Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Ithaca, New York

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Ithaca, NY

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Bankruptcy in Ithaca, New York is a court procedure through which a person or business who is unable to pay their debt is able to have some of their debt legally excused, or "discharged." This theoretically allows the debtor to move on with a clean slate. However, bankruptcy should not be treated as a way to avoid debt that one simply doesn't feel like paying. It is meant to be a safety net for people or businesses who are truly unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a heavily damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to consult with an Ithaca, New York bankruptcy attorney. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you about your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy, if such alternatives exist in your case. Whatever the result, it is often difficult to foresee the long-term consequences of any bankruptcy-related decisions, so the advice of a bankruptcy in Ithaca could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Ithaca, New York

In Ithaca, New York, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used. They are known as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Ithaca, New York will be very similar to those in any other part of the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her assets in order to pay off as much debt as possible. Once the sale of the assets is verified, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is perceived as discharged. Liquidation is basically selling assets to the highest bidder. Not all of the debtor's assets will need to be sold, and many types of property are totally or partially exempt, including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This means that the debtor can keep them. It should be noted that some types of debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, criminal fines, taxes, and child support payments. Even when the bankruptcy process is complete, these debts will have to be paid in full.

The other popular bankruptcy system in Ithaca is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor will find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a decent amount of time. When a repayment plan is authorized by a court, creditors are legally barred from trying to collect under the original terms of their agreement with the debtor. Though Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used by individuals, it is almost always used by businesses. Similar to Chapter 13, Chapter 11 involves restructuring of debts, rather than complete discharge. The debtor is required to come up with a restructuring plan that lays out how it plans to cut costs, streamline operations, and pay its debts. The plan must then be authorized by a vote of participating creditors.

While going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business can continue operating, and its stock can continue to be traded.

How Can a Ithaca Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The need to weigh all the options and consider the costs and benefits of applying for bankruptcy in Ithaca cannot be overstated. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it would be a good idea to speak with an Ithaca bankruptcy attorney beforehand.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Ithaca

Named after the Greek island of Ithaca, Ithaca New York is a charming city to live, work, and explore. Home to 30,000 residents, Ithaca is located in Central New York. The east coast city is located on the Southern end of the Cayuga Lake, which provides Ithaca with a moderate continental climate.

Ithaca is most famous for playing home to the Ivy League School, Cornell. Cornell has an undergraduate population of close to 20,000 students and the city is happy to play host to the undergraduate and graduate school campus. Not surprisingly, Ithaca has a very college town feel and a lot of the shopping, food, bars, and main street are tailored to their young students. Cornell also has a top-ranking law school that yields many top lawyers that choose to stay in Ithaca and practice law there. It is no wonder then, that Ithaca lawyers are highly sought after for their legal prowess.

Ithaca is also known for being one of the more culturally liberal towns in America. Whether it is the education, arts, musics, or museums, Ithaca is always on the cutting edge. Ithca is a wonderful town to visit any season.