- Call for a Free Consultation, Near You. Hablamos Espanol
- Call for a Free Consultation, Near You. Hablamos Espanol
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SUFFOLK
(631)-271-3737,
QUEENS 
(718)-751-0226
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NASSAU
(516)-307-0262,
BROOKLYN 
(347)-508-9316,
BOHEMIA 
(631)-223-4502
- Exceptional Legal Representation Throughout
- Long Island and New York, Since 1993.
-
SUFFOLK (631)-271-3737,
QUEENS (718)-751-0226
-
NASSAU (516)-307-0262,
BROOKLYN (347)-508-9316,
BOHEMIA (631)-223-4502
- Exceptional Legal Representation Throughout Long Island and New York, Since 1993.
Debt Lawyer in Manhattan, NY
Stop Creditor Harassment Today
Hear from Our Customers
Manhattan Debt Attorney Services
You’re not just getting legal paperwork filed. You’re getting your life back from the constant stress of creditor calls, wage garnishments, and sleepless nights worrying about money.
When debt collectors stop calling and your wages are protected, you can focus on rebuilding instead of just surviving. Whether it’s eliminating credit card debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy or creating a manageable payment plan through Chapter 13, the right debt relief strategy gives you breathing room to plan your financial future.
The phone calls stop. The threats end. Your paycheck stays in your account where it belongs.
Experienced Debt Lawyer Manhattan
We have been helping Manhattan residents escape overwhelming debt since 1993. With over 30 years of specialized experience in bankruptcy and debt law, we understand the unique financial pressures facing New Yorkers.
Manhattan’s high cost of living means debt problems can escalate quickly. From soaring credit card balances to medical bills that spiral out of control, residents need an attorney who knows how to navigate both federal bankruptcy law and New York’s specific debt collection regulations.
As a graduate of NYU School of Law with the prestigious Galgay Fellowship in Bankruptcy and Reorganization Law, Ronald brings both academic excellence and real-world experience to every case. Our firm’s 4.9-star rating from over 300 clients reflects our commitment to getting results.
Manhattan Debt Relief Process
Your debt relief process starts with a comprehensive analysis of your financial situation. We review all outstanding debts, including secured obligations like mortgages and unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills.
Next, we explore your options together. This might mean pursuing Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate eligible debts, developing a Chapter 13 repayment plan, or negotiating directly with creditors for better terms. Each approach has specific advantages depending on your income, assets, and goals.
Once we choose the right strategy, we handle the legal work while keeping you informed every step of the way. The automatic stay protection begins immediately upon filing bankruptcy, stopping collection calls and wage garnishments while we work toward your fresh start.
Ready to get started?
Debt Collection Defense Manhattan
Manhattan residents face aggressive debt collection from credit card companies, medical providers, and debt buyers who purchase old accounts for pennies on the dollar. Our debt attorney services include defending against these collection lawsuits and challenging improper collection practices.
Credit card debt is particularly problematic in Manhattan, where the average balance continues climbing while interest rates exceed 20%. Many residents discover they’re being sued for “zombie debt” – debts they thought were already resolved or that may not even belong to them.
We also handle foreclosure defense for Manhattan homeowners behind on mortgage payments. With property values in Manhattan, losing your home to foreclosure can mean losing hundreds of thousands in equity. Our mortgage modification and Chapter 13 bankruptcy strategies can often stop foreclosure and create affordable payment plans.
How quickly can a debt lawyer stop creditor harassment in Manhattan?
A debt lawyer can stop most creditor harassment immediately through several legal mechanisms. If you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay goes into effect the moment your case is filed with the court, legally prohibiting creditors from contacting you, garnishing wages, or pursuing collection activities.
Even without bankruptcy, a debt attorney can send cease and desist letters to debt collectors, which under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act must stop most communication except to notify you of specific legal actions. For Manhattan residents dealing with multiple creditors, this immediate relief often provides the breathing room needed to develop a comprehensive debt resolution strategy.
