🔌 Power Shut Off in New York? What Happens When You File Bankruptcy
If Con Edison, National Grid, or another New York utility company has disconnected your power due to unpaid bills, and you then file for bankruptcy, you may wonder: Can they keep your power off? The answer is no—at least not immediately. Bankruptcy law protects your right to essential services like electricity, gas, and water, even […]
Can You Discharge New York State Taxes in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
If you owe New York State income taxes, you may wonder whether bankruptcy can help eliminate that debt. The answer is: yes—but only under strict conditions. In a Chapter 7 case, certain income tax debts can be discharged, but only if you meet specific timing, filing, and good-faith requirements under 11 U.S.C. § 523. Below, […]
Are E-ZPass Penalties Excessive—and Can Bankruptcy Help?
If you’re facing thousands of dollars in E-ZPass penalties for missed tolls in New York, you’re not alone. A single unpaid toll can trigger a $50–$100 violation fee, and if you miss several, the total can become overwhelming fast. These fees feel excessive—but are they legal? Can you challenge them? And can bankruptcy help? Here’s […]
Can I Deduct 401(k) Loan Payments on the Chapter 7 Means Test?
If you’re considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York and currently repaying a loan from your 401(k) retirement account, you may be wondering whether that monthly deduction counts against your disposable income on the Means Test. The short answer is: No, 401(k) loan repayments cannot be deducted on the Chapter 7 Means Test—but […]
What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts in Bankruptcy?
If you’re filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York and share a bank account with someone else—such as a spouse, parent, or child—you may be surprised to learn that those funds could be at risk. While joint bank accounts offer convenience in everyday life, they raise complex issues in bankruptcy, especially when ownership is […]
How to Value a Co-Op Apartment in Bankruptcy When the Market Is Soft
If you’re filing for bankruptcy in New York City and own a co-op apartment, determining its value is a critical step—especially when the real estate market is soft. In a downturn, co-op valuations become more complex, and both Chapter 7 trustees and Chapter 13 plan feasibility can turn on how accurately you assess your unit’s […]
Lien Stripping in Chapter 13: Can You Remove a Second Mortgage in New York?
If you’re struggling to keep up with multiple mortgages on your home, Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York might offer a powerful solution: lien stripping. This legal tool allows qualified debtors to remove a second mortgage—or any junior lien—from their property if it’s completely underwater. Here’s how lien stripping works in New York and when […]
How Courts Interpret Bad Faith in Chapter 13 Cases
If you’re considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York, you may have heard the term “bad faith” used in connection with plan confirmation or case dismissal. But what exactly does that mean? And how do courts determine if a debtor has filed in bad faith? The answer isn’t always simple. In fact, courts in the […]
What Is the Latest I Can File Bankruptcy to Avoid Foreclosure in NYC?
If you’re facing foreclosure in New York, you may be wondering: how close to the auction date can I file for bankruptcy and still save my home? The good news is that bankruptcy can stop a foreclosure—but only if you file before the foreclosure sale is completed. Here’s what you need to know about timing […]
How to File Emergency Bankruptcy in New York to Stop a Garnishment or Car Repossession
If you’re facing a wage garnishment, a bank account freeze, or a car repossession, time is critical. Fortunately, emergency bankruptcy—also known as a skeleton filing—can offer immediate relief. In New York, this fast-track legal option can stop your creditors in their tracks and give you the breathing room you need to protect your income, your […]