Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
New York Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Do you have to report social security benefits in Chapter 7 filing?

My mother is a senior with credit card debt and is essentially judgment proof because she only receives pension and social security, no other income or assets. Do social security benefits get reported in Chapter 7 filing papers in NY?

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 16, 2024

You do report Social security on schedule I and the means test but it does not count toward the means test result. Pension income gets reported on both and does count. Speak to an attorney to decide whether filing is beneficial.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I am in NY. In 8/19 a credit card debt lawsuit was filed against me. Last month a judgement was filed.

I have received no correspondence and do not recall the initial lawsuit notification. Is the statue of limitations up? I saw that NY went from 6 years to 3 years. What are my options?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 15, 2024

The statute of limitations runs from when a cause of action accrues to when a complaint upon that cause of action may be commenced. If they have a judgment, your right to raise that as a defense now is likely waived.

You may want to speak to an attorney about the implications of the...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Collections for New York on
Q: Do any lawyers here handle Traverse Hearings? Dutchess County New York

A process server only made one attempt to personally serve me and gave a complaint and summons meant for me to an individual at my old address and this person threw the paperwork in the trash. I was never served and wasn't aware of a case against me until after a judgement had already been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 16, 2024

In situations like yours, finding a legal professional with experience in Traverse Hearings is crucial, particularly in Dutchess County, New York. These hearings are specifically designed to examine the process and validity of service in legal proceedings, which seems to be the crux of your issue.... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Divorce for New York on
Q: Chapter 7 and divorce

I filed Chapter 7 in May last year. I am also getting divorced. I have a chapter 7 deposition coming up. Now creditor is asking for all the divorce documents including my children's social security numbers. Do I have to provide my children's social security number or is there a law... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Feb 16, 2024

You have to provide that information.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: My question is in chapter 11 how come being a creditor, there are 6 sections for claim nature and all can be different?

I am a creditor in a class action law suit. When I check the website there is a long page that has 5 different sections that says claim nature. The first is General Unsecured. The second says Priority. The third one says Secured. The fourth says 503(b)(9) Admin Priority. The fifth says Admin... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 25, 2024

A secured claim is one in which the creditor has a lien on as asset of the debtor, such as a mortgage or a car loan. A priority unsecured claim is generally for taxes or other administrative expenses. Most claims are general unsecured claims. While there are certain claims actions claims that might... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I am a 100% Disabled Veteran that has filed bankruptcy under Chapter 13. I have questions about the filing and error

When my case was filed neither I nor my attorney were aware of the Haven Act. I would like to know if this can be corrected.

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jan 23, 2024

Bankruptcy schedules and forms can typically be amended, but there are a number of factors such as where the case is procedural that would be relevant to an informed decision on how to proceed. This forum is not an ideal place to provide you with adequate legal advice as to your pending case; I... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for New York on
Q: I have a judgment against me for 8,000 in FL (from 12 years ago) and am currently residing in NY.

I have a judgment against me for approx $8,000 in FL (from 12 years ago) and am currently residing in White Plains, NY. I cannot pay this debt right now in any way, not even a minimum payment. Can the debtor come after my vehicle (worth approximately 5k) if it's registered under BOTH my name... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

In New York, a creditor with a judgment against you can potentially seek to enforce that judgment by going after your assets, including a vehicle. However, the fact that the vehicle is registered under both your and your wife's names complicates the matter. Generally, if the asset is owned... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Collections for New York on
Q: I have a judgment against me for 8,000 in NJ (from 12 years ago) and am currently residing in NY.

I have a judgment against me for approx $7,000 total (from 12 years ago) in a different state (NJ and Florida) and am currently residing in NY. I cannot pay this debt right now in any way, not even a minimum payment. Can the debtor come after my vehicle (worth approximately 4k) if it's... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

A judgment against you can be enforced against your interest in any asset, whether it is jointly owned with another or not. HOWEVER, the more important question is whether (a) the judgment is still valid, which is a question of New York law; (b) whether you have any equity in the car (difference... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for New York on
Q: I have a default judgment from a PA Court for $270,000 against a debtor that lives in SC. Where can I levy his NY bank?

I have a default judgment from a PA Commonwealth Court for $270,000 against a debtor that lives in South Carolina. I believe he has a brokerage account with Merrell Lynch in New York. I don't know the account number but I think I know the NY broker's name. Four years ago, the debtor... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 4, 2023

To levy a debtor's account held in New York, you would typically need to domesticate your Pennsylvania judgment in New York. This is done by filing a copy of the foreign judgment with a New York court and thereby converting it into a New York judgment, which can be enforced as if it were... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I Need to file for bankruptcy because I have credit card debtors coming after me and I don't have a job to pay them.
Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Oct 25, 2023

This is a Q&A forum, but you can also use the "find a lawyer" tab at the top to find a lawyer to represent you in a bankruptcy. That is the best way to assess your financial situation and determine whether a bankruptcy is the right option for you.

