Bankruptcy Attorney Hackensack, NJ

Real relief. Right here in New Jersey.

How a Bankruptcy Attorney in Hackensack, NJ Can Help You Achieve Debt Relief

 

Debt can take over fast. Missed payments, creditor calls, and mounting bills can leave you feeling trapped. If you live or work near Hackensack, NJ, the Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC can help you find a real path forward.

Bankruptcy is a legal tool that gives people a fresh start. It can stop collection calls, pause foreclosures, and discharge qualifying debts. But the process has rules, deadlines, and court requirements that are easy to get wrong on your own.

A bankruptcy attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes.

New Jersey bankruptcy cases are filed in federal court. The District of New Jersey handles filings from across the state, including those from Bergen County, where Hackensack is located.

So, whether you are looking at Chapter 7 to wipe out debt quickly or Chapter 13 to catch up on mortgage payments over time, the right filing choice depends on your income, assets, and goals.

Getting that choice wrong can cost you time and money. Getting it right can change your life. That’s where we come in.

How Wenarsky and Goldstein Helps Hackensack Clients Through Bankruptcy

 

At the Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC, we start with your full financial picture. We look at what you owe, what you own, and where the pressure is coming from. Then we build a plan that fits your situation — not a generic template.

Chapters 7 and  13 are the two main options for most people. We help you figure out which one makes sense.

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal process that eliminates most unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills. It can clear eligible debts in about 4 to 5 months. While a court-appointed trustee may sell certain non-exempt assets to repay creditors, many filers get to keep their essential property.

  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or a “wage earner’s plan,” allows individuals with a regular income to restructure their debts. Chapter 13 lets you catch up on a mortgage or car loan over time. Here, debtors propose a court-approved repayment plan to pay back all or a portion of their debts in installments over 3 to 5 years, protecting their assets from creditors.

The right choice depends on your income, your assets, and your goals.

If you are behind on your home, we evaluate whether a Chapter 13 repayment plan can help you keep it. If wage garnishment is cutting into your paycheck, we look at how filing may stop that. We match the tool to the problem, not the other way around.

Hackensack clients file in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, with three divisional office locations in Newark,  Trenton, and Camden. We know how that court works. We handle the paperwork, the deadlines, and the filings so nothing slips through.

You focus on your life. We handle the legal side.

Why Wenarsky and Goldstein Is the Right Choice For You

Choosing a bankruptcy attorney is a big decision.

At the Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC, our strengths come from real practice, not marketing claims.

Over a Decade of Bankruptcy Practice Since 2010

Our firm has been helping New Jersey clients since 2010. That is more than 15 years of actual filings, real court dates, and clients who have worked with us through difficult financial situations. We have worked through a wide range of situations — and what doesn’t.

A Focused Practice: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Bankruptcy is a primary area of our practice. We handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases every day. That focus means we know the nuances — the filing rules, the exemptions, the deadlines — that matter most in New Jersey cases.

Scott J. Goldstein Leads Each Case Personally

Attorney Scott J. Goldstein brings decades of combined legal experience to every client. You work directly with him, not a paralegal, not an intake clerk. Personal attention from a named attorney makes a real difference when your finances are on the line.

Bergen County Court Knowledge

Hackensack sits in Bergen County, and we know this area well. Our team is familiar with the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and how local filings move through the system. That court familiarity can help reduce delays and support timely case management.

Personalized Help — Not a Template Approach

Every client’s situation is different. We look at your income, debts, assets, and goals before we build a plan. If you also need help with foreclosure or wage garnishment, we handle those issues too — all under one roof.

 

The New Jersey Bankruptcy Process, Step by Step

 

Filing for bankruptcy in New Jersey follows a set path. Knowing what comes next can help you feel less anxious and more ready.

Stage 1: Initial Case Review (Week 1)

Your first step is a full review of your finances. You’ll gather income records, tax returns, a list of debts, and asset details. At this stage, our attorney, Scott, reviews your situation to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13  fits your needs.

Both fall under the federal Bankruptcy Code, but New Jersey filers are also required to follow the District of New Jersey’s local rules.

Stage 2: Credit Counseling (Week 1–2)

Before filing, you are obligated to complete an approved credit counseling course. This is required by federal law. It takes about 90 minutes and can be done online. You’ll receive a certificate that should be included in your filing.

Stage 3: Filing Your Petition (Week 2–3)

Your bankruptcy petition gets filed with the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The moment it’s filed, an automatic stay goes into effect. That stay may pause most collection calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions. The court assigns a trustee to your case.

Stage 4: The 341 Meeting of Creditors (4–6 Weeks After Filing)

You’ll attend a 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. It’s short — usually 10 to 15 minutes. The trustee asks basic questions about your finances under oath.

Creditors may attend, but rarely do. Your attorney prepares you in advance so you know what to expect.

Stage 5: Discharge or Repayment Plan (2–5 Months for Chapter 7; 3–5 Years for Chapter 13)

For Chapter 7, eligible debts may be discharged in as little as two to four months after filing. For Chapter 13, you’ll follow a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years. Once complete, remaining qualifying debts may be discharged.

Throughout this stage, we monitor compliance with New Jersey court deadlines and respond to any trustee requests.

Talk to a Bankruptcy Attorney Serving Hackensack, NJ

 

Bergen County residents face real pressure from creditors, wage garnishment, and foreclosure. You do not have to face it alone. We are here to help.

Debt relief options may be available. The Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC, is ready to help you take the first step. In one conversation, we can review your situation and help you see which options may work best for you.

Contact us today and schedule an initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I file for bankruptcy more than once in New Jersey?

Yes, but federal law requires a waiting period between filings. If you received a Chapter 7 discharge before, you need to wait eight years before filing Chapter 7 again — or four years before filing Chapter 13.

2. What happens to my tax refund if I file for bankruptcy?

A tax refund you are owed at the time of filing is considered an asset. Depending on the amount and which exemptions apply under New Jersey law, a trustee may claim it. We can help you time your filing wisely.

3. Does bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment right away?

Filing triggers an automatic stay, which can halt most wage garnishments right away. The stay goes into effect the moment your petition is filed with the US Bankruptcy Court in Newark or Trenton.

4. Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7?

In New Jersey, you can protect up to $5,025 of vehicle equity using federal bankruptcy exemptions.

5. Will my spouse's credit be affected if I file alone?

Your spouse’s credit score is generally not affected by your individual filing. However, any joint debts you share will still appear on their credit report, which is worth discussing with your attorney before you file.

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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