Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Queens

Helping New York Residents Regain Control of Their Finances

When debt feels like it’s closing in, but you have assets to protect—like a home, car, or business—Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be the path that helps you keep what matters most. At Shiryak & Habib LLP, we help people create realistic repayment plans through Chapter 13 so they can regain control, stop creditor actions, and work toward a clean financial slate without losing everything they’ve worked for.

Chapter 13 gives you breathing room and structure. And with our guidance, you’ll understand exactly what’s happening, why it matters, and how it sets you up for a stronger financial future. 

Working with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney Queens residents trust means having someone who understands how cases are handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, including the local trustees and procedures that can affect the timing and structure of your repayment plan. Your attorney can help you prepare complete paperwork, gather supporting documents, and anticipate how the court and creditors are likely to respond so you are not caught off guard at any stage of the process.

Call (908) 460-1337 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation with our Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Queens today.

What Makes Chapter 13 Different from Chapter 7?

Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are legal tools for dealing with overwhelming debt—but they work very differently.

Chapter 7 wipes out many debts entirely, but it requires you to meet strict income qualifications and could result in the loss of certain non-exempt assets. Chapter 13, by contrast, is built for individuals who earn a steady income and want to catch up on missed payments without liquidating their property.

With Chapter 13, you commit to a court-approved repayment plan that typically lasts 3–5 years. You make monthly payments based on your income, living expenses, and debts—and at the end of the plan, any remaining eligible debt is discharged.

This form of bankruptcy is especially helpful if you:

  • Are behind on mortgage or car payments
  • Have income too high for Chapter 7
  • Are trying to stop foreclosure or repossession
  • Want to consolidate debts into one manageable payment
  • Need time and structure to get back on track

We’ll help you compare both options, explain the legal and financial impacts, and guide you toward the route that makes the most sense for your situation.

5-Star Representation,
Start to Finish

From your first call to the final outcome, we’re with you every step of the way—and our reviews reflect just that.

    “Fantastic!”
    “From start to finish, Alex Shiryak and his team were fantastic! The process was long and not easy and long but Alex handled it with ease and a smile and made the process routine.”
    - Daniel R.
    “Highly Recommend!”
    “I've worked with Mr. Shiryak from Shiryak & Habib, LLP on countless transactions over the years, and I can confidently say he's been the most efficient and trustworthy attorney I've ever dealt with.”
    - Afshin T.
    “A Complete Pleasure!”
    “I have had the pleasure of working with Alexander on corporate leasing matters and a range of general legal work. Alexander consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, legal expertise, and integrity.”
    - Irina K.
    “Wonderful!”
    “This law firm is wonderful to work with. Alex Shiryak handled real estate transactions involving buying and selling New York City properties, some of which had belonged to my late mother, with sensitivity, understanding, competence, and efficiency, making ”
    - Barry B.
    “Excellent!”
    “Mr. Shiryak is an excellent real estate attorney. He was patient with me, he listened and explained everything carefully. I felt heard and taken care of.”
    - Dmitry Z.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Helps You

Chapter 13 isn’t just about avoiding asset loss—it’s about building a plan to resolve debt in a way that’s organized, enforceable, and tailored to your income. The protection it offers during the repayment period can be life-changing for those trying to stabilize their financial lives while holding onto their home or vehicle.

Here are the key benefits of Chapter 13:

  • Stops foreclosure and allows you to catch up on mortgage payments – If you’re behind on your home, this gives you time to make it right while keeping your house. 
  • Consolidates all qualifying debts into a single monthly payment – Instead of juggling collectors, you’ll make one payment through the bankruptcy trustee. 
  • Protects your car from repossession – Past-due car payments can be built into the plan so you don’t lose your vehicle. 
  • Gives you time to pay off non-dischargeable debts – Debts like back taxes or child support can be repaid in the plan without added pressure from creditors. 
  • Eliminates certain remaining debts after the plan is complete – Once your plan ends, most remaining unsecured debts are discharged, leaving you with a clean financial slate.

It’s not always easy, but it’s doable. And with our legal team by your side, you’ll never have to navigate it alone.

Principles That Power Our Practice

At Shiryak & Habib, LLP, we don’t just practice law—we uphold the values of respect, transparency, and client-first advocacy. These principles ensure every case is handled with care and precision.

  • Trusted Partnership
    We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect—serving as dependable legal partners for life’s challenges and opportunities.
  • Community Focus
    Proudly serving Queens and all of New York, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
  • Legal Excellence
    Our team brings deep legal knowledge and a results-driven approach to every case, delivering high-quality work with attention to detail and precision.
  • Integrity First
    We uphold the highest ethical standards in everything we do—ensuring honesty, transparency, and accountability at every stage of representation.
  • Client Commitment
    We prioritize our clients’ needs above all else, delivering responsive, personalized service and legal strategies built around their unique goals.
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Is Chapter 13 the Right Choice for You in Queens?

Chapter 13 is a powerful option—but it works best when guided by professionals who understand the details and know how to protect what matters. At Shiryak & Habib LLP, we’ll make sure your plan is built properly, filed correctly, and managed smoothly—so you can focus on rebuilding with confidence.

For many people in Queens, this means taking a close look at income, regular expenses, secured debts like mortgages and car loans, and priority debts such as taxes or support obligations to see whether a Chapter 13 plan is realistic over three to five years. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer Queens residents turn to can walk you through different payment scenarios, explain how the trustee assigned to your case will review your budget, and help you decide if the protections of Chapter 13 outweigh the commitments involved.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

  • Personalized guidance through every step
  • Clear explanations with no legal confusion
  • Protection of your assets and income
  • Flexible appointments and transparent pricing
  • A supportive team that’s committed to your fresh start

What To Expect in a Queens Chapter 13 Case

Understanding the basic steps in a Chapter 13 case can make the process feel more manageable and less intimidating. After you meet with the firm and decide to move forward, you will work together to gather pay stubs, tax returns, mortgage statements, and other documents needed to prepare your petition and repayment plan. Once your case is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect, which generally stops most collection activity while your case is pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York. From there, you will attend a meeting with the trustee and, in many cases, a confirmation hearing where the court decides whether to approve your plan.

During the three to five years that your plan is in place, you must make your payments on time and keep the court informed about major changes in income, address, or household size. Your Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Queens can help you understand how to make payments to the trustee, what to expect if you miss a payment, and how to communicate with the trustee’s office located in Queens or nearby boroughs. Many people also want to know how Chapter 13 will affect their credit, whether they can sell or refinance a home, or what happens if they need to buy a different vehicle while in the plan, and these are all issues your legal team can review with you before problems arise.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Call (908) 460-1337 or contact us online to schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation with a Queens Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney and take the first step toward stability.

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