Nationwide Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys
Get Relief from Your Debts Today
The Law Offices of Kenneth H Dramer PC is a diversified debt relief law firm, with years of experience in the practice areas of debt settlement, debt collection lawsuit defense, foreclosure defense and avoidance, predatory lending violations, Federal Debt Collection violations, and Bankruptcy. No matter your financial hardship, our Debt Lawyers are skilled and able to help you determine which of our debt relief option will be best for your needs.
Bankruptcy Services
Chapter 7
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Debt Relief Attorneys
Learn about your options.
See what you can save.
Contact Us Today.
Debt Relief Attorneys
Learn about your options.
See what you can save.
Contact Us Today.
Let Us Help You!
Get Your Free Consultation
Why You Should File for Bankruptcy
If you are sick and tired of being stressed out by your past-due bills and the harassing phone calls that come along with it, maybe you should look into a fresh start and see if Bankruptcy is the right debt relief option for you. By eliminating your debts and ridding yourself of the stress associated with being burdened financially, you will be able to gain peace of mind just like our Debt Lawyers have been able to do for so many others just like you! The Bankruptcy court can grant you complete or partial relief from your debts and give you a fresh start. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can allow you to keep your assets and still eliminate your debts over a period of time!
Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate your debts right away like a Chapter 7 would, but instead establishes a payment plan for you to repay your creditors or collectors over a period of either 36 or 60 months. Over that time, you will end up paying back either a percentage of your debts or your debts in their entirety. Typically, secured debts are paid back first, then as much of your unsecured debts are paid back as possible.
In a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing, we would propose a plan to pay back your creditors and collectors. This payback plan is over a period of three years if your income is below the median income for your state, and a five year period if your income is above your state median. The written plan must detail all of the repayments (and their duration) that will occur. The proposed payments must begin thirty to forty-five days after the case has started.
Once we file your Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition with the court, your creditors can’t collect what they are owed from you unless they go through the courts. As long as your assets aren’t worth more than what your creditors are owed, you will be able to keep your assets.
Your Mortgage Loan, Foreclosure, and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Our foreclosure defense attorneys can help you avoid foreclosure. If our numerous foreclosure defense options are not what you need, we can help cure your past-due balance, and even contest your foreclosure action by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. By filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, most creditors have to submit a proof of claim to get paid, and this includes your mortgage lender. You have the right to oppose your creditors’ claims, including your mortgage holder’s, if, they are incapable of providing or obtaining the assignment documents which are necessary to prove their right to collect on the mortgage obligation. Read more about false mortgage assignments and promissory note endorsements on our Predatory Lending Violations Page.
The Chapter 13 is a Last Resort
We usually do not suggest a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy unless a significant portion of the debt owed is secured debt or the estimated payback is lower than it would be to settle your debts, as alternatives to filing Chapter 13 have proven to be more beneficial. Through a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, your creditors will usually end up with less money than they are owed unless your discretionary monthly income is substantial, in which case you may pay back a high percentage of your debts or even the full amount – on top of our attorney fees, filing fees, Trustee fees.
There would be no point in filing for bankruptcy and incur the harmful damage to your credit if you are going to pay back a significant portion of what you owe. In the instances where your discretionary income is high enough that you would warrant either a high payback or full payback of what you owe, we would most likely NOT recommend a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy but instead would suggest an alternative such as Debt Settlement if the creditors are mainly unsecured, or if secured, one of our other Mortgage Relief Options. You’ll want to explore every possible option first and leave Bankruptcy as a last resort.
Equity Restrictions for Filing Chapter 13
The most important asset most of our clients are worried about potentially losing would be their home. Each state sets the limits of home equity levels that are exempt. This means unless your state allows for $0 exemption, some or all of your home’s equity may be protected.
