Brooklyn Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Regain Control Of Debt With A Clear Plan

If you are juggling past-due bills, worried about foreclosure, or facing constant calls from creditors, you may be wondering whether a bankruptcy attorney can help you create a way forward. For many wage earners in Brooklyn, Chapter 13 offers a structured path to get out from under overwhelming debt.

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we work with individuals and families who want to protect their homes, cars, and income while dealing with serious financial pressure. With more than 15 years of legal experience in bankruptcy and other complex matters, our attorney provides straightforward guidance in a respectful, nonjudgmental setting so you understand your options before you make decisions.

We offer free initial consultations, and our goal is to help you see whether Chapter 13 fits your situation, what it might change, and how the process would look for you here in Brooklyn.

Call (718) 866-3186 to schedule your free consultation with our firm.

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy, often referred to as a “wage earner’s bankruptcy,” is a form of debt reorganization available to individuals with regular income. Unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which may involve liquidating assets, Chapter 13 allows you to keep your property while repaying all or a portion of your debts over a three- to five-year period through a court-approved repayment plan.

Chapter 13 is especially beneficial for Brooklyn residents who are behind on mortgage payments, car loans, taxes, or other secured debts but want to avoid foreclosure or repossession. Once your case is filed, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect, stopping most collection actions, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings.

Our Brooklyn Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer can evaluate your financial situation and determine whether this option aligns with your long-term goals.

How Chapter 13 Works in New York

Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases in Brooklyn are handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York. The process typically involves several key steps:

1. Filing the Petition: Your attorney files a bankruptcy petition along with detailed schedules of your income, debts, assets, and expenses. Filing triggers the automatic stay, providing immediate relief from creditors.
2. Proposing a Repayment Plan: You must submit a proposed repayment plan that outlines how you will repay priority debts (such as taxes and child support) and a portion of unsecured debts (such as credit cards and medical bills). The plan usually lasts three to five years, depending on your income level.
3. Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting): You will attend a brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, during which your financial information is reviewed. Creditors may attend but rarely do.
4. Plan Confirmation: The court must approve your repayment plan. A Brooklyn Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer plays a crucial role in addressing objections and ensuring your plan meets legal requirements.
5. Making Monthly Payments: Once the plan is confirmed, you make monthly payments to the trustee, who distributes funds to creditors.
6. Discharge of Remaining Debt: After successfully completing the plan, eligible remaining unsecured debts are discharged.

Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers several important advantages, particularly for individuals with valuable assets or ongoing financial obligations:

1. Stop Foreclosure and Repossession: Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on missed mortgage or car payments over time, helping you keep your home and vehicle.
2. Consolidated Monthly Payments: Instead of juggling multiple creditors, you make one manageable payment each month.
3. Protection for Co-Signers: Chapter 13 may protect co-signers from collection efforts while you repay the debt through your plan.
4. Discharge of Certain Debts: Many unsecured debts, including credit card balances and medical bills, may be partially repaid or fully discharged.
5. Flexible Repayment Structure: Payments are based on your disposable income, making the plan more sustainable.

Working with our Brooklyn Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney ensures that you take full advantage of these benefits while avoiding common pitfalls.

Is Chapter 13 Right for You?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often a good fit if you:

• Have a regular source of income
• Are behind on mortgage or car payments
• Want to protect non-exempt assets
• Do not qualify for Chapter 7 or prefer reorganization

However, bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we carefully evaluate each client’s financial situation to determine the most effective path toward debt relief.

Chapter 13 FAQs

How long does Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

Most Chapter 13 repayment plans last three to five years, depending on your income relative to the New York median income.

Will I lose my property in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

In most cases, no. Chapter 13 is designed to help you keep your property while catching up on missed payments.

Can Chapter 13 stop foreclosure in Brooklyn?

Yes. Filing for Chapter 13 immediately stops foreclosure proceedings and allows you to repay arrears over time.

What debts cannot be discharged in Chapter 13?

Certain debts, such as child support, alimony, most student loans, and some tax obligations, are generally not dischargeable.

Do I need a Brooklyn Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, Chapter 13 is complex. An experienced lawyer greatly increases your chances of plan approval and long-term success.

Why Work With Our Firm

Choosing the right Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer can make a difficult time more manageable. You are not just filling out forms. You are building a plan that affects your home, your income, and your future. We focus on learning the details of your financial life, including your income, debts, assets, and priorities, and then we work with you to design a legal strategy that fits your goals.

Our attorney, Seni Popat, has more than 15 years of experience representing clients in bankruptcy and personal injury matters throughout New York City. He has been selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list, which is a peer-recognized distinction that reflects strong advocacy and professional integrity. This background means we are familiar with the complexity and stress that come with serious financial problems.

Over the years, we have successfully represented hundreds of clients facing high-stakes situations, recovering more than $30 million for clients across our practice areas. While every case is different and results depend on many factors, these numbers show our history of fighting hard for people who need a strong legal ally. When you work with us on a Chapter 13 matter, you work directly with an attorney who is committed to careful preparation and clear communication.

We keep our caseload at a level that allows for hands-on, one-on-one representation. You are able to reach us with questions, receive timely updates about your case, and know who is guiding your matter from start to finish. Our team is available around the clock for client support, because we understand that worries about debt do not stay within business hours.

Contact us today to discuss your finances with our team.