Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Queens

Providing Debt Relief Solutions for New York City Residents

If you're overwhelmed by credit card bills, collection calls, or the weight of debt you just can’t repay, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer the relief you're looking for. This form of bankruptcy is designed to give individuals a fresh financial start by wiping out qualifying unsecured debts. At Shiryak & Habib LLP, we help you determine if Chapter 7 is right for you—and if it is, we walk you through the process step by step so nothing catches you off guard.

Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a confusing one. We’ll help you understand what to expect, prepare your paperwork accurately, and protect your rights from start to finish. 

Call (908) 460-1337 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Queens and learn if it is the right path forward for you. 

What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Who Qualifies?

Chapter 7 is often referred to as “liquidation” bankruptcy, but for most filers, that doesn’t mean losing everything. It’s a powerful legal option that can eliminate many types of unsecured debt—giving you a clean financial slate. While some assets may be sold to repay creditors, many people who file for Chapter 7 are able to keep most, if not all, of their property due to exemptions allowed under state and federal law.

To qualify, you'll need to pass the means test, which compares your income to the median for a household of your size in your state. If your income is below the threshold—or if your disposable income is too low to repay your debts—you may be eligible.

Common types of debt discharged in Chapter 7 include:

  • Credit card balances
  • Medical bills
  • Personal loans
  • Utility arrears
  • Payday loans
  • Deficiency balances on repossessed vehicles

If you're facing wage garnishment, lawsuits, or threats of repossession, Chapter 7 may offer fast protection and long-term relief. We'll help you assess whether it fits your situation, and if not, explain your alternatives clearly and honestly.

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.

Benefits of Filing for Chapter 7

Chapter 7 isn’t just a way out—it’s a way forward. It gives you legal breathing room and lets you move past overwhelming debt with clarity and a renewed financial foundation.

Here’s what makes Chapter 7 a strong option for many individuals:

  • Quick discharge timeline – Most Chapter 7 cases are resolved in 3–6 months, giving you a faster road to financial relief.
  • Immediate protection – As soon as you file, an automatic stay goes into effect—stopping collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and repossessions.
  • Elimination of most unsecured debt – Credit cards, medical bills, and unsecured loans are typically discharged entirely.
  • Fresh start without a repayment plan – Unlike Chapter 13, there’s no monthly payment plan involved. You’re not repaying debt—you’re eliminating it.
  • Emotional relief – Letting go of crushing debt often brings peace of mind, restored sleep, and room to breathe financially.

Our team works to protect your exempt assets, file everything correctly the first time, and handle creditor communications so you don’t have to. From the means test to the final discharge, we’re here to help you navigate with confidence.

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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If we’ve provided you with outstanding service, we’d greatly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a 5-star review. Your feedback not only helps our team grow—it also helps others in Queens and throughout New York find legal support they can trust. Thank you for being a valued client!

What to Expect During the Process

Chapter 7 bankruptcy isn’t for everyone, but for those who meet the requirements, it can be a practical way to achieve financial freedom. 

Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

  • Eligibility – You must pass a means test to determine if your income falls below the required threshold. If your income is higher, other options like Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be better suited to you.
  • Protected assets – While Chapter 7 may require the liquidation of some assets to pay creditors, many essentials, such as your home, car, and personal possessions, may be protected under exemption laws.
  • Automatic stay – Once you file, an automatic stay goes into effect, halting creditor calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings immediately.
  • 341 meeting of creditors – This mandatory bankruptcy meeting requires you to answer questions under oath about your finances and bankruptcy petition. It’s usually brief and informal, with creditors rarely attending. 
  • Debt discharge – After successfully filing, eligible debts will be discharged, meaning you are no longer legally required to pay them back, allowing you to move forward with a clean financial slate.

While every case is unique, our goal at Shiryak & Habib LLP is always the same: to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on rebuilding your future. We make the process clear, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.

Call (908) 460-1337 or contact us online to schedule your free confidential consultation with a Queens chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney today. Virtual consultations are available!

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