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Q: How do I know if I need to file bankruptcy?

A: This is why we have a free consultation for debtors in Hackensack. We discuss your finances, your history, your goals, and I'll go over your legal options with you, whether debt settlement, debt relief, Chapter 7 liquidation plan, or Chapter 13 wage-earner plan. All consultations are confidential. if you are not a bankruptcy, I'll tell you so and why.

Q: Can I keep my car and house in bankruptcy?

A: For the car, usually yes (although if you have a loan, you have to make payments to the auto company). For a house, it depends. There is a special kind of bankruptcy designed to help you keep your house. New Jersey lets you keep a lot of things - it's called exemptions.

Q: What about taxes owed to IRS and taxes on forgiven debt?

A: If you actually filed a return and the taxes are old enough, you can often get rid of them. Debt forgiven in bankruptcy is usually not taxable. If a creditor sends you a Form 1099, you can fill out a form with your bankruptcy case number and discharge papers and the IRS usually accepts this.

Q: How much do you charge?

A: It depends - easier cases cost less, harder cases cost more. The Bankruptcy Court makes us tell them what we charge you and they can review it for fairness. I normally discount my fees from the highest fees I could legally charge, but I don't want to be the cheapest lawyer either. I tend to have more client contact than other lawyers, I'm easier to reach, I do a lot of pre-filing bankruptcy planning - that means I take on less cases, so my fee has to reflect that.

My main office is located at Rochelle Park Municipal Complex, 151 West Passaic Street, 2nd Floor, Rochelle Park, NJ just a short 9 minute drive or bus ride from the Central Avenue Courthouse in Hackensack. Go to WhIte Manna Hamburgers and turn onto Passaic Street - just drive straight until you get to my office. I have late hours and free parking. I also have other local offices available to meet clients by appointment.