Bankruptcy Lawyer in Manhattan, NY

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Manhattan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Your Financial Fresh Start Starts Here

You’re not just getting paperwork filed. You’re getting your life back. When we handle your Manhattan bankruptcy case, creditor calls stop immediately through the automatic stay protection. Your wages stop getting garnished. The foreclosure process halts.

Most of our Chapter 7 cases in Manhattan wrap up in 3-4 months, wiping out credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans for good. No more juggling minimum payments you can’t afford. No more choosing between groceries and rent because debt collectors are draining your account.

You keep what matters most—your home equity up to $204,825 under New York exemptions, your car, your retirement accounts, and your dignity. The stress that’s been keeping you up at night? Gone. The financial breathing room you need to rebuild? Yours.

Manhattan Bankruptcy Law Firm

Three Decades of Manhattan Debt Relief

We’ve been handling Manhattan bankruptcy cases since 1993, back when the Twin Towers still defined the skyline. We’ve seen every type of financial crisis this city can throw at people—from the dot-com crash to 2008 to the pandemic aftermath.

What makes us different isn’t just our 30+ years of experience. It’s that we actually understand what Manhattan residents face. The crushing cost of living. The impossible choice between a decent apartment and manageable debt. The way medical bills can destroy even a solid middle-class budget in this city.

We’re not some massive firm where you’re just a case number. When you work with us, you get attorneys who know the Southern District bankruptcy court, the local trustees, and exactly how to navigate Manhattan’s unique financial challenges to get you the best possible outcome.

Manhattan Bankruptcy Filing Process

Simple Steps to Your Financial Freedom

First, we meet for a free consultation to review your debts, income, and assets. No judgment, no pressure—just honest answers about your options. Most Manhattan residents qualify for Chapter 7, which eliminates unsecured debt completely, but we’ll explore Chapter 13 if you need to catch up on mortgage payments or have higher income.

Once you decide to move forward, we handle everything. We prepare and file your petition with the Southern District bankruptcy court in Manhattan. The automatic stay kicks in immediately, stopping all collection actions. Your creditors can’t call, can’t garnish wages, can’t foreclose—it all stops.

About 4-6 weeks later, you’ll attend a brief meeting of creditors (usually 5-10 minutes of simple questions). We’re right there with you. Then you wait for your discharge, which typically comes 60-90 days later. That’s it. Your qualifying debts are gone forever, and you can start rebuilding your financial life with a clean slate.

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Manhattan Debt Relief Services

Complete Manhattan Bankruptcy Solutions

Every Manhattan bankruptcy case gets our full attention because we know what’s at stake. You’re not just dealing with debt—you’re dealing with the reality of living in one of the most expensive cities in the world while trying to maintain some financial stability.

We handle Chapter 7 liquidation cases that can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in 3-4 months. For Manhattan homeowners behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 reorganization lets you catch up over time while keeping your home. We also defend foreclosure actions and negotiate mortgage modifications when bankruptcy isn’t the right fit.

Manhattan’s median rent hit over $3,300 in 2024, and with credit card debt at record highs nationwide, more residents are finding themselves squeezed between basic living costs and debt obligations. Our approach combines aggressive debt elimination with practical advice for rebuilding credit and managing expenses in this high-cost environment. We understand that getting debt relief in Manhattan isn’t just about the legal process—it’s about creating sustainable financial stability in an expensive city.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Manhattan?

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in Manhattan are completed within 3-4 months from filing to discharge. The process moves quickly because Manhattan falls under the Southern District of New York bankruptcy court, which handles cases efficiently.

Here’s the typical timeline: We file your petition and the automatic stay takes effect immediately, stopping all collection actions. About 4-6 weeks later, you attend the meeting of creditors (usually 5-10 minutes of simple questions). Then you wait for your discharge, which comes 60-90 days after the meeting.

The speed depends partly on whether any creditors object or if the trustee has questions about your assets. In Manhattan, most consumer cases are straightforward and move through without complications, especially when you have experienced representation guiding the process.

Can I keep my Manhattan apartment if I file bankruptcy?

Yes, you can typically keep your Manhattan apartment when filing bankruptcy, whether you rent or own. For renters, bankruptcy doesn’t affect your lease as long as you stay current on rent going forward. Many of our Manhattan clients continue living in their apartments throughout and after the bankruptcy process.

If you own your Manhattan apartment or condo, New York’s homestead exemption protects up to $204,825 in home equity. This means if your apartment is worth $500,000 and you owe $350,000 on the mortgage, your $150,000 in equity is fully protected under the exemption.

The key is staying current on rent or mortgage payments after filing. Bankruptcy eliminates your personal liability for the debt, but secured creditors (like mortgage holders) can still foreclose if you stop paying. We help you understand exactly what payments to prioritize to keep your housing secure.

What debts can't be eliminated in Manhattan bankruptcy cases?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy even after discharge, and this applies whether you file in Manhattan or anywhere else in the country. Student loans are generally non-dischargeable unless you can prove “undue hardship,” which is extremely difficult to establish.

Child support, alimony, and recent tax debts typically can’t be eliminated. Criminal fines, restitution orders, and debts incurred through fraud also survive bankruptcy. Recent luxury purchases over $800 or cash advances over $1,000 within 90 days of filing may be challenged.

However, the vast majority of debt that’s crushing Manhattan residents—credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, old utility bills—gets completely wiped out in Chapter 7. We review your specific debts during consultation to give you a clear picture of what disappears and what remains.

How much does bankruptcy cost in Manhattan?

The court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, and Chapter 13 costs $313 to file. These are federal fees that apply whether you file in Manhattan or anywhere else. Attorney fees vary, but most Manhattan bankruptcy attorneys charge between $1,500-$3,000 for a straightforward Chapter 7 case.

We offer transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront, and we offer payment plans because we understand you’re already dealing with financial pressure. Many clients find that our fees are less than what they’re paying in minimum credit card payments each month.

The investment in professional representation pays for itself. We know the Southern District court procedures, the local trustees, and exactly how to protect your assets under New York exemption laws. DIY bankruptcy in Manhattan’s complex legal environment often leads to costly mistakes that proper representation can prevent.

Will bankruptcy stop wage garnishment in Manhattan?

Yes, bankruptcy stops wage garnishment immediately through the automatic stay. Once we file your petition with the Southern District bankruptcy court, your employer must stop taking money from your paycheck for unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans.

The automatic stay is one of bankruptcy’s most powerful protections. It goes into effect the moment your case is filed, not when creditors receive notice. This means if your wages are being garnished on Monday and we file Tuesday, the garnishment stops Tuesday.

However, certain garnishments for child support, alimony, or recent tax debts may continue even during bankruptcy. We review your specific garnishment situation during consultation to explain exactly what stops and what continues, plus help you understand your options for dealing with any ongoing obligations.

Can I file bankruptcy if I live in Manhattan but work elsewhere?

Absolutely. Where you work doesn’t matter for bankruptcy filing—it’s based on where you live. If you’re a Manhattan resident, you file in the Southern District of New York bankruptcy court, which has a courthouse right in Manhattan at 1 Bowling Green.

Many of our clients live in Manhattan but commute to jobs in other boroughs or even New Jersey. Your employment location doesn’t affect your eligibility or which court handles your case. What matters is your primary residence for the 180 days before filing.

The Manhattan location actually works in your favor because you’re close to the courthouse for any required appearances. The Southern District handles a high volume of consumer bankruptcy cases efficiently, and local trustees are familiar with the economic realities Manhattan residents face, including high living costs and income variability common in the city.

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Manhattan, NY is located in New York County in New York State

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