Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Serving Nassau County and Long Island
For Nassau County residents carrying unsustainable credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loan balances, and more, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often the fastest and most complete path to resolution. Filing triggers an immediate automatic stay — stopping wage garnishments, creditor lawsuits, and collection calls the same day — and most cases reach a full discharge within 90 days.
Aronow Law P.C. has filed Chapter 7 cases in the Eastern and Southern District of New York and New Jersey for 23+ years.
Automatic Stay Takes Effect the Day You File • Most Cases Discharged in 90 days in the EDNY, SDNY and New Jersey • Home Equity Up to $204,825 Protected for Nassau and Suffolk County Residents • Credit Cards, Medical Bills, Personal Loans, Most Judgments Dischargeable and more • Bankruptcy, Wage Garnishment, and Student Loans Resolved Together
Automatic Stay Takes Effect the Day You File • Most Cases Discharged in 90 days in the EDNY, SDNY and New Jersey • Home Equity Up to $204,825 Protected for Nassau and Suffolk County Residents • Credit Cards, Medical Bills, Personal Loans, Most Judgments Dischargeable and more • Bankruptcy, Wage Garnishment, and Student Loans Resolved Together
What the Florida Divorce Process Looks Like
Understanding how agreement—or conflict—shapes the process.
What Chapter 7 Cannot Discharge
What Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Does
Chapter 7 is a federal liquidation bankruptcy that discharges most unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, deficiency balances, and many creditor judgments — leaving you legally free of those obligations at the end of the process.
The moment a Chapter 7 case is filed with the Eastern District of New York, an automatic stay goes into effect. That stay immediately halts wage garnishments, freezes creditor lawsuits, stops collection calls, and pauses foreclosure proceedings. For clients being garnished every paycheck, that protection begins the day the case is filed.
The average Chapter 7 case in the EDNY moves from filing to discharge in 90 days. There are no repayment plans and no ongoing court supervision after discharge. The debt is gone for good.
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New York?
Chapter 7 eligibility is determined by a two-step analysis: the income threshold test and, if needed, the means test.
Step 1: The Income Threshold
If your current monthly income is at or below New York's median income for your household size, you qualify for Chapter 7 without further analysis. New York's median income figures are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program. Many Long Island residents with regular employment income well over $150,000 still fall within qualifying limits, particularly for larger household sizes.
Step 2: The Means Test
If your income exceeds the median threshold, you are not automatically disqualified. The means test calculates your disposable income after deducting allowable living expenses, secured debt payments, and other permitted expenses. If the result falls below the threshold set by the bankruptcy code, you still qualify for Chapter 7. Aronow Law runs this calculation as part of the initial consultation — at no charge.
Not all debt is dischargeable in Chapter 7. The following generally survive a Chapter 7 discharge:
- Most federal and state student loans without filing a motion
- Child support and alimony
- Most tax debt less than three years old
- Debts arising from fraud or intentional wrongdoing
- Criminal fines and restitution
If your debt load includes a significant non-dischargeable component, Aronow Law will tell you that upfront and assess whether Chapter 13 or another approach produces a better result.
What You Keep: New York's Chapter 7 Exemptions
New York law allows Chapter 7 filers to protect specific categories of assets from liquidation. These exemptions mean that most Nassau County residents who file Chapter 7 keep their home, their car, their retirement savings, and their household property.
- Homestead exemption: Up to $204,825 in home equity protected for most New York residents
- Vehicle exemption: Up to $5,500 in vehicle equity protected
- Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, pension, and most qualified retirement accounts are fully exempt
- Household goods and clothing: Protected up to applicable limits under New York law
- Tools of the trade: Equipment used in your occupation, protected up to $3,575
- Wildcard exemption: An additional amount applicable to any property of your choosing
New York also allows filers to choose between
state and federal exemptions — whichever set produces the better outcome for your specific asset profile. Aronow Law reviews both options during your consultation and recommends the exemption set that protects the most.