Chapter 13 differs from Chapter 7 in that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy Trustee can force the sale of your assets if they are above the exemption amounts whereas a Chapter 13 you add the nonexempt amount of equity to your plan payments. For instance, in the state of New York, where our offices are headquartered, If you live in Nassau County, you are allowed to have up to $170,825 of equity in your home, and if you are married, you can double that amount to allow for $341,650 in equity. So for example, if you were married and had a home with $375,000 in equity, that would be $33,350 more equity than allowed. When calculating your payment plan to pay back your debt, you will have to pay back an additional $33,350 over the course of the Chapter 13 plan. As you probably figured out, the more home equity you have, the more expensive it will be to pay back your debts through a Chapter 13. Chapter 13 works this way for all assets, not just your home equity. The amounts authorized for each type of asset in your state can be found here.
Stripping Secondary Home Liens
If you have more than one lien on your primary residence as a result of a 2nd mortgage or even a judgment creditor, you could possibly rid yourself of the obligation to pay the lien by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in a procedure known as lien stripping. To qualify for this, your property must be worth less than what you owe on your primary mortgage and you will benefit by having the junior liens wiped away upon completing your Chapter 13 case.
For example, if you own a home that appraised for $500,000 and you owe $600,000 on your first mortgage and $150,000 on your second mortgage, your home is worth less than the balance owed on the first mortgage so you could qualify to strip the second lien. If instead, your house appraised for more than $600,000 (the amount owed on the first mortgage) you would not be eligible to have the second mortgage lien stripped.
Debt Relief Alternatives to Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows you to pay back a portion or all of your debts, but sometimes the negative mark on ones credit report that can remain for years to come is too much for some individuals to bear. We usually do not suggest a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if the debt loads are lower or the discretionary income of the individual is too high. If there are assets that have too much equity Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can be costly. If there have been asset transfers over the past several years there may be objections to the discharge of your debts. Some situations sometimes call for other options like Debt Settlement Lawyer negotiated relief which may be more beneficial.
The below options each have their benefits and drawbacks as does filing Bankruptcy. Be sure to call today for your free consultation to learn the differences in each option or click on the options below to learn more.
Debt Consolidation
If you’re on time with your debt payments, have good enough credit or, assets to use as collateral, you may be able to combine all your debts into one new loan at a lower interest rate. Through our network of lenders, we can try to help if you want to try to borrow your way out of debt.
Debt Management
Experiencing a financial hardship and haven’t fallen too far behind on your payments? A Debt Management Plan, also known as Consumer Credit Counseling, can help by combining all your debts into one monthly payment at lower interest rates to have you out of debt in 4 to 7 years.
Debt Settlement
Experiencing a financial hardship and past due on your creditor payments? Our No Upfront Fee Debt Settlement service can reduce your outstanding balances to help get you out of debt in as quick as 1 to 60 months! Rather than lower your interest rates, we’ll actually reduce your total debt.
How Dramer Law Handles Our Debt Relief Cases
Read More by Expanding the Below:
Free Consultation, Fact Finding, & Financial Analysis
When you call our firm, we will want to know how and when your financial hardship began as well as what the current status is, to get a better understanding of what you are experiencing. Our staff is trained to ask the right questions to make sure that no stone in your financial picture goes unturned. Any representative that will speak with you will have a minimum of 10 years experience
We analyze your current financial situation including your assets and liabilities as well as your current cash flow, allowing us to narrow down our services more specific to what you can afford. This step is critical in any of our processes as we ensure that whatever service we recommend will be within your budget and therefore you’re more likely to succeed.
Full Disclosure, Recommendation, & Customization
There are multiple options for each problem we encounter so based on your analysis; we will then tailor fit the best option to the individual needs of your budget. We will explain in great detail all aspects of each process including the risks & fees – not just how much money you can save. Nothing will be hidden from you as we are a full disclosure law firm.
Our Relief Specialists are NOT Paid a Commission so there will be no sales pressure at our law firm. There is no obligation to retain our services. You will be given all the facts you need, and then you will be given plenty of time to think things over. Debt relief is an important decision, and we won’t rush you! We have worked hard over the years to earn the reputation we have by giving honest advice to those in need rather than the advice that benefits our bottom line!
