Bankruptcy Lawyer in Steinway, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Save Your Home

Get immediate protection from harassment and explore real debt relief options with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Queens

What Life Looks Like After Bankruptcy

The phone stops ringing with collection calls. You sleep through the night without worrying about losing your house. Your paycheck stays in your pocket instead of going to creditors who’ve been circling for months.

Bankruptcy isn’t the end of your financial story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter where you control your money instead of your debt controlling you. Most people see their credit scores start recovering within 12-18 months, and many qualify for new credit cards or car loans sooner than they expected.

The automatic stay kicks in the moment we file your case. Creditors must stop calling, wage garnishments end, and foreclosure proceedings halt. You get breathing room to figure out your next steps without constant pressure and threats.

Debt Relief Lawyer Steinway NY

We Know Queens Financial Struggles

The Frank Law Firm P.C. has been helping Steinway families navigate financial crises for years. We understand the unique challenges facing Queens residents – from high housing costs to job instability to medical emergencies that wipe out savings overnight.

We’ve seen how quickly things can spiral when creditors start calling and foreclosure notices arrive. That’s why we focus on getting you immediate protection first, then building a realistic plan for your financial future. Our office serves the diverse Steinway community with clear communication about your rights and options.

File for Bankruptcy Queens Process

Your Path to Financial Freedom

We start with a free consultation where you bring your bills, income information, and any court papers you’ve received. We’ll review everything and explain whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation. No legal jargon – just straight talk about your options.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle all the paperwork and filing requirements. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately, stopping creditor harassment and giving you breathing room. We prepare you for the meeting of creditors, which is typically a brief, straightforward process.

Most Chapter 7 cases wrap up in 3-4 months with a discharge that eliminates your unsecured debts. Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year payment plan that’s based on what you can actually afford. Either way, you get a fresh start and the tools to rebuild your financial future.

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Foreclosure Defense Attorney Steinway

Complete Debt Relief and Asset Protection

Our bankruptcy services include both Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization, depending on your income and goals. We also handle foreclosure defense to help you keep your home, either through bankruptcy protection or loan modification negotiations.

Many Steinway residents don’t realize they can keep their house, car, and retirement accounts through bankruptcy. New York’s exemption laws protect essential assets, and we make sure you understand exactly what you’re keeping before we file anything. We also provide guidance on rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

Every case includes a thorough review of your debts to identify which ones can be eliminated and which ones you’ll still need to pay. We explain the difference between secured and unsecured debt, priority claims, and how bankruptcy affects things like student loans and tax debt.

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

Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs include a $338 court filing fee plus attorney fees, which typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on your case complexity. Chapter 13 cases have a $313 filing fee with attorney fees usually between $3,000 to $4,000. We offer payment plans because we understand you’re already dealing with financial stress. Many clients can pay attorney fees over time, and the court filing fee can sometimes be waived if you qualify based on income. The cost of bankruptcy is almost always less than continuing to pay minimum payments on debts you’ll never realistically pay off.

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Most people keep their homes through bankruptcy, especially if they’re current on mortgage payments. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of home equity, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can actually help you catch up on missed mortgage payments through a payment plan. If you’re behind on your mortgage, bankruptcy’s automatic stay immediately stops foreclosure proceedings, giving us time to work out a solution. We review your mortgage situation during the consultation and explain exactly how bankruptcy affects your home ownership. The key is acting quickly – don’t wait until the foreclosure sale is scheduled.

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 involves a 3-5 year payment plan where you pay back a portion of your debts based on what you can afford, then the remaining balance gets discharged. Chapter 13 is often better if you’re behind on house or car payments because it gives you time to catch up while protecting your assets. We determine which chapter works best based on your income, assets, and financial goals during the consultation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, the impact on your credit score decreases significantly over time, especially if you use credit responsibly after bankruptcy. Many clients see their scores improve within 12-18 months because they’re no longer carrying high debt balances and making late payments. You can often qualify for a secured credit card or car loan within a year of discharge. The key is rebuilding credit gradually and avoiding the debt problems that led to bankruptcy in the first place.

Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment and creditor harassment?

Yes, bankruptcy’s automatic stay immediately stops wage garnishments, creditor phone calls, collection letters, and most other collection activities. This protection kicks in the moment we file your case – creditors must stop all collection efforts or face penalties from the bankruptcy court. The automatic stay also stops foreclosure proceedings, car repossessions, and utility shutoffs. This gives you breathing room to get back on your feet without constant pressure from creditors. Violating the automatic stay is a serious matter that can result in monetary sanctions against creditors who continue collection efforts.

Do I qualify for bankruptcy if I have a job?

Having a job doesn’t disqualify you from bankruptcy – in fact, most people who file bankruptcy are working. For Chapter 7, your income must be below the median income for your household size in New York, or you must pass a means test showing you don’t have enough disposable income to pay creditors. Chapter 13 is available regardless of income level and actually requires regular income to fund your payment plan. We calculate your qualification during the consultation using your pay stubs and household expenses. Even if you don’t qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 might still provide the debt relief you need.

Local Resources

Steinway, NY is located in Queens County in New York State