View More Answers

5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Michael O'Leary
Michael O'Leary
answered on Aug 28, 2023

An $80 per month Plan can be confirmed. The Ch. 13 Trustee in the Poughkeepsie Court objects to Plans featuring payments of less that $50 per month, and frequently will try to get a low paying Plan increased to $75 per month, but $80 per month will clearly work. Tax refunds received during the... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: I'm in Ch13, had COVID foreclosure protection, but the bank fraudulently filed & received Termination of Automatic Stay

While under COVID-19-Related Hardship Foreclosure Protection (from 3/25/2021-9/20/2021) which my mortgage company extended to me upon my written request after filing the COVID-19 Hardship Form, their attorneys filed Notice of Motion and Motion for Termination of the Automatic Stay. I was not fully... View More

Jonathan David Warner
Jonathan David Warner
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Based upon the facts you've presented, it doesn't sound as if any fraud was committed - though I do sympathize with your frustration.

In just about any case, non-payment of your mortgage is grounds for termination of the Automatic Stay in a Bankruptcy Case. The COVID-19 Hardship...
View More

View More Answers

6 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Filed ch7 bankruptcy 5 yrs ago. Need to file again. Unsecured debt only, under median income no disposable income.

My chapter 7 filed and discharged 5 years ago. My income is under the median income for my state. I have no non exempt assets and only have unsecured non priority debt. I have very little disposable income. Is chapter 13 an option? Would I be able to propose to pay 0.00 to unsecured claims?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 16, 2023

To be confirmed, a Ch. 13 Plan must be both feasible, and must provide to unsecured creditors the "indubitable equivalent" of what they would receive in a Ch. 7.

You do not provide any financial circumstances/facts. Consult with an experienced lawyer in NY who can review your...
View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for New York on
Q: A startup declared bankruptcy when it was time to pay me and 14 interns, what can we do?

Initially, my 13 coworkers and I signed a contract which specified that we were interns for this startup. We signed 1099 forms. Later, before the start of the internship, we signed an amendment that said we would receive 100% of our salary at the end of the internship.

Throughout our... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 15, 2023

They could be. Yes. You need to file a proof of claim for the wages in the bankruptcy. You should also consult a bankruptcy lawyer regarding a possible adversarial proceeding based on fraud that you might file against the company within the bankruptcy.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: Why did I receive form 309A when my son's dad (who I never married & have not been with for 17 years) filed bankruptcy?

I live in ny with my son who just turned 18 and will be attending college in the fall. My son's father (we were never married) has lived in Alabama for the past year but still pays the same $50/month in child support that he has for the past 17 years. I just received a form 309A in the mail... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 20, 2023

It should not affect your son at all. YOu received the 309 because he owes you a domestic support obligation. Child support is still due and owing even with a bankruptcy and cannot be discharged.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Divorce for New York on
Q: Can I file for bankruptcy without my spouse while we're starting an uncontested divorce process?

I can't afford to survive with all the debt incurred while married. He does not want to file for bankruptcy, but I do. Is that possible while starting the divorce process and how would that affect the process of an uncontested divorce?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jun 19, 2023

You can file a bankruptcy, but there may (or may not) be reasons to wait until the divorce is finalized. There are a lot of factors that go into when to file a bankruptcy, under what chapter, etc., and major life changes like a divorce are intertwined with those factors. The best advise you will... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Need help filing for bankruptcy, possibly pro bono.

I lived in Ithaca, NY for 7 years and had to go back to my home country because of an illness.

I left some credit card debt which I cannot pay. 1) What should I do to file for bankruptcy? 2) Is there someone that would be willing to help pro-bono? 3) Would this problem bar me from having a... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on May 10, 2023

Your questions are of a mostly general nature and really do require that you consult with an attorney to determine whether a bankruptcy filing is justified, if so under which chapter, and a host of other issues that would need to be reviewed. Whether you find an attorney to represent you pro bono... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Roomates income adding to mine for chapter 7 means test?

My brother lives with me in the house i own. He pays me $200 a week for rent but otherwise our finances are independent. Would I need to add his total income to mine for calculating income for the means test? Or would i just count what he pays me? Does he count for household size? I live in... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Mar 30, 2023

As a general matter, you would could the money he pays you, not his income. Bankruptcy is very complicated and can affect the filer legally and financially in myriad ways. I’d highly recommend you at least consult with bankruptcy counsel, most will meet without an initial charge…and it’s... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Collections and Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I just received in the mail sheriffs income execution.

I received in the mail today and income execution for my paycheck for a debt from 2014. I have never received anything from this debt. No PaperWorks no phone calls. Also it was for a vehicle that I had $3000 balance on but was totaled out and the insurance paid when my car got stolen. Also, this... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Mar 23, 2023

You did not indicate when the judgment was entered, but I would assume it would be some time ago and it may be too late to vacate the judgment—but this would depend on some of the dates and other circumstances.

Barring a vacatur of judgment, you could contact (personally or through an...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: my brother was advised the judgement against him is having his bank account frozen. Problem is he has joint acct w mom

my brother has been advised the judgement against him is having his bank account frozen. Problem is he is also joint in my elderly moms account and that is all of her money. He doesnt deposit any money into that account. How do we keep them from freezing her money and taking her money

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Mar 20, 2023

You need to identify the proper exemptions to file under the EIPA. This requires knowledge of the law to fully take advantage of these rights. If you present valid legal exemptions supported by documentation, and the bank still proceeds to comply with the garnishment, you may need to file an Order... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.