Bankruptcy Lawyer in South Setauket, NY

Stop Creditors and Save Your Home

Get immediate debt relief and protect your assets with experienced bankruptcy representation in Suffolk County.

Hear from Our Customers

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Your Fresh Financial Start Begins Here

The phone calls stop. The threatening letters end. Your wages stay in your paycheck where they belong.

When you file for bankruptcy protection, an automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This legal shield stops all collection activities, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishments while you reorganize your finances.

You’ll sleep better knowing your home is protected and your family’s basic needs come first. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured obligations in as little as four months. Chapter 13 creates a manageable payment plan that lets you keep your assets while catching up on mortgage payments.

The goal isn’t just to solve today’s crisis. It’s to give you the tools and breathing room to build lasting financial stability for your family’s future.

Debt Relief Lawyer South Setauket

Local Experience You Can Trust

We have been helping Suffolk County families navigate financial difficulties for years. We understand the local court system, know the trustees, and have built relationships that benefit our clients throughout the bankruptcy process.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation and explain your options in plain English. No legal jargon, no pressure tactics, just honest guidance about what bankruptcy can and cannot do for your family.

We have successfully filed hundreds of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Long Island residents. We know which exemptions protect your assets under New York law and how to structure your case for the best possible outcome.

File for Bankruptcy Process

Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

Your bankruptcy case starts with a free consultation where we review your debts, income, and assets. You’ll learn whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes more sense for your situation, and get honest answers about what to expect.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and court filings. You’ll provide financial documents and complete a brief credit counseling course online. The automatic stay protection begins the moment your case is filed with the Suffolk County bankruptcy court.

Most Chapter 7 cases are complete within four months. You’ll attend one brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, usually lasting less than ten minutes. Chapter 13 cases involve a payment plan lasting three to five years, but you keep your assets and catch up on missed mortgage payments over time.

We guide you through each step and handle all communication with creditors and the court. Your job is to focus on your family and your future, not paperwork and legal procedures.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

Get a Free Consultation

Bankruptcy Law Firm Services

Complete Debt Relief Solutions

We provide comprehensive bankruptcy representation including Chapter 7 liquidation cases and Chapter 13 reorganization plans. We also handle foreclosure defense to buy you time and explore alternatives to losing your home.

Many South Setauket clients face unique challenges like high property taxes, seasonal income fluctuations, or small business debt. We understand these local factors and structure cases accordingly. We’ll review all your debts including taxes, student loans, and domestic support obligations to determine what can be eliminated or modified.

You’ll receive guidance on rebuilding credit after bankruptcy, protecting retirement accounts, and avoiding common mistakes that could jeopardize your case. We also provide ongoing support for Chapter 13 clients who need plan modifications due to changed circumstances.

We offer flexible payment arrangements because we know you’re already dealing with financial stress. You shouldn’t have to choose between legal representation and paying your rent.

How quickly can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my home?

Bankruptcy creates an automatic stay the moment your case is filed with the court, which immediately stops all foreclosure proceedings. If your foreclosure sale is scheduled for next week, filing bankruptcy will halt that sale and give you time to explore your options. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly effective for homeowners because it allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over three to five years while keeping your home. Even if you’re behind on property taxes or facing a tax foreclosure, bankruptcy can provide protection and create a manageable payment plan.

Will I lose everything if I file for bankruptcy?

No, bankruptcy law includes exemptions that protect your essential assets. In New York, you can typically keep your home (up to certain equity limits), car, retirement accounts, household goods, and tools needed for work. Most Chapter 7 filers keep all their property because their assets fall within exemption limits. Chapter 13 filers keep their assets and pay creditors through a payment plan based on their disposable income. The goal is to give you a fresh start, not leave you with nothing. We will review your specific assets and explain exactly what’s protected under New York bankruptcy exemptions.

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 four months, but you must pass a means test showing your income is below the median for your household size. Chapter 13 creates a three to five year payment plan based on your disposable income, allowing you to keep assets that might not be protected in Chapter 7. Chapter 13 is often better for homeowners behind on mortgage payments because you can catch up over time. Chapter 7 works well for people with primarily credit card and medical debt who want a quick fresh start. We will analyze your situation and recommend the best option.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 cases typically cost between $1,500-$2,500 in attorney fees plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases generally range from $3,000-$4,500 in attorney fees plus a $313 filing fee, with most attorney fees paid through your payment plan. We offer payment arrangements because we understand you’re dealing with financial difficulties. You can often pay attorney fees over several months before filing, and Chapter 13 clients pay most fees through their court-approved payment plan. The investment in proper legal representation usually saves money by protecting your assets and ensuring your case goes smoothly.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy appears on your credit report for ten years, while Chapter 13 shows for seven years. However, the impact on your credit score decreases significantly over time, especially if you rebuild credit responsibly. Many clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months after bankruptcy because their debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. You can typically qualify for a car loan within a year and a mortgage within two to three years post-bankruptcy. We provide guidance on credit rebuilding strategies including secured credit cards and monitoring your credit report for accuracy.

Can bankruptcy eliminate tax debt and student loans?

Some tax debts can be eliminated in bankruptcy if they meet specific criteria regarding age and filing requirements, typically income taxes more than three years old where returns were filed on time. However, recent taxes, payroll taxes, and tax liens are generally not dischargeable. Student loans are rarely eliminated in bankruptcy unless you can prove “undue hardship,” which requires meeting strict legal standards. We will review your specific tax and student loan situations to determine what relief may be available. Even if these debts can’t be eliminated, Chapter 13 can create manageable payment plans and stop collection activities.

Local Resources

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