeframe. Court filing fees are set by federal law – $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. We discuss all costs during your free consultation so there are no surprises. Many clients find that stopping just one month of minimum credit card payments covers a significant portion of their bankruptcy costs. We also offer payment plans that work with your budget.

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

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes about four months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one meeting with the trustee about a month after filing, then receive your discharge order about 60 days later. Chapter 13 cases involve a three to five year repayment plan, but you get immediate protection from creditors and can start rebuilding your credit right away. The timeline can vary based on court schedules and case complexity, but we keep you informed throughout the process. Most of our Ridgewood clients are surprised how quickly they get relief from financial stress once we file their case.

What debts cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy in New York?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy including recent taxes, student loans (with rare exceptions), 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 your personal liability. Most credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old tax debts can be discharged. We review your specific debts during consultation to explain exactly what can be eliminated and what you’ll still owe after bankruptcy. Understanding which debts get discharged helps you make an informed decision about whether bankruptcy provides enough benefit for your situation.

Local Resources

Ridgewood, NY is located in Kings County in New York State