WHITE PLAINS NY BANKRUPTCY LAWYER
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Bankruptcy Consultation
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For the past 23 years, William Waldner Bankruptcy Attorney, White Plains has helped over 500 people discharge their debts through bankruptcy law, specializing in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, , and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
When Should You Consider Filing for Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to help individuals and families who have fallen too far behind on their financial obligations to realistically recover. It allows people to either reorganize their debts or have certain obligations legally discharged, with the ultimate purpose of providing relief and a fresh start, without the risk of losing everything they own.
In the past, bankruptcy was often viewed through a negative lens, seen as a sign of personal failure or poor financial management. These outdated perceptions no longer reflect reality. Today, bankruptcy is recognized as a legitimate financial tool that exists to protect individuals, restore stability, and create opportunities to rebuild a secure financial future.
Understanding the Warning Signs
If you’re grappling with persistent collection calls, constant creditor demands, or notices of wage garnishment, these are serious signals that your financial situation is at risk. When monthly income no longer covers basic living expenses and you repeatedly delay or skip payments, the strain can turn into a cycle that’s difficult to escape. Other red flags include:
Receiving lawsuits or judgments from creditors
Facing home foreclosure or vehicle repossession
Seeing multiple credit card accounts maxed out
Owing back taxes or having tax levies issued
Having medical bills spiral out of control
Realizing you must borrow more just to pay minimums
Recognizing these signs early can give you more control over your options and help you choose a path that protects your future.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in White Plains, NY
When you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy in White Plains, you are instantly protected from creditors and wage garnishment, and your personal debts are usually dismissed (wiped clean) within three months of filing. You must pass the means test and attend credit counseling to qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy in White Plains.
Typically, chapter 7 bankruptcy requires a person to liquidate their assets in order to repay their creditors as much as possible before the remaining debt is wiped clean, but there are many exceptions, and hiring an experienced White Plains bankruptcy lawyer is your best bet for eliminating credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans while keeping valuable assets such as your house, car, sentimental heirlooms, or property.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in White Plains, New York
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, also known as “reorganization bankruptcy” is a form of debt relief intended to help married couples or individuals who are overwhelmed with debt, but make too much money to qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcies, or who have substantial equity in real estate.
If you are behind on your mortgage payments, retaining the services of a White Plains Bankruptcy attorney to assist you in filing Chapter 13 can prevent foreclosure and keep you in your home. With Chapter 13, you repay a portion of your debt to your creditors interest-free over the course of 3 to 5 years. With a few exceptions, such as student loans, your remaining debt is discharged when the repayment period expires. The benefits of Chapter 13 bankruptcy include debt reduction, a manageable repayment plan, and the ability to keep non-exempt assets that would normally be liquidated in Chapter 7 bankruptcies.
How the Bankruptcy Process Works in White Plains
Filing for bankruptcy involves several key steps, all of which are designed to safeguard your rights while bringing clarity and structure to your debts.
Credit Counseling
Before you file, you must complete an approved credit counseling course. This step helps you understand your financial picture and whether bankruptcy is your best option.Filing the Petition & Schedules
We prepare and submit a formal petition along with detailed schedules outlining your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. This gives you the legal protection known as the “automatic stay,” halting creditor actions.Meeting of Creditors (341 Hearing)
About a month after filing, you’ll attend a meeting with the trustee and any creditors who choose to appear. This is not adversarial—it’s a chance for questions about your financial disclosures.Financial Management Course
After your case is filed, you’ll take another short, approved educational class to help you manage money going forward.Discharge or Confirmation
In a Chapter 7 case, once all requirements are met, many qualifying debts are discharged (eliminated).
In a Chapter 13 case, your repayment plan is confirmed, and once you fulfill it (typically over 3–5 years), the remaining dischargeable debts are wiped out.
Rebuilding Your Credit
After bankruptcy, you begin rebuilding by establishing responsible credit habits—small secured cards, timely payments, and slowly increasing your credit profile.
Why You Need a Local White Plains Attorney
New York’s bankruptcy laws, exemptions, and court practices can differ by jurisdiction. A local attorney here in White Plains brings several advantages:
Court knowledge: familiarity with local judges, clerks, and court procedures
Customized strategy: tailoring each case to Westchester County norms
Client support and representation: guiding you through hearings, objections, or adversary proceedings
Asset protection: identifying and maximizing exemptions available under New York law
When you work with the Law Office of William W. Waldner, you get someone who has devoted his practice to bankruptcy and debt relief—delivering expertise without delegating major tasks to others.
High Quality, Low Cost Bankruptcy Attorney White Plains, NY
To better serve to clients, William Waldner dedicates his law practice solely to bankruptcy cases, offering clients unparalleled experience and expertise in personal finance and debt relief. Unlike other White Plains bankruptcy attorneys who delegate the bulk of their services to paralegals, William Waldner personally handles every aspect of each case. This decreases costs; increases quality and can ultimately save clients thousands of dollars in attorney fees, restitution to creditors, and protection of personal property.
Free Legal Advice on White Plains Bankruptcy and Debt Relief
William Waldner Bankruptcy Lawyer of White Plains free legal advice to people considering bankruptcy as a form of debt relief. If you need help surmounting extensive credit card debt, saving your home from foreclosure, stopping collection efforts, or simply want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of filing for White Plains bankruptcy, call 914-559-9500 or contact The Law Office of William W. Waldner by using our online contact form. for a free in-depth consultation with William Waldner. During your free consultation, you will learn if filing for chapter 7 bankruptcies or chapter 13 bankruptcies is the best strategy for your situation.
5 Star Reviews
Diane E.
WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE IN NEED OF SUCH SERVICES.
I worked with William on an extremely difficult and stressful bankruptcy case. William is terrific! Responsive and caring attorney who got a very bizarre situation resolved for me, was able to work with my mortgage company and get me my life back! Even long after my case was discharged he continues to be there for questions and support to the point where I now consider him a treasured college and dare I say friend. Very knowledgeable in bankruptcy law, super communicative and caring.
Rohan M.
Luis T.
Shawn H.
WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE IN NEED OF SUCH SERVICES.
My experience with William Waldner was more than excellent – it was fantastic! From my first consultation meeting to the actual hearing, he always made me feel at ease and gave me all the information and tools I needed to feel 100% confident that my case would be a slam dunk. He was attentive and had genuine interest and concern for my individual case, while at the same time managed to be efficient and respond to my questions and concerns very quickly. All of this being said and after much research into other attorneys, his fee was very reasonable. With William’s help, I can now focus on my future and I am on track to achieve financial freedom.
Steven S.
WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND WILIAM WALDNER.
I assisted a close friend during her bankruptcy experience and discovered the William Waldner office in midtown Manhattan. Mr Waldner thoroughly explained the bankruptcy process, reviewed options and patiently walked her through the process. He is a highly skilled professional, client focused and accommodated my friend, who is plagued with health problems. We highly recommend William Waldner.