Limited Power of Attorney & Authorization to Communicate
Lenders are Sent Notice of our Representation
Once retained, we immediately send a copy of our Limited Power of Attorney to your creditors, debt-collectors, or attorneys. Sending notice of representation is the first step in curbing any creditor or collector calls you may be receiving. We do not want you to be harassed – we’ll take over the calls for you.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Once any third party servicer, debt collector, debt purchaser, collection attorney, foreclosure attorney, etc. receive our Limited Power of Attorney, they are obligated to contact us directly on your behalf. Failure to do so is a violation of the FDCPA, and we will sue them for you. There is no fee charged to you if we do not win your case, and if we do win, you can win up to $1,000 per violation, and the collector in violation will pay our attorney fees for you. It’s basically free money!
We Get the Job Done!
We are Incentivized to Perform
Our mortgage negotiation services are offered a fee structure as such that you pay part of the fee when retaining our firm and part of the fee only if we’re successful. The success fee helps ensure we are incentivized, so you’ll know we have your best interests in mind. We don’t benefit from getting you to hire our law firm, but instead, we benefit when we get the job done for you. You pay for our performance – and that’s what we do – we perform! We never agree to anything without first consulting with you and getting your approval. It is your debt and your money, so you have the final say in all of our negotiations
We Work Efficiently & Quickly
The combination of our experience, well-trained representatives, long hours, and state of the art software, allow us to accomplish more in any given day than most other firms only dream about. This can be said for ANY service we offer from negotiations to litigation to bankruptcy. We work quickly on your behalf as the longer you delay with a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the more fees your lender will charge. We will be in touch with you throughout the process to keep you informed and are available when you need us.
Are you looking for professional advice?
Let Us Help You!
At The Law Offices of Kenneth H Dramer PC, before we make any recommendations, our debt lawyers, certified debt relief specialists, and paralegals are trained to ask the right questions to find out about your specific situation. Based on your current income and your financial hardship, we will determine which course of action will work best for you. We do not only offer one path, as no one process can solve everyone’s needs. We will take our time with you and help evaluate what your best course of action should be. CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION and one of our advisors will be there to get you started on your path to financial freedom. There is no obligation to enroll, so don’t delay.
One way or another, we can help!
Why Choose Dramer Law for Your Debt Relief Needs?
Debt is Our Specialty
Other companies and law firms offer debt relief – we specialize in it! We do not offer any services that aren’t strictly related with clients that are struggling financially so our clients have unique needs, compared to those of other law firms, that we can cater to. We offer all debt relief options and we service our clients like family. You should never settle for less when trying to settle for less!
Lower Fees
Since our clients don’t have tons of money to spare like attorneys that practice in other areas of law, we charge low fees making our services affordable for anyone that needs help. Unless your case involves one of our attorneys having to go to court, our negotiation service fees are flat fee based not charged hourly.
One on One Client Service
All of our client relationships are One on One. You’ll have one individual client service representative that will be your point of contact and you’ll build a relationship with them so they’ll know exactly what you are going through. Aside from treating you with the upmost care possible, this means you won’t have to deal with multiple people and re-explain your situation to a different person each time you call. This saves time for you and eliminates any extra stress for you as time is money and being stress free is just as important as being debt free!
Client Service Response Time
All of our attorneys, paralegals, and negotiators are dedicated to providing the best possible experience, while achieving results. We are available long hours but should we happen to be unavailable for any reason we pride ourselves on returning calls and emails right away, not several days later like most attorneys.
Our Reputation
Many companies do nothing for the high fees they charge. We have heard many horror stories. These companies aren’t proactive, they put no effort into negotiations, they don’t even return your calls let alone calls from collectors! These actions cause collectors to seek other measures to collect, often meaning lawsuits. We typically work repeatedly with the same companies and are known for resolving accounts so therefore have a great reputation with industry lenders and collectors. This benefits you when we contact these companies on your behalf, they know the accounts will get resolved and therefore we are usually able to avoid legal action!
Other Services
Many times, when we successfully get our clients out of debt, they still need assistance with other areas of their financial life. We offer many different services for those struggling with debts including Business Debt Relief, Mortgage Relief, Tax Relief, & Student Loan Relief. When Debt is the Problem – We Have the Answers!
