Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Gilgo Beach, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Save Your Home

Get immediate debt relief and protect your assets with an experienced West Gilgo Beach bankruptcy lawyer who fights for your fresh start.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

What Life Looks Like After Bankruptcy

You wake up without dreading the phone ringing. No more creditor calls interrupting dinner with your family. No more sleepless nights wondering if you’ll lose your home.

Your mailbox stops filling with threatening letters. Instead of hiding from your financial problems, you’re rebuilding your credit score month by month. The automatic stay protection gives you breathing room to focus on what matters most.

Within months, you’re making realistic payments you can actually afford. Your mortgage is current, your essential bills are manageable, and you have a clear path forward. The shame and stress that consumed your thoughts gets replaced with genuine hope for your financial future.

West Gilgo Beach Bankruptcy Attorney

Local Experience You Can Trust

We have helped Long Island families navigate bankruptcy for years, with deep knowledge of New York bankruptcy courts and local financial challenges. We understand the unique pressures West Gilgo Beach residents face, from high property taxes to expensive living costs.

You work directly with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, not assistants or paralegals. We’ve successfully filed hundreds of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, protecting homes and eliminating debt for families just like yours.

Our office serves the entire Long Island community with the personal attention and local expertise you need during this difficult time.

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How to File for Bankruptcy

Your Clear Path to Debt Relief

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. We’ll determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation. No pressure, no sales pitch – just honest advice about your options.

Once you decide to move forward, we immediately begin preparing your bankruptcy petition. This includes gathering financial documents, completing required forms, and filing with the bankruptcy court. The automatic stay goes into effect as soon as we file, stopping all collection activities.

Next, you’ll attend a meeting of creditors, which is typically a brief, straightforward process. We prepare you for what to expect and handle all communication with the trustee. For Chapter 7 cases, most people receive their discharge within 3-4 months. Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year payment plan that we help you manage every step of the way.

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About Frank Law Firm, P.C.

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Bankruptcy Law Firm Services

Complete Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

We handle both Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization cases, depending on your income and goals. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts completely, while Chapter 13 allows you to keep your home and catch up on missed payments through a manageable payment plan.

Our foreclosure defense services work hand-in-hand with bankruptcy protection. We can stop foreclosure proceedings and negotiate with mortgage companies to modify loan terms or catch up on missed payments. Many West Gilgo Beach homeowners combine bankruptcy with foreclosure defense to protect their most important asset.

You also receive guidance on rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy. We explain which debts get eliminated, how to handle secured debts like car loans, and practical steps to improve your credit score. Our goal is your long-term financial stability, not just immediate debt relief.

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The automatic stay goes into effect immediately when we file your bankruptcy petition with the court. This means creditors must stop all collection calls, letters, wage garnishments, and legal actions that same day. Any creditor who continues collection activities after receiving notice of your bankruptcy filing violates federal law and can face penalties. The automatic stay is one of the most powerful protections in bankruptcy law, giving you immediate relief from harassment while we work on eliminating or reorganizing your debts. This protection continues throughout your entire bankruptcy case.
Yes, most people can keep their home through bankruptcy, especially with Chapter 13 reorganization. New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $170,825 of home equity for most filers. If you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up over 3-5 years while keeping your home. Even in Chapter 7, you can usually keep your house if you’re current on payments and don’t have excessive equity. We analyze your specific situation during the free consultation to determine the best strategy for protecting your home and other important assets.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills within 3-4 months, but requires passing a means test based on your income. Chapter 13 involves a 3-5 year payment plan where you pay a portion of your debts based on your disposable income. 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 and can provide a fresh start. The right choice depends on your income, debts, and goals, which we’ll discuss in detail during your consultation.
Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but we offer affordable payment plans so you don’t need to pay everything upfront. Chapter 7 cases typically cost less than Chapter 13 cases due to the shorter timeframe and less ongoing work required. Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees and set by the bankruptcy court. We provide transparent pricing during your free consultation with no hidden costs or surprise fees. Many clients find that the money saved from stopping creditor payments covers the cost of filing bankruptcy within a few months.
Bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 7-10 years, but your credit score can start improving within months of filing. Many people see their credit score increase significantly within 1-2 years because they’ve eliminated overwhelming debt and can focus on rebuilding. The key is developing good credit habits after bankruptcy, like paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low. We provide guidance on rebuilding credit, including when and how to apply for new credit responsibly. Most clients find that bankruptcy gives them a better financial foundation than struggling with unmanageable debt for years.
Having a job doesn’t disqualify you from bankruptcy – in fact, steady income can make you a better candidate for Chapter 13 reorganization. Chapter 7 has income limits based on New York’s median income, but many working people still qualify. If your income is too high for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 might be a better option, allowing you to keep assets while paying a portion of debts over time. The key factors are your total debt load, monthly expenses, and disposable income after necessary living expenses. We’ll review your complete financial picture during the consultation to determine which chapter works best for your situation.

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