Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Manhattan

If you live or work in Manhattan and you’re overwhelmed by credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans, you may be wondering whether a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can finally give you a fresh start.

At ManhattanChapter7.com, operated by the Law Office of Howard Williams, you can talk directly with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Manhattan who focuses on helping individuals and families in New York City understand their options and move forward.A

Free, confidential consultation · No obligation · Serving Manhattan & all NYC boroughs

What Does a Chapter 7 Lawyer in Manhattan Actually Do?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney is more than someone who “files paperwork.” When you work with the Law Office of Howard Williams, we help you:

  • Understand your real options: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 vs. non-bankruptcy strategies

  • Review your entire financial picture: income, debts, assets, lawsuits, garnishments

  • Apply New York and federal bankruptcy laws to your specific situation

  • Prepare and file your Chapter 7 petition in the correct New York bankruptcy court

  • Represent you at your trustee meeting and guide you through each step of the case

Our goal is to help you decide whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York is the right tool for you—and, if it is, to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.

Debts a Manhattan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Help With

Chapter 7 is designed to wipe out many types of unsecured debt, including:

  • Credit card balances

  • Personal loans and lines of credit

  • Old utility and cell phone bills in collections

  • Medical bills

  • Certain judgments from collection lawsuits

Every case is different, and some debts (like most student loans, support obligations, and some taxes) are treated differently. A Manhattan Chapter 7 lawyer can review the types of debt you have and explain what might be dischargeable.

Unsure if your debt qualifies?

Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New York?

To file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York, you must meet certain eligibility rules, including the means test, which looks at:

  • Your household income

  • Your household size

  • Certain allowed expenses

  • The type and amount of your debt

  • Use our 60-second Manhattan Chapter 7 screening tool to get a preliminary idea, and

  • Schedule a free consultation with a New York bankruptcy lawyer to review your situation in detail.

How a Chapter 7 Case Works in Manhattan

While every case is unique, a typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Manhattan goes through these basic steps:

  • Initial consultation
    You speak with the Law Office of Howard Williams about your debts, income, assets, and goals. We discuss whether Chapter 7 makes sense to explore.

  • Document gathering & preparation
    You provide pay stubs, tax returns, bills, lawsuits, and other financial documents. We prepare your Chapter 7 petition and schedules.

  • Filing your case
    Your case is filed with the appropriate New York bankruptcy court. An automatic stay generally goes into effect, which can temporarily stop most collection activity, including many lawsuits, garnishments, and bank levies.

  • Meeting with the trustee
    You attend a short meeting (often called the “341 meeting”), where the trustee asks questions about your paperwork. A Manhattan Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney will be there with you.

  • Discharge (debt relief)
    If everything goes as expected, qualifying debts are discharged, and you receive a fresh start under Chapter 7, usually within a few months.

Will You Lose Your Apartment, Car, or Wages?

This is one of the most important things to discuss with a Chapter 7 lawyer in Manhattan.

New York exemptions

New York law provides exemptions that can protect certain property up to specific limits, such as:

  • Equity in a home or apartment lease, depending on your situation

  • Equity in a vehicle

  • Household goods, clothing, and personal items

  • Retirement accounts and some other property

Whether your property is protected depends on:

  • What you own and how much equity you have

  • Which exemption rules apply

  • How your case is structured

We will review your property carefully and explain:

  • What appears to be protected

  • What, if anything, might be at risk

  • Whether Chapter 7 is still a good fit or if another option should be considered

You don’t have to guess what you might lose.
Get specific answers for your situation in a free consultation: book here or call

CALL NOW, FREE CONSULTATION

How Much Does a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Manhattan Cost?

If you’re already struggling with debt, it’s natural to worry about the cost of hiring a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in New York.

Here’s how we handle it:

  • Your initial consultation is free.

  • If Chapter 7 looks appropriate, we’ll give you a clear flat-fee quote for your case.

  • We’ll explain what’s included, how payment timing works, and what other costs (like court filing fees) to expect.

For more details, visit our dedicated cost page:

Serving Manhattan and Surrounding NYC Areas

Although this page focuses on being a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Manhattan, the Law Office of Howard Williams also helps people in:

  • Brooklyn

  • Queens

  • The Bronx

  • Staten Island

  • Nearby New York counties

If you’re searching for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in NYC—whether you’re in Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Harlem, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, or another neighborhood—ManhattanChapter7.com is designed to make it easy to connect.

Take the Next Step Toward a Fresh Start

If you’re here, something about your current situation isn’t working. You don’t have to keep guessing about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York is right for you.

In a free, confidential consultation, you can:

  • Talk directly with a Manhattan Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

  • Get an honest view of your options and eligibility

  • Ask questions about costs, property, credit, and what life looks like after bankruptcy

Ready to see your options?

  • 📞 Call us at

  • Or request your free Chapter 7 consultation

  • Prefer to start online? Take the 60-second Chapter 7 eligibility check

Take the First Step Toward a Fresh Start

If you’re dealing with constant collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishment, or simply can’t keep up with your minimum payments, it may be time to talk with a Manhattan Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer about your options.

You don’t have to guess about whether you qualify or what might happen next. Take a few minutes to share your situation with a New York bankruptcy attorney and get straightforward answers.

ManhattanChapter7.com is operated by the Law Firm of Howard Williams, a New York law firm. Attorney Advertising. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site or contacting us does not create an attorney‑client relationship. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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