Considering Bankruptcy?

The decision to seek legal assistance with your debts is never an easy one. When selecting a South Florida bankruptcy attorney consider the years of experience.  The Law Office of Jay Meyers has  helped thousands with their debt problems using bankruptcy, litigation  and other methods over the course of  the last 21 years.  If you are in foreclosure and seeking solutions ask us.   We have helped  many people  obtain modifications using the loss mitigation program in Bankruptcy Court and in Supreme Court litigating with lenders who may have taken advantage of you.

If you are seeking bankruptcy relief, a thorough analysis of your assets and income must be done to determine if you are eligible for relief and if so under which Chapter.  As experienced attorneys we don’t make the mistake of filing for bankruptcy for individuals who don’t qualify, or who may lose assets through liquidation if they file.   We pride ourselves on our thorough analysis and on our aggressive application of the laws for our clients’ maximum benefit.

Most Common Chapters used by individuals seeking bankruptcy relief : Chapter 7 & Chapter 13

What  Chapter do I file under???

Chapter 7:  Discharges most debts and can even discharge tax debts in certain circumstances.   Our analysis which is tailor made to each client as needed includes the two most important  factors: What is your disposable income and your allowed income and expenses as defined by the means test?  Also we must determine whether or not the property that you own is exempt – protected from liquidation by a prospective bankruptcy trustee.   A good attorney know when to file and when to avoid bankruptcy at all costs . 

Chapter 13:  Is used in cases where the individuals do not qualify for Chapter 7 because they have too much assets and or income.  We can also use it to reorganize mortgage arrears if you are behind, or to “strip”, or remove, wholly unsecured second and or third mortgage liens. A plan is developed and if approved, or confirmed, the debtor will make monthly payments to a Trustee who will then distribute the funds every six months or so to creditors who have elected to participate.  Creditors who do not participate by filing proofs of claim will not be able to participate in any distributions by the Trustee.

The all important world of Bankruptcy Exemptions

Chapter 7 Exemptions in NYS : Most of our Chapter 7 clients own homes and are able to keep them owing to  the coinfluence of a depressed real estate market and the generous new homestead exemptions signed into law in 2010.   This exemption protects up to $150,000.00 in equity for individuals and $300,000.000 for married couples.  

If you have retirement funds , do not worry they are exempted specifically a 401k or IRA can be protected up to $1,000,000.00. 

Other exemptions apply to motor vehicles owned (as opposed to leased) by the debtor.  Since leased cars are not owned they cannot be liquidated or sold by a Trustee. In terms of exemptions as part of the change that occurred in 2012, New Yorkers can utilize Federal exemptions to protect their assets in Chapter 7 as opposed to limiting themselves to the State exemptions. 

FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS

Unless a client owns a home they are almost always better off using the federal exemptions  that they may avail themselves of the Wildcard exemptions which protects  up to $11,975.00 in cash – including tax refunds. We are generally using the Federal Exemptions more frequently than the NYS Exemptions  as of late.

LOSS MITIGATION IN THE EDNY BANKRUPTCY COURT

The EDNY Bankruptcy Court under the direction of  Chief Judge Carla E. Craig and Judge Elizabeth S. Stong  developed a loss mitigation program. We have found it to be an extremely valuable tool for homeowners who need to modify their mortgages.  Ask us about this option  when you come in. We are very excited about using this tool which effectively streamlines and expedites the modification process.

*****DISCLAIMER****** This is for informational purposes and is not meant to provide legal advice.   An Attorney Client relationship is not formed with out office unless a retainer agreement has been signed and our services officially engaged. Consult an attorney when making any legal decisions.