Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Islip, NY

Stop Creditor Calls and Save Your Home

Get immediate protection from debt collectors and keep what matters most to your family.

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West Islip Debt Relief Attorney

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

You’re tired of choosing between groceries and mortgage payments. Tired of screening calls because you know it’s another debt collector. Tired of the knot in your stomach every time you check the mail.

Bankruptcy isn’t about giving up. It’s about taking control back from creditors who want to squeeze every dollar from your family while you struggle to keep your head above water.

When you file for bankruptcy, everything changes immediately. The automatic stay kicks in, which means creditors must stop calling you. No more harassment. No more threats. No more sleepless nights wondering if they’ll garnish your wages or freeze your bank account.

You keep your home, your car, and the essentials your family needs. Chapter 7 wipes out credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured obligations in about four months. Chapter 13 lets you catch up on mortgage payments over three to five years while eliminating other debts.

Experienced West Islip Bankruptcy Law Firm

We Know Suffolk County Bankruptcy Law

We have helped West Islip families navigate financial crises for years. We understand the local court system, the trustees, and exactly how to protect your assets under New York bankruptcy exemptions.

You’re not just another case number here. We take time to understand your specific situation because every family’s financial picture is different. Some clients need immediate Chapter 7 relief. Others benefit from Chapter 13’s payment plan structure.

We’ve stopped foreclosures the day before sheriff sales. We’ve eliminated six-figure credit card debts. We’ve helped small business owners close their doors with dignity instead of drowning in business debt.

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How to File Bankruptcy West Islip

Your Path to Financial Freedom

First, we meet for a free consultation where you bring your bills, income information, and asset details. We review everything and explain whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes more sense for your situation. No judgment, just clear answers.

Next, we prepare and file your bankruptcy petition. The moment it’s filed, the automatic stay goes into effect. Creditors must stop all collection activities immediately. If you’re facing foreclosure, this buys you time to explore your options.

Then we handle the paperwork, communicate with the trustee, and guide you through the meeting of creditors. Most clients find this meeting much less intimidating than they expected. We prepare you thoroughly so you know exactly what to expect.

Finally, you receive your discharge order eliminating eligible debts. Chapter 7 cases typically close in four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a three to five year payment plan, but you’re protected from creditors the entire time.

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Chapter 7 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Options

Complete Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Defense Services

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for West Islip residents. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts quickly if you qualify based on income and assets. Chapter 13 works better if you’re behind on mortgage payments or have significant assets to protect.

Foreclosure defense is often part of our bankruptcy strategy. We can stop foreclosure proceedings while you reorganize your finances through Chapter 13, giving you up to five years to catch up on missed mortgage payments.

Our services include reviewing all your debts to determine what can be eliminated, protecting your exempt property, handling all court filings and deadlines, communicating with creditors and trustees, and providing ongoing guidance throughout your case.

You’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants. We explain complex bankruptcy law in plain English so you understand your options and can make informed decisions about your financial future.

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Not necessarily. If you’re current on mortgage payments, you can usually keep your home in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. New York’s homestead exemption protects significant equity in your primary residence. If you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy actually helps you save your home by giving you three to five years to catch up on missed payments while stopping foreclosure proceedings. We review your specific situation during our free consultation to determine the best strategy for protecting your home.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy fees typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 plus court filing fees, depending on your case complexity. Chapter 13 cases generally cost more due to the longer timeframe and additional court appearances required. We offer payment plans because we understand you’re filing bankruptcy precisely because money is tight. You don’t need to pay everything upfront. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a clear fee estimate based on your specific circumstances with no hidden costs or surprise charges.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in about four months. You must qualify based on income limits and pass the means test. Chapter 13 involves a three to five year payment plan where you pay back a portion of your debts based on your income and expenses. Chapter 13 works better if you’re behind on mortgage payments, have high income, or significant assets to protect. We analyze your financial situation to recommend which chapter provides the best outcome for your specific circumstances.
Yes, filing bankruptcy immediately stops foreclosure through the automatic stay provision. This gives you breathing room to explore your options. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly effective for stopping foreclosure because it allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over three to five years while keeping your home. Even if a foreclosure sale is scheduled for next week, filing bankruptcy stops it immediately. However, timing matters, so contact us as soon as you receive foreclosure notices to maximize your options and protection.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for ten years, while Chapter 13 stays 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 two years after discharge because they’ve eliminated overwhelming debt payments. You can often qualify for a mortgage again in two to four years post-bankruptcy. The key is starting fresh without the burden of unmanageable debt payments dragging down your financial recovery.
Generally, no. Bankruptcy filings are public records, but employers don’t routinely check bankruptcy databases. The exception is if your wages are being garnished – we notify your employer to stop the garnishment once you file. Some government jobs or positions requiring security clearances may involve background checks that reveal bankruptcy, but for most people, their employer never knows. We discuss privacy concerns during your consultation and explain any situation-specific factors that might apply to your employment circumstances.

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