During our free consultation we will review your situation and advise you of your options and of our fee.  If you wish to retain our office in regard to a Chapter 7 you will sign a retainer agreement and pay an initial payment of $200. After your first payment you pay us at least $200 per month until the balance of our fee is paid in full.  If you are retaining us for a Chapter 13, the initial fee and minimum monthly payment is both $500.  Once you have retained us you may refer your creditors to us.

When you have finished paying us you will need to complete a class on Debtor Counseling, which may be taken in person, over the telephone or on the computer.  Once you have completed the Debtor Counseling we shall prepare your petition and file it with the Court.  There will be a hearing about one month later.  We will prepare you for the hearing and be at your side during the hearing. 

Prior to your bankruptcy being finalized by the Court you will need to complete another class on Financial Management.  Again, this may be taken in person, over the telephone or on the computer.   We will provide you with a list of the companies that are approved for providing the two required classes.  Each class takes one to two hours to complete and are easy. The total cost for these two classes are approximately $100.

Usually the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is completed about four to six months after we have filed your petition.  Upon completion you will receive a discharge.  The discharge will state that many types of debts are discharged, that is you are not legally required to pay those debts.

In the case of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, there is a second hearing, called a confirmation hearing.  The discharge is issued after the last payment under the payment plan.  Accordingly, it may be three to five years before you receive the discharge.

For other types of bankruptcies, please call for a free consultation. Our telephone number is (718) 625-0800.

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