The key is acting quickly before creditors obtain judgments against you, which can lead to wage garnishments or bank account levies that are much more difficult to reverse.
What types of debt can be eliminated through bankruptcy in Manhattan?
Most unsecured debts can be eliminated through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, and old utility bills. Manhattan residents often carry significant credit card debt due to the high cost of living, and these balances can typically be discharged completely.
However, certain debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, recent tax obligations, child support, alimony, and debts obtained through fraud. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans are treated differently – you can keep the property by continuing payments or surrender it to eliminate the debt.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy works differently, creating a 3-5 year repayment plan that can reduce some debts while allowing you to catch up on mortgage arrears or car payments. For Manhattan residents with higher incomes who don’t qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 can still provide significant debt relief while protecting valuable assets like real estate.
How does filing bankruptcy affect my ability to rent in Manhattan?
Manhattan landlords often run credit checks, and a bankruptcy filing will appear on your credit report for 7-10 years depending on the chapter filed. However, many landlords are more concerned with current income stability and rental history than past financial difficulties, especially if you can demonstrate steady employment.
The key is timing and presentation. If you file bankruptcy to eliminate overwhelming debt and can show stable income afterward, many landlords view this more favorably than ongoing collection accounts and judgments. Some landlords actually prefer tenants who have resolved their debt issues through bankruptcy rather than those still struggling with creditor problems.
Consider providing a letter of explanation with your rental application, highlighting your current financial stability and the fresh start bankruptcy provided. Many Manhattan residents successfully rent apartments after bankruptcy by demonstrating their improved financial position and ability to afford rent without competing debt obligations.
Can I keep my Manhattan apartment if I file for 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’re current on rent payments. If you’re behind on rent, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you catch up through a payment plan while preventing eviction.
For Manhattan homeowners, bankruptcy offers several options to keep your property. Chapter 13 allows you to cure mortgage arrears over 3-5 years while making current payments. Chapter 7 lets you keep your home if you’re current on payments and the equity falls within New York’s homestead exemption limits.
Manhattan’s high property values mean homestead exemptions become crucial. New York allows up to $170,825 in home equity protection, though this may not cover the full value of Manhattan properties. Your debt attorney can analyze your specific situation and recommend strategies to maximize asset protection while achieving debt relief.
What happens to my wages during Manhattan debt collection lawsuits?
If creditors obtain judgments against you in Manhattan, they can garnish up to 10% of your gross wages or 25% of your disposable income, whichever is less. For Manhattan residents already struggling with high living costs, wage garnishment can make it impossible to cover basic expenses like rent and utilities.
However, certain income is protected from garnishment, including Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and disability payments. Additionally, New York law provides additional protections for low-income workers, and federal law protects a minimum amount needed for basic living expenses.
Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all wage garnishments through the automatic stay. Even if creditors have already started garnishing your wages, bankruptcy can halt the process and potentially recover recently garnished funds. For Manhattan workers facing garnishment, quick action with a debt attorney can preserve income needed for housing and other essential expenses.
How much does hiring a debt lawyer cost in Manhattan?
Debt attorney fees in Manhattan vary based on case complexity and the type of relief needed. Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically costs between $1,500-$3,000 in attorney fees plus a $338 filing fee. Chapter 13 cases generally range from $3,000-$5,000 in attorney fees plus a $313 filing fee, though fees can be paid through your repayment plan.
Many Manhattan debt attorneys offer flat-rate fees for bankruptcy cases, providing cost certainty during an already stressful time. Some firms also offer payment plans, allowing you to spread attorney fees over several months before filing your case.
For debt collection defense or negotiation services, attorneys may charge hourly rates or flat fees depending on the complexity. However, consider that the cost of legal representation is often far less than the debt relief achieved. Many clients save thousands in reduced settlements or eliminated debts, making attorney fees a worthwhile investment in their financial future.
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