how to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer in nyc

How can I file for Bankruptcy without a lawyer?

• 1. Make sure Bankruptcy is the best solution for you. It is important that you are positive that you pass the means test before you file. The means ...
• 2. Determine the type of Bankruptcy that you qualify for. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, aka Liquidation Bankruptcy, is where your non-exempt assets (often ...
• 3. Determine your assets. This can be a somewhat tedious process, but it is one of the most important. Gather all of your records, including any ...
• 4. Determine what your exemptions are. If you are a New York resident one good place to start is this page on my web site, http://midtownbankruptcy.

Full Answer

Can you file for bankruptcy without hiring an attorney?

How to File for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney in New York City Most people in New York City that choose to file bankruptcy without an attorney will use a paralegal or some type of preparation service to fill out the paperwork. They’ll type up the form but they can’t give you legal advice so it’s […]

How do you file a lawsuit without an attorney?

Oct 18, 2021 · Mar 5, 2018 Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common type of personal is they want to file bankruptcy but lack money to hire a bankruptcy attorney.

Can you file for expungement without a lawyer?

Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney to file a bankruptcy case. While individuals may appear “pro se” (without an attorney) in the bankruptcy court, it is recommended that you obtain the legal services of a bankruptcy attorney. Only an attorney is authorized to give legal advice regarding a bankruptcy case or proceeding.

How to file an injunction without a lawyer?

Filing Without an Attorney From the United States Courts website ( www.uscourts.gov ): Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney to file a bankruptcy case. Individuals, however, may represent themselves in bankruptcy court.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in NYC?

a $338Get Your Filing Fee There is a $338 filing fee required of everyone who files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York. The fee is the same whether you file alone or with a spouse, as long as you both file at the same time and file the same type of bankruptcy.Sep 30, 2020

How do you qualify for bankruptcy in NY?

Essentially, you need to have three things: (1) moderate to low income, (2) significant amount of debt and (3) no substantial property. In order to qualify for Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, you must have moderate to low income as set forth in the Bankruptcy Code.

How long does it take to file bankruptcy in NY?

In general, you can expect it to take around three to four months on average to complete Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have your debts discharged. However, if there are objections from creditors or other complications, it could take much longer.

What is the downside of filing for bankruptcy?

Disadvantages of Bankruptcy: A bankruptcy may impede your chances of getting a mortgage or car loan for some time. Not all debt will be discharged. Examples of debt that cannot be discharged include child support, alimony, some student loans, divorce settlements and some income taxes.

How much cash can you keep when filing Chapter 7 in NY?

If you are using the New York State exemptions the amount of cash you can exempt is $2,500 unless you own a home and plan on using the New York Homestead exemption. If you are using the Homestead exemption which can protect up to $150,000 in home equity in New York City then you may only exempt $2,500 in cash.

What is the income limit for filing Chapter 7 in New York?

If your total monthly income over the course of the next 60 months is less than $7,475 then you pass the means test and you may file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If it is over $12,475 then you fail the means test and don't have the option of filing Chapter 7.

What happens after Chapter 7 is filed?

As soon as you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are given a case number and a bankruptcy trustee is assigned to your case. The bankruptcy trustee will oversee your bankruptcy filing, will review your bankruptcy forms, and may ask for additional documents to verify your information.Oct 2, 2021

Will I lose my house with Chapter 7?

If you do not have significant home equity and the mortgage on your home is still current, you will not lose your house if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Most people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy are able to retain all of their assets, which can include your house.

When you file bankruptcy do they come to your house?

The bankruptcy trustee usually reviews your assets based on the information contained in your bankruptcy paperwork and the information from your bankruptcy hearing. However, the bankruptcy trustee does have the option to personally inspect your home and your assets.Nov 14, 2012

Does bankruptcy clear all debts?

Declaring bankruptcy won't wipe out all debts and some types of debt will survive the bankruptcy. In other words, if you declare yourself bankrupt, you will still be required to pay: court-ordered penalties and fines. child support and maintenance payments.Mar 20, 2019

Which types of debt will not be eliminated in bankruptcy?

Debts Never Discharged in Bankruptcy Alimony and child support. Certain unpaid taxes, such as tax liens. However, some federal, state, and local taxes may be eligible for discharge if they date back several years. Debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

Is it better to file a Chapter 7 or 13?

Most consumers opt for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is faster and cheaper than Chapter 13. The vast majority of filers qualify for Chapter 7 after taking the means test, which analyzes income, expenses and family size to determine eligibility.

What happens if you don't list your debts in bankruptcy?

Debtors must list all property and debts in their bankruptcy schedules. If a debt is not listed, it is possible the debt will not be discharged.

What are pro se litigants?

Pro se litigants, whether debtor or creditor, are expected to follow the rules that govern procedures in the federal courts. Pro se litigants should be familiar with the United States Bankruptcy Code. (link is external) , the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and the local rules of the court in which the case is filed.

Can you file bankruptcy without an attorney?

While individuals can file a bankruptcy case without an attorney or "pro se," it is extremely difficult to do it successfully. It is very important that a bankruptcy case be filed and handled correctly. The rules are very technical, and a misstep may affect a debtor's rights. For example, a debtor whose case is dismissed for failure ...

Where is the bankruptcy court in New York?

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York handles all bankruptcies in Manhattan and New York County. The Court is located at One Bowling Green in Manhattan, in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House. The courthouse is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and an unexpired, government issued identification is required to enter the building. The George Gustav Heye Center of the National Museum of the American Indian is also located in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House, which was built as an official residence for the President of the United States but was never occupied. The Bankruptcy Court is found at the entrance to the left of the Grand Staircase. You must bring one signed copy of your New York City bankruptcy petition, your filing fee, request to pay it in installments or request for a fee waiver, and your certificate of credit counseling. A checklist of the items which should be included in your New York bankruptcy case is available on the Court’s website. The Alexander Hamilton Custom House is directly in front of the entrance to the Bowling Green Station of the No. 4 and 5 trains of the New York City Subway.

