Bankruptcy Lawyer in Setauket, NY

Stop the Calls, Keep Your Home

Get immediate relief from creditor harassment and protect what matters most with experienced bankruptcy representation in Suffolk County.

Hear from Our Customers

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

What Life Looks Like After Filing

The phone stops ringing with collection calls. You sleep through the night without worrying about foreclosure notices. Your paycheck stays in your account instead of disappearing to minimum payments that never seem to make a dent.

That’s what bankruptcy protection actually does. It gives you legal tools to either eliminate debts entirely through Chapter 7 or create a manageable payment plan through Chapter 13 that fits your actual income.

You’re not just buying time or shuffling payments around. You’re using federal law designed specifically for people in your situation to get a genuine fresh start.

Setauket Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know Suffolk County Bankruptcy Court

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Long Island families navigate bankruptcy for years. We understand the local procedures at Suffolk County bankruptcy court and work with the same trustees and judges regularly.

You’re not getting a generic bankruptcy mill approach. You’re working with attorneys who know how things actually work in your local court system and can guide you through each step without surprises.

We’ve seen every type of financial situation that brings people to our office, and we know exactly which bankruptcy chapter makes sense for your specific circumstances.

How to File for Bankruptcy

The Process From Start to Finish

First, we meet to review your debts, income, and assets to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation. This consultation is free because we want you to understand your options before making any decisions.

Next, we prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with Suffolk County bankruptcy court. The moment we file, creditors must stop all collection activities by law. No more calls, no more garnishment threats, no more foreclosure proceedings.

Then you attend a meeting of creditors, which sounds scarier than it is. We prepare you for the questions and attend with you. Most meetings last about five minutes.

Finally, you receive your discharge order from the court. Chapter 7 cases typically complete in 3-4 months, while Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year payment plan that eliminates remaining debts at the end.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

Get a Free Consultation

Foreclosure Defense Attorney Setauket

Complete Debt Relief and Asset Protection

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, plus foreclosure defense when you need to protect your home. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about four months. Chapter 13 creates a payment plan that lets you catch up on mortgage payments while eliminating other debts.

If you’re facing foreclosure, we can often stop the process and negotiate alternatives or buy you time through bankruptcy’s automatic stay protection. Many Setauket homeowners don’t realize they have options beyond just walking away from their property.

We also handle the paperwork, court filings, and communication with creditors so you can focus on moving forward instead of managing the legal process. You get updates on your case status and clear explanations of what happens next at each step.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy in New York?

Not necessarily. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $165,550 of equity in your primary residence, and many people keep their homes through bankruptcy. In Chapter 13, you can actually catch up on missed mortgage payments through your repayment plan while eliminating other debts. If you’re current on your mortgage in Chapter 7, you can usually keep making payments and stay in your home. The key is acting before foreclosure proceedings advance too far, because bankruptcy works better as a proactive tool than a last-minute rescue attempt.

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

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about 3-4 months, but you must qualify based on income limits. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year payment plan based on what you can actually afford, then eliminates remaining debts at the end. Chapter 13 is often better if you’re behind on mortgage payments, have significant assets to protect, or earn too much for Chapter 7. Both chapters stop creditor harassment immediately, but Chapter 13 gives you more time to catch up on secured debts like car loans and mortgages while providing debt relief.

How long does the bankruptcy process take in Suffolk County?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge in Suffolk County bankruptcy court. Chapter 13 involves a 3-5 year payment plan, but you get immediate protection from creditors when we file. The meeting of creditors usually happens about 30 days after filing, and most meetings last just a few minutes. We handle all the paperwork and court requirements, so you’re not dealing with complicated legal procedures on your own. The timeline can vary slightly based on your specific situation, but we give you realistic expectations upfront so you know what to expect.

Can I file for bankruptcy if I'm still working and earning income?

Yes, having income doesn’t disqualify you from bankruptcy. In fact, steady income can make Chapter 13 an excellent option because it shows you can handle a payment plan. For Chapter 7, we use the means test to determine if your income is low enough to qualify, but many working people still qualify based on their expenses and family size. The goal isn’t to punish people for working – it’s to give you a realistic path forward that matches your actual financial situation. We review your income, expenses, and debts to determine which chapter makes the most sense for your circumstances.

Will bankruptcy ruin my credit score permanently?

Bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 7-10 years, but most people see their credit scores start improving within 12-18 months after filing. If you’re already behind on payments or dealing with collections, bankruptcy often helps your credit faster than trying to pay off debts you can’t afford. You can qualify for secured credit cards almost immediately after discharge, and many people get approved for car loans within a year or two. The key is that bankruptcy gives you a clean slate to rebuild from, rather than spending years making minimum payments on debts that never decrease.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Setauket?

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but we offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy for financial reasons. Chapter 7 cases are typically less expensive than Chapter 13 cases due to the shorter timeline and less complex paperwork. Court filing fees are set by federal law and are the same regardless of which attorney you choose. We discuss all costs upfront during your free consultation, including payment plan options, so you know exactly what to expect before making any decisions about moving forward.

Local Resources

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