Bankruptcy Lawyer in Selden, NY

Get Real Relief From Overwhelming Debt

Stop the calls, save your home, and start fresh with experienced bankruptcy guidance in Selden.

Hear from Our Customers

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Selden

What Debt Relief Actually Looks Like

You sleep through the night without worrying about the phone ringing. Your paycheck stays in your account instead of getting garnished. The foreclosure notice stops hanging over your head like a storm cloud.

That’s what happens when you file for bankruptcy the right way. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in as little as four months. Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you keep your house while catching up on missed mortgage payments over three to five years.

The harassment stops immediately. Once you file, creditors legally cannot contact you. No more calls during dinner. No more letters threatening legal action. The automatic stay protection kicks in the moment your case is filed, giving you breathing room to rebuild.

Selden Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know New York Bankruptcy Law

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Long Island families navigate bankruptcy for years. We know the local trustees, understand how New York exemptions work, and have guided hundreds of clients through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.

You’re not getting a cookie-cutter approach here. Every case is different, and we take time to understand your specific situation before recommending any action. Some clients need Chapter 7 for a complete fresh start. Others benefit more from Chapter 13 to save their home and catch up on payments.

We practice exclusively in New York, so we understand the state-specific rules that can make or break your case. Property exemptions, income requirements, and local court procedures all matter when you’re trying to protect your assets and get the best possible outcome.

How to File Bankruptcy Selden

Here's How the Process Actually Works

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. This isn’t a sales pitch – it’s an honest assessment of whether bankruptcy makes sense for your situation. Sometimes there are better alternatives, and we’ll tell you that upfront.

If bankruptcy is the right move, we’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your needs better. Chapter 7 works for people who pass the means test and want to eliminate debt quickly. Chapter 13 works better if you’re behind on mortgage payments or have assets you need to protect.

We handle all the paperwork, attend the creditors’ meeting with you, and guide you through any additional requirements. Most Chapter 7 cases are complete within four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a payment plan that lasts three to five years, but you get immediate protection from creditors while you catch up on secured debts like your mortgage.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

Get a Free Consultation

Debt Relief Lawyer Selden NY

Complete Debt Relief Strategy

Bankruptcy isn’t just about filing paperwork. It’s about creating a comprehensive strategy to deal with your specific debt situation. We handle Chapter 7 liquidation cases, Chapter 13 reorganization plans, and foreclosure defense when you need to buy time to explore your options.

Every case includes a thorough review of your assets to maximize exemptions under New York law. Your retirement accounts, primary residence equity, vehicle, and personal property all have specific protections we can use to your advantage. We also review your income and expenses to ensure you qualify for Chapter 7 or structure an affordable Chapter 13 payment plan.

You get direct access to an experienced bankruptcy attorney, not a paralegal or case manager. We return calls promptly, explain each step of the process clearly, and make sure you understand your options before making any decisions. Our goal is to get you the best possible outcome while protecting as much of your property as legally possible.

How do I know if I qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York?

Chapter 7 qualification depends on passing the means test, which compares your income to the median income for similar households in New York. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify. If it’s above, we calculate your disposable income after allowed expenses. Most people who feel overwhelmed by debt do qualify for Chapter 7, but the calculation involves specific rules about what income counts and what expenses are allowed. We can determine your eligibility during a free consultation by reviewing your income, household size, and monthly expenses.

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

Not necessarily. New York allows you to protect up to $170,825 in home equity (as of 2024), and married couples can double that amount. If you’re current on mortgage payments and have equity within the exemption limits, you can keep your house in Chapter 7. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 lets you catch up over three to five years while stopping foreclosure. The key is acting before you’re too far behind on payments. We analyze your specific situation to determine the best way to protect your home.

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

Chapter 7 cases typically take four to six months from filing to discharge. You’ll attend one creditors’ meeting about 30 days after filing, then wait for the discharge order. Chapter 13 cases involve a three to five year payment plan, but you get immediate protection from creditors when you file. The timeline can vary based on your specific circumstances, such as whether you have assets to liquidate or if creditors object to your case. Most people see immediate relief from collection calls and garnishments as soon as they file.

What debts cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy?

Some debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, recent tax debts, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or criminal activity. However, bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, deficiency balances from foreclosure or repossession, and most unsecured debts. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans can be handled through bankruptcy, but you’ll need to keep paying if you want to keep the property. We review all your debts during consultation to explain exactly what can and cannot be eliminated in your specific situation.

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

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but we offer transparent pricing and payment plans to make bankruptcy affordable. Chapter 7 cases typically cost less than Chapter 13 cases because they’re completed faster. We also charge court filing fees, which are set by the bankruptcy court. Many clients find that the money they save by stopping credit card payments covers the cost of filing. We discuss all fees upfront during your free consultation, and we offer payment plans so you don’t need to pay everything at once.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently?

Bankruptcy does impact your credit score initially, but it’s not permanent damage. Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-24 months after filing because they eliminate debt and can start rebuilding responsibly. If your credit is already damaged from missed payments and high debt balances, bankruptcy often provides a faster path to recovery than trying to pay off overwhelming debt over many years. We can discuss credit rebuilding strategies as part of your fresh start plan.

Local Resources

Selden, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State

Useful Links

Other Services we provide in Selden

Bankruptcy Lawyer in Selden, NY

Get Real Relief From Overwhelming Debt