Brooklyn Personal Bankruptcy Attorney

Real relief starts with the right legal.

Finding the Right Brooklyn Personal Bankruptcy Attorney for Your Situation

 

If you live or work in Brooklyn and you’re drowning in debt, the Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC may be the legal tool that stops creditor calls, halts lawsuits, and gives you a real way out.

Debt can spiral fast. Medical bills, job loss, or missed mortgage payments can leave you with few options and no clear path forward. But fear not. Our skilled attorneys help individuals across New York’s five boroughs — including Brooklyn — understand their bankruptcy options and take the right steps under federal law.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the two main paths available to individuals. Each path has different rules, income thresholds, and long-term effects on your finances. The right choice depends on your income, assets, and goals.

Filing in Brooklyn means your case is filed with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, which covers Kings County. The court has its own local rules and procedures.

Working with a Brooklyn personal bankruptcy attorney who knows these courts and procedures can make a real difference in how your case goes.

 

Your Bankruptcy Options in Brooklyn: How We Can Help

 

At Wenarsky and Goldstein, we start by listening. Every client’s situation is different, and we take time to understand your full financial picture before suggesting any path forward.

Most Brooklyn residents facing debt have two main options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 can wipe out unsecured debt fast. Chapter 13 lets you keep assets while you repay debt over time.

We help you figure out which one fits your life.

We look at what you own, what you owe, and what you earn. Then we match that to the right solution. If you’re behind on your mortgage, Chapter 13 may let you catch up without losing your home.

If you need a clean slate now, Chapter 7 might be the better fit.

We can also look at whether a wage garnishment is draining your paycheck right now. Filing for bankruptcy can stop that fast.

Real relief is possible. We help you find it.

New York Exemptions

As of 2026, New York bankruptcy exemptions allow residents to protect significant assets, including up to $204,825 in home equity (depending on the county), $5,500 in personal vehicle equity ($13,625 if disabled), $6,825 in cash (if no homestead is used), and most qualified retirement accounts.

Debtors are required to choose between New York state exemptions or federal exemptions.

Why Wenarsky & Goldstein Stands Apart in Brooklyn Bankruptcy Cases

Choosing a Brooklyn personal bankruptcy attorney means choosing someone who knows your situation and your legal options. At Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC, our attorneys bring real focus, real depth, and real service to every case.

Serving All Five New York Boroughs Since 2010

Scott J. Goldstein and Jenee K. Ciccarelli have helped clients across Brooklyn and all five New York boroughs since the firm opened in 2010.

That is over a decade of direct client service. Brooklyn residents filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy benefit from attorneys who know the New York courts and filing requirements well.

Focused Practice in Bankruptcy Law

Our firm focuses on bankruptcy relief. Our Brooklyn clients get attorneys who spend their days working on Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans — not switching between unrelated cases.

That focus matters when your financial future is at stake.

Client-First Approach With Clear Communication

Every Brooklyn client gets direct, clear answers from day one. We do not pass you off to a paralegal or keep you waiting. Attorneys Scott Goldstein and Jenee Ciccarelli handle your case with care. You will always know where things stand.

Personalized Strategy for Every Client

No two Brooklyn bankruptcy cases are the same. A single parent, a small business owner, and a recent graduate each face different pressures. We build a plan that fits your life, not a template.

That personal touch is what sets our firm apart from high-volume shops.

Your Brooklyn Bankruptcy Case: Step by Step

 

Filing for bankruptcy in New York follows a clear process. Knowing each stage helps you feel less anxious and more in control.

Stage 1: Initial Review (Week 1–2)

You gather your financial records: income, debts, assets, and monthly expenses. We review everything to determine which chapter best fits your situation. Most Brooklyn filers qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. This step takes one to two weeks.

Stage 2: Filing the Petition (Week 2–4)

We prepare your bankruptcy petition and all required schedules. These go to the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, which handles Brooklyn cases.

The moment we file, an automatic stay takes effect. That stay stops most collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments right away.

Stage 3: The 341 Meeting of Creditors (Week 4–6)

You attend a short meeting called the 341 meeting. A bankruptcy trustee — not a judge — asks basic questions about your finances. Creditors may attend, but rarely do.

The meeting usually lasts under 10 minutes. We can prepare you fully so you know what to expect and what to say.

Stage 4: Creditor Objection Period (Week 6–10)

After the 341 meeting, creditors have 60 days to raise objections. In most cases, there are no challenges during this window. Chapter 7 cases in the Eastern District of New York typically take 3 to 5 months in total.

If you filed Chapter 13, your repayment plan goes before the court for confirmation during this period. We monitor deadlines and respond to any issues that arise.

Stage 5: Discharge (Month 3–5 for Chapter 7)

The court issues your discharge order once the objection period closes with no unresolved issues. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts: credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 discharge comes at the end of your three-to-five-year repayment plan.

Either way, the discharge marks your legal fresh start. You leave the process with debts resolved and legal protection in place.

Talk to a Brooklyn Personal Bankruptcy Attorney Today

 

Debt doesn’t have to define your future. At the Law Offices of Wenarsky and Goldstein, LLC, we’re ready to help you find a path forward. We serve clients throughout Brooklyn and all five New York City boroughs.

Call us now, or schedule your free initial consultation online. It’s simple to get started. Don’t wait for debt to grow worse. Reach out to us today.

We’re here to help you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I file for bankruptcy if I only moved to Brooklyn recently?

You need to live in New York for at least 91 of the 180 days before filing to use New York’s exemptions. If you recently relocated from another state, the exemptions from your prior state may still apply to your case.

2. What happens to my tax refund if I file mid-year?

A tax refund you are owed at the time of filing may be treated as an asset of your bankruptcy estate. Timing your filing date carefully — with guidance from a Brooklyn personal bankruptcy attorney — can help protect some or all of that refund.

3. Can my landlord evict me just because I filed for bankruptcy?

The automatic stay halts most eviction actions the moment your case is filed, but landlords who already have a court-issued judgment for possession may be able to proceed under a narrow exception. We can review your lease and tell you where you stand.

4. Do I have to list every debt I owe, even small ones?

Yes — federal law requires you to list all debts, even those you plan to keep paying, like a car loan. Leaving out a debt can put your discharge at risk, so a complete and accurate filing matters.

5. Will filing for bankruptcy affect my spouse's credit if we file separately?

Your individual filing appears only on your credit report, not your spouse’s. However, any joint debts you share will still show as delinquent on their report if those balances go unpaid.

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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