Chapter 7 and the Bigger Picture:
Wage Garnishment, Student Loans, and More
Filing Chapter 7 stops a wage garnishment immediately through the automatic stay. But if the garnishment stems from a judgment creditor, the underlying judgment remains on the record until it is formally avoided or discharged. Aronow Law handles the full resolution — not just the filing.
For clients carrying student loans alongside dischargeable debt, Aronow Law assesses both in a single engagement. Federal student loans survive Chapter 7 in most cases, but filing can still provide meaningful relief by eliminating all surrounding unsecured debt and freeing up income to address loans directly. In some cases, an adversary proceeding for hardship discharge of student loans may also be worth evaluating.
If you have a
suspended drivers license and/or vehicle registration alongside your debt issues, that can also be addressed as part of the same engagement.
Testimonials
Best Decision I made was to call Aronow Law and I received the Best Outcome!! Malini is an outstanding advocate for those navigating the legal system. Knows her stuff. Aronow Law provided swift problem free assistance. My experience working with this firm has been awesome. So very thankful. Would tell everyone to call Aronow Law if you are in need of legal services. You'll be very happy you did.
Kobin W.
Google Reviews
This law firm is the best !! I can’t express how above and beyond they went to help. My grandmother saved her house ! Because of them a house she’s been in since she was a baby is now hers to keep and she’s 80 years old….. They went above and beyond answering any questions although we got frustrated at times they never ever disrespected us and keep to professional always !!! Thanks so luv from the Campbell family :)!
Nanamilan2010
Google Reviews
Best decision I ever made. They did an amazing job helping me through this process always answering my questions and helping me through every single step along the way explaining everything to mean. If you are ever looking for an attorney to represent you in the bankruptcy process, he is the one.
Merlo M.
Google Reviews
Aronow Law did an amazing job handling my bankruptcy case. They not only made the entire process smooth and stress-free, but they also went above and beyond by getting my EZPass tolls discharged—something I didn’t think was possible. Thanks to their incredible work, the suspension on my vehicle registration was lifted, and I was finally able to get back on the road. Highly recommend them!
Suhrob s.
Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Nassau County
What assets are protected when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York?
New York's exemptions protect home equity up to $204,825 for New York residents, up to $5,500 in vehicle equity, all qualified retirement accounts, household goods, clothing, and tools of your trade. New York also allows filers to choose between state and federal exemption sets — Aronow Law reviews both during your consultation and recommends the option that protects the most for your specific situation.
How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Nassau County?
Most Chapter 7 cases filed in the Eastern District of New York reach a full discharge in 90 days from the filing date. The process involves a brief meeting of creditors — typically a short administrative hearing — followed by the discharge order. There are no repayment obligations and no ongoing court involvement after discharge.
Do I qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York?
Eligibility is based on a "means test" comparing your income to New York's median income for your household size. If your income falls at or below that threshold, you qualify directly. If it exceeds the threshold, you may still qualify after allowable expenses are deducted. Many Nassau County residents with regular income well over $150,000 will qualify. Aronow Law runs the means test calculation as part of your free consultation.
Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7 in New York?
In most cases, yes. New York's vehicle exemption protects up to $5,500 in vehicle equity. If your car equity is worth more than what you owe the bank and the equity exceeds the exemption amount, the trustee may evaluate it — but most filers with a financed vehicle or a modest older vehicle keep their car. Aronow Law reviews your specific vehicle equity position during the consultation and can add other exemptions to protect that equity.
Will Chapter 7 stop my wage garnishment?
Yes. Filing Chapter 7 triggers an automatic stay that halts wage garnishments immediately — the same day the case is filed. If your employer has been withholding wages under a garnishment order, that order is stayed upon filing. Aronow Law also handles the formal steps to ensure the garnishment does not resume after discharge. Any garnishment taken after filing will be returned when Aronow Law contacts the sheriff.
Ready to Find Out If Chapter 7 Is Right for You?
The means test, the exemptions, the timeline — all of it gets covered in a free consultation with no time limit. Aronow Law serves Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the five boroughs from the firm's office in Woodbury, NY. Darren takes the call personally.
