Bankruptcy & debt relief
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney
Creditor calls, lawsuits and wage garnishments can be stopped. We look at your income, debts and property, explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or a negotiated settlement fits, and handle the case from filing to discharge.
What filing changes
What bankruptcy can do
Stops collection calls and lawsuits
The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 takes effect when the petition is filed. Most collection activity must stop.
Stops wage garnishment
Garnishments generally stop once you file, and money taken shortly before filing can sometimes be recovered.
You're not alone
Hundreds of thousands of Americans file every year, usually after medical bills, a job loss, divorce or a business that didn't work out.
Choosing the right chapter
Chapter 7 has an income test. Chapter 13 can let you keep a home you're behind on. Sometimes negotiating with creditors is better. We go through the numbers with you.
What we handle
Bankruptcy and debt services
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Discharges credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and similar debts. Many filers keep their property through state and federal exemptions.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
A three- to five-year repayment plan that can let you keep your home, catch up on mortgage arrears and discharge the remaining unsecured debt.
Negotiating with creditors
When bankruptcy isn't the right fit, we negotiate settlements directly with creditors and get the terms in writing.
Debt collector harassment (FDCPA)
Calls at unreasonable hours, calls to your employer and threats are prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Lawsuits and garnishments
Defending collection lawsuits, moving to vacate default judgments and claiming exemptions to protect wages and bank accounts.
Means test and planning
We run the means test before anything is filed. If Chapter 7 doesn't fit, we'll say so and look at the alternatives.
How we work
How we handle a bankruptcy
Collection stops when you file
Once the petition is filed, calls, garnishments and most lawsuits are put on hold.
Chosen from your numbers
Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or a settlement, recommended from your actual income, debts and goals.
Exemptions claimed, schedules complete
Accurate schedules and properly claimed exemptions protect your property and help avoid problems with the trustee.
Step by step
From first call to discharge
Honest assessment
Bring recent pay stubs, a list of debts and your last tax return. We'll run the means test and tell you which option, if any, fits.
Recommendation in writing
The recommended chapter or settlement, the timeline, the cost and the trade-offs, before you commit to anything.
Filing to discharge
We prepare and file the petition, attend the meeting of creditors with you and respond to the trustee until the case is complete.
Bankruptcy & debt
Tell us roughly what you owe
No documents needed yet. A short description is enough for us to set up a free consultation.
We read your message and aim to reply within one business day by email or phone.
Free consultation by phone or at the Forest Hills or Woodmere office.
A plan in writing with your options and the fee, before you decide anything.
Prefer to talk?
Call (718) 459-2030 (9 AM – 6 PM, and by appointment).