There is no obligation, so don’t delay.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
The Law Offices of Kenneth H Dramer PC is based in the New York City area and have expanded our practice with attorneys throughout the country. We are staffed by some of the most experienced debt lawyers, bankruptcy lawyers, mortgage & debt specialists and paralegals, all dedicated to helping people from all walks of life receive safe, effective professional help for their debt-related issues. Call NOW or click here to complete our bankruptcy evaluation questionnaire through a secure portal and one of our advisors will help you started on your path to financial freedom.
Client Testimonials
The court proceedings were annulled, and agreeable working terms were consolidated with my creditors
“Having to deal with a debt collection and settlement situation is a scenario that can certainly occur to anyone, irrespective of their station in life or how judicious they might have been in managing their finances. I was very ill-prepared to deal with this situation when it confronted me. By shear chance, pretty much stressed out on my options, I stumbled on www.Dramerlaw.com on my very first internet search. This was indeed my first port of call; I talked to Michael and I had the gut feeling I could work with them. I have not only been happily surprised, but very satisfied with my collaboration with Dramer. Michael, my principal liaison from day one has been very professional, available, applied, assiduous, and reassuring throughout this relationship; it is hard not to state it in such glowing terms, when it is what it is. From communications via phone calls, faxed messages, and e-mails I was able to receive and transmit all the paperwork relevant to my case. The court proceedings were annulled, and agreeable working terms were consolidated with my creditors. Equally appreciative is the post-resolution services and relationship that Dramer offers. Please give Dramer a try and I’d bet you will express your satisfaction in even more glossy terms.” N.T. Oneaonta, NY. 12-22-2017I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Very sharp and on point. Their price is very reasonable.
“Like most people bankruptcy never crossed our mind. My husband and I owed a lot of debt due to closing of our business, but we still tried to payoff debtors little by little. Until we got hit with a summons from the court ( for over 100K lawsuit). We research all over the internet and called many law firms and layers. Many of them ask what we want to do?.. We wouldn’t of call if we know what to do. And some offered hardship /debt relief or settle your debt for less.. no matter what you call it at the end you still have to pay the creditors, the debts collectors and the lawyer. In our case there is no way we can payoff everything. Many random phones calls later, we were fortunate to come acrossed Mike, he has explained to us bankruptcy doesn’t mean we will lose our house or car. As couple we are able keep certain amount of assets. We were also worried about our credit score, the bankruptcy record will stay in your record for 7 years ( our score were poor anyway). There aren’t that many reviews on the internet about them and like most people we’re not sure if we can trust them. Give Mike a call and a chance, his very sharp and on the point. Their price is very reasonable. Bankruptcy was the best choice we made and the cheapest way out. Now half year later we are debt free, no need to worry from phone calls from debts collectors. Get to keep our house and car, even our credit score went up. Don’t understand why we didn’t do it sooner I guess we were like a lot others going day by day try to be nice by paying off little by little. Thanks!” JC, Queens, NY. 7-7-2017
They were extremely professional and made the process easy
“The Law Offices of Kenneth H. Dramer P.C Attorneys at Law were efficient in handling by bankruptcy case. They were extremely professional and made the process easy! I highly recommend them.” – Jamie M. Seaford, NY 5-30-2017
They're highly recommended
It has been an absolute pleasure working with you
“I just wanted you to know it has been an absolute pleasure working with you. You never made me feel harried, pressured or overly anxious about paying off my bills. I wish everyone would be like that. Thank you again & i hope you don’t mind if i touch base with you the future, just to give you updates on how things are going. Be well.” Mary R. Bayshore, NY 4-30-2018
I would highly recommend Dramer Law for your debt settlement needs
“I would highly recommend Dramer Law for your debt settlement needs. A few years ago my husband and I had accrued entirely too much debt and no matter how hard we worked or how much we tried, we were unable to keep up with our bills and making the minimum payments was getting us nowhere. The best decision we could have made was to begin the debt settlement process. Most of the debt was in my name so I contacted Dramer Law . I have been extremely pleased with the efficient, attentive, reliable service provided by Michael Sininsky. I was initially hesitant to enter into any debt settlement program but now, without hesitation, I will say it was the best decision I could have made . From the initial consultation and throughout the entire process ,Michael patiently and fully explained everything. Any questions I had were addressed rapidly and any messages I left were returned promptly. I/we started