Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney New Jersey
Keep your home. Keep your future.
What a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer New Jersey Can Do for You
At Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, we understand the weight of financial struggles. If you’re facing overwhelming debt, mounting bills, or the looming threat of foreclosure, it can feel like you’re drowning. Whether it’s due to medical bills, credit card debt, or an unexpected financial emergency. These situations can feel hopeless. But you’re not alone — we are here to help.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy can provide a way out. It is designed for people with a regular income who need time to pay back debt while keeping their home and assets. Chapter 13 gives you a structured way to pay down debts over three to five years. Moreover, it provides relief from creditor wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings.
Our team has been helping New Jersey residents through this process since 2010. We serve communities like Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson. If you need guidance from a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney, we are ready to help you navigate the difficulties of bankruptcy law.
How We Help New Jersey Residents Restructure Their Debt
At Wenarsky and Goldstein, we take a hands-on approach from the start. We review your full financial picture — your income, debts, assets, and monthly expenses — to understand what you’re dealing with and what relief may be available to you.
We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, we build a repayment strategy that fits your income and goals, whether you’re trying to save your home from foreclosure, catch up on car payments, or manage tax debt.
Mortgage arrears are one of the most common reasons New Jersey homeowners turn to Chapter 13. If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, a Chapter 13 plan may let you repay that past-due amount over three to five years while keeping your home. We work to structure your plan so those arrears get paid in a way that’s manageable.
Some debts need more than just a payment plan. We also look at whether any of your debt can be restructured, reduced, or handled differently under New Jersey bankruptcy law. This includes reviewing whether a cramdown may apply to certain secured debts, or whether priority debts need to come first in your plan.
By filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you get a structured plan that lets you repay your debt over time. The court approves your plan, and creditors are not allowed by law to harass you. The process stops foreclosure, garnishment, and creditor actions. Our team can walk you through this process. They will ensure the repayment plan fits your financial situation.
Why Choose Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein
At The Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, our clients are our top priority. We offer skilled legal services. Our clients choose us for several reasons, all rooted in our deep dedication to their success and well-being.
Experienced Guidance
The Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein was founded by Scott Goldstein in 2010. Since then, we’ve helped clients throughout New Jersey and New York City with a variety of legal needs. We handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, estate planning, wills, special needs planning, and guardianship cases.
We believe in being personal, efficient, and effective. We know how overwhelming financial problems can be, whether you’re facing debt or thinking about your family’s future. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you. We can offer help in stopping foreclosure, protecting your assets, or planning your estate.
Our team knows New Jersey bankruptcy law inside and out. We have experience working with local courts, including the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, and the Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County. If you need a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney, we are here to help you navigate the legal system and find a solution for your situation.
Client-First Approach
When you choose The Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, we put you first. We listen carefully to your situation and take the time to explain all your options. Whether it’s Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or creating a plan for your estate, we’ll make sure you understand each step of the process. We work with you to create a plan that is fair, affordable, and in your best interest.
We’re not here just to file paperwork — we are here to support you and help you rebuild your life. If your situation changes, like losing a job or facing unexpected expenses, we’ll help you adjust the plan so it still works for you. We want to make sure you stay on the path to financial freedom, no matter what comes your way.
Proven Results and Community Trust
We’ve built our reputation over the years by earning the trust of our clients. Here’s what one client had to say:
“Scott Goldstein was there to help me through a very difficult period. I went from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 and he walked me through the process every step of the way. He is a caring individual who takes pride in his work. He is responsive and quickly got the process going.”
This testimonial reflects the care and dedication we bring to every case. We take pride in the positive impact on their lives. The same level of support is offered to new clients.
Commitment to Transparency
From the moment you reach out to us, we will explain what to expect and guide you through each step. If you’re looking for advice on Chapter 13 planning, we’re here to provide clear, easy-to-understand answers.
We’ll keep you updated on the status of your case and make sure you feel confident and informed throughout the process. With the Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, you can always count on honesty, and straightforward advice.
Your Chapter 13 Case in New Jersey: Step by Step
If you’re thinking about bankruptcy, it’s normal to feel unsure about what happens next. While every case is different, most bankruptcy cases in New Jersey follow a similar process.