What are the exemptions for bankruptcy in New York?

Exemptions are laws that allow you to protect certain property from being sold to pay creditors. Any property you can’t protect by claiming an exemption, is considered unprotected or non-exempt property and may be sold by the Trustee. In 96% of Chapter 7 bankruptcies individuals are able to exempt and keep all of their property. And, New York bankruptcy exemptions are more generous than most. For example, if you live in Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester and, Putnam counties you can exempt up to $170,825 of equity in your primary residence if you elect to use New York bankruptcy exemptions. Federal bankruptcy exemptions, on the other hand, only allow you to exempt $25,150 of equity in your home. Exemptions vary from state to state and in New York the homestead exemption varies from county to county. However, if you choose to use New York bankruptcy exemptions, you must use all of them. You can’t mix and match.

What happens if you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

And only 8 percent of Manhattanites drive to work! Of course, you may still “own” a car or motor vehicle even if you don’t drive it to work. If so, and you are still paying on your car, you’ll have to decide whether to keep the car or surrender it to the lender. Surrendering your car as part of a New York bankruptcy, might be a godsend if you have been wanting to get out of making car payments on a car you don’t drive anymore. If you do elect to keep the car, you must either “reaffirm” the loan by entering into a reaffirmation agreement with your lender. Or “redeem” the car by paying its market value to your lender. By redeeming the car, you get clear title to the vehicle and the balance of the loan is discharged. A reaffirmation agreement on the other hand, obligates you to continue making your car payments to your lender even after your New York bankruptcy is concluded. In exchange, your lender agrees not to take the car back as a result of you filing for bankruptcy. All reaffirmation agreements entered into without an attorney certifying that it’s in the debtor’s best interest, must be approved by the Court. This is to make sure ensure that you have sufficient income to make your car payments when your bankruptcy is concluded and that you are entering into the agreement voluntarily. Additional requirements for obtaining approval of a reaffirmation agreement in the Southern District of New York are detailed on the Court’s website.

How long does it take to get out of Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Of the two, however, Chapter 7 is by far the most popular. Unlike a Chapter 13, you are not required to make any payments when you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York. And, instead of three to five years, your debts can be discharged and eliminated in as little as ninety days.

How much does a Metrocard cost in New York?

Currently, a 30-day New York City MetroCard costs $127. The Bankruptcy Court charges a little more than twice that for you to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York. There is a $338 filing fee required of everyone who files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York.

How many pages are needed for bankruptcy in New York?

When completed, the forms for your Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York City will consist of between 60 and 100 pages. You will need to print at least two copies of your New York City bankruptcy forms. You will sign one copy and file it with the Bankruptcy Court and keep the other copy for yourself. When you print your New York bankruptcy, you should only print on one side of each page. If you don’t have a home printer, or your printer is not capable of printing that many pages without difficulty, Upsolve suggests that you print the forms for your New York City bankruptcy at your local library. The New York Public Library offers black and white printing for $0.20 per page. The Mid-Manhattan Library is located at 476 Fifth Avenue (42nd Street Entrance) in Midtown Manhattan, just a 6 minute walk from the Grand Central and 42nd Street subway station. It’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays.

What is Upsolve for bankruptcy?

Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card. Explore our free tool

What is a non-attorney petition preparer?

Non-attorney Petition Preparers. If you file bankruptcy pro se, you may be offered services by non-attorney petition preparers. By law, preparers can only enter information into forms. They are prohibited from providing legal advice, explaining answers to legal questions, or assisting you in bankruptcy court.

Can you file bankruptcy under Chapter 7?

Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues. Misunderstandings of the law or making mistakes in the process can affect your rights. Court employees and bankruptcy judges are prohibited by law from offering legal advice.

Can I file for bankruptcy without an attorney?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes. Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues.

How do I file for bankruptcy?

The bankruptcy process may be simple enough to handle on your own if the following are met: 1 You own few assets 2 Your household income is below your state's median 3 You haven't been accused of fraud

How long do you have to take a post filing course?

Finally, you must complete a post-filing Personal Financial Management Instruction Course within 45 days of your meeting of creditors. Take a look at the U.S. Trustee Program's site to find an approved course near you. After you've completed the course, the last step is to wait to hear from the bankruptcy court whether your debts have been discharged.

Can I file for bankruptcy without a lawyer?

Yes, you can legally file for bankruptcy without a lawyer. But should you? Every year, thousands of Americans find themselves too broke to pay off their debts, yet unable to afford bankruptcy. It probably comes as no surprise that attorneys' fees make up the lion's share of bankruptcy expenses.

How to get a bankruptcy attorney?

If you can't afford to pay a bankruptcy attorney right away, you might consider: 1 asking friends and family 2 getting help from a legal aid society or other free legal clinics in your area 3 finding an attorney who will take your case pro bono (free of charge), or 4 filing your case without an attorney.

What to do if you can't afford bankruptcy?

If you can't afford to pay a bankruptcy attorney right away, you might consider: asking friends and family. getting help from a legal aid society or other free legal clinics in your area. finding an attorney who will take your case pro bono (free of charge), or. filing your case without an attorney.

Why won't my attorney file a Chapter 7 case?

Your attorney won't file a Chapter 7 case until you've paid in full. Why? Because the bankruptcy would wipe out the fees still owed to your attorney. A debtor who doesn't have the fee will often start by asking friends and family for help.

Do bankruptcy attorneys cut fees?

And many bankruptcy attorneys cut fees drastically for clients who qualify for a bankruptcy fee waiver.