Bankruptcy Lawyer in Salisbury, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Save Your Home

Get immediate relief from debt stress with experienced bankruptcy representation that protects what matters most to you.

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Debt Relief Solutions Salisbury

What Life Looks Like After Filing

The phone stops ringing with creditor calls. Your wages are protected from garnishment. You sleep better knowing foreclosure proceedings have stopped.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts in just 3-4 months, giving you a clean slate without years of payment plans. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home while restructuring debts into manageable monthly payments based on what you can actually afford.

You’ll have legal protection from lawsuits and the breathing room to rebuild your financial foundation. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately upon filing, creating a legal barrier between you and creditors while your case moves through the system.

Salisbury Bankruptcy Law Firm

Local Experience, Federal Court Knowledge

We have been helping Salisbury families navigate financial crises and find realistic solutions to overwhelming debt. We understand the local economic pressures that affect our community and work exclusively within the federal bankruptcy system.

You’re not getting a one-size-fits-all approach. Every case gets individual attention to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes more sense for your specific situation. We’ve guided hundreds of clients through the bankruptcy process, from initial filing through final discharge.

Our office is here in Salisbury because we believe you deserve local representation that understands your circumstances and can meet with you in person when needed.

How to File Bankruptcy

Your Path from Debt to Fresh Start

First, we’ll review your complete financial picture during a consultation. This includes all debts, assets, income, and expenses to determine which bankruptcy chapter serves you best. We’ll also identify any potential issues before they become problems.

Next, we prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the federal court. The automatic stay takes effect immediately, stopping all collection activities, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishments. Creditors must communicate through us from this point forward.

You’ll attend one meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, typically lasting 10-15 minutes, where they’ll ask basic questions about your financial situation. We’ll prepare you thoroughly and attend with you. After completing any required courses, you’ll receive your discharge order eliminating qualifying debts and officially closing your case.

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Chapter 7 Chapter 13 Options

Complete Bankruptcy Representation Included

Your representation covers everything from initial case evaluation through final discharge. We handle all court filings, creditor communications, trustee meetings, and required documentation. You won’t face surprise fees for standard bankruptcy services.

Chapter 7 cases typically resolve in 3-4 months and eliminate most credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year payment plan allowing you to catch up on mortgage arrears while discharging remaining unsecured debt.

We also provide foreclosure defense services that can buy you time to explore options or complete a bankruptcy filing. Many clients facing foreclosure find that Chapter 13 offers the most comprehensive solution for saving their home while addressing other debts.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my home?

The automatic stay takes effect immediately when we file your bankruptcy petition, which stops foreclosure proceedings that same day. However, timing matters significantly. If your foreclosure sale is scheduled for tomorrow, we need to file today to prevent it. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is typically the best option for homeowners because it allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3-5 years while keeping your home. Chapter 7 provides temporary foreclosure relief but doesn’t solve the underlying mortgage arrears problem. The sooner you contact us before your foreclosure sale date, the more options we can explore to save your home.

What debts cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy?

Most credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills can be eliminated. However, certain debts survive bankruptcy including recent income taxes (typically less than 3 years old), student loans (with rare exceptions), child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans can be eliminated, but you’ll lose the property if you stop paying. Recent luxury purchases or cash advances may also be challenged by creditors. During your consultation, we’ll review your specific debts to give you an accurate picture of what can and cannot be discharged in your situation.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 cases typically cost $1,500-$2,000 in attorney fees plus $338 in court filing fees. Chapter 13 cases generally run $3,000-$4,000 in attorney fees plus $313 in court filing fees, with most attorney fees paid through your payment plan. We offer payment plans for Chapter 7 cases and can often file your case before full payment is made. The exact cost depends on your case’s complexity, but we provide transparent fee quotes during your consultation. Many clients find that bankruptcy costs less than making minimum payments on their debts for just a few months, and the relief is immediate rather than years away.

Will I lose my car, home, or other property?

New York bankruptcy exemptions protect most essential property including your primary residence (up to $170,825), vehicle (up to $4,550), household goods, retirement accounts, and tools needed for work. If you’re current on secured debt payments like your mortgage or car loan, you can typically keep that property by continuing payments. Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help you keep property while catching up on missed payments. Non-essential items like boats, recreational vehicles, or expensive jewelry might be at risk in Chapter 7, but we’ll review your specific assets during consultation to identify any concerns and explore strategies to protect important property.

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 practice good credit habits after discharge. Many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can often qualify for secured credit cards immediately after discharge and conventional mortgages within 2-4 years. The key is that bankruptcy stops the ongoing damage from missed payments, collections, and judgments that would otherwise continue hurting your credit for years.

Can I file bankruptcy if I'm currently employed?

Yes, employment doesn’t disqualify you from bankruptcy relief. Many of our clients work full-time but still cannot manage their debt obligations due to medical emergencies, divorce, business failures, or reduced income. For Chapter 7, we use the means test to compare your income to New York median income levels. If your income is below the median or your allowable expenses reduce your disposable income sufficiently, you’ll qualify. Chapter 13 is available regardless of income level and actually works better when you have steady employment because it creates a structured repayment plan. Having a job often strengthens your bankruptcy case by showing the court you’re committed to meeting your obligations within a realistic framework.

Local Resources

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