Step 1: Consultation and Document Gathering
The first step is an initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your financial situation and explain how Chapter 13 bankruptcy works. We’ll discuss your income, debts, and the assets you need to protect. If Chapter 13 is the right option for you, we’ll begin gathering the necessary documents. This includes tax returns, pay stubs, and a list of your debts. This helps us create a repayment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Building Your Repayment Plan and Credit Counseling
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll work with you to create a repayment plan. This plan will outline how much you can afford to pay each month. This is after covering living expenses, and how your debts will be structured over three to five years. The court will review your plan to make sure it meets the bankruptcy guidelines.
Before filing, you are required to complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. In New Jersey, the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey requires this. It takes about an hour and can be done online.
Step 3: Filing and Court Representation
Once your plan is ready, we’ll file it with the court. This will stop creditor actions like wage garnishments, lawsuits, and collection calls. We are ready to represent you in any court, including the Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County, for your confirmation hearing.
At this hearing, the court will review your plan to make sure it meets all legal requirements. We can advocate for you and work to get the plan approved. This will allow you to begin the repayment process.
Step 4: The 341 Meeting of Creditors
About three to six weeks after filing, you attend a 341 meeting. This is held in Newark or Trenton, depending on where your case is filed. The trustee asks you questions under oath.
It is brief — most meetings last under 15 minutes. Creditors may attend, but rarely do. We prepare you for every question in advance.
After the 341 meeting, the court reviews your repayment plan. Creditors have a chance to object. If they do, we respond on your behalf. The judge issues a confirmation order once the plan is approved. This usually happens within 30 to 60 days of your 341 meeting.
Step 5: Monthly Payments and Case Management
Once the plan is confirmed, you will begin making monthly payments to the trustee. The trustee will distribute the payments to your creditors according to the terms of your plan. Throughout the process, we stay involved to ensure your plan remains on track. If anything changes in your financial situation, such as a job change or an unforeseen expense, we can help modify your plan to keep you on track.
Our goal is to help you successfully complete your Chapter 13 plan and get your financial life back on track.
Take Control of Your Financial Future Today
If you are struggling with debt and unsure where to turn, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can offer a way forward. Learning about bankruptcy may be a practical first step.
Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein is here to guide you through the process and help you regain control of your finances. We understand how stressful financial difficulties can be. We are ready to help you find relief.
Don’t wait for your situation to get worse.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Our Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in New Jersey can help you get started on the path to financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
You may qualify for Chapter 13 if you have a regular income that allows you to make monthly payments under a court-approved repayment plan. Chapter 13 is typically suited for individuals (or sole proprietors) who need to repay debts over time rather than liquidate assets.
2. What happens when I file for Chapter 13 — how does the process work?
When you file, you submit a petition and propose a repayment plan outlining how you will repay all or part of your debts over three to five years. Once filed, an “automatic stay” goes into effect, which generally stops most collection actions such as foreclosure, repossession, or wage garnishment while your case proceeds.
3. What types of debts can Chapter 13 handle, and what happens to my property?
Chapter 13 allows you to keep secured assets — like your home or car — as long as you include missed payments in your plan and follow through with it. It also enables you to catch up on arrears, consolidate unsecured debts (like credit‑card balances and medical bills), and pay over time rather than all at once.
4. How long does a typical Chapter 13 plan last?
A Chapter 13 repayment plan usually lasts three to five years, depending on your income relative to the state median, your debt levels, and what the court approves.
5. What are the main advantages of choosing Chapter 13 over other debt-relief options?
Chapter 13 can help stop foreclosure or repossession, allow you to catch up on missed secured payments, protect your assets, give structured relief from unsecured debts, and let you repay over time under court supervision. It’s particularly beneficial for people who have a steady income but need time and a legal structure to manage debts without losing property.
Call the Law Office of Wenarsky & Goldstein
At the Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, LLC, our New York and New Jersey attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable in bankruptcy, estate planning and probate, guardianship, special needs planning, and real estate law. To learn more about how we can assist you with your legal needs, call us today at 973-453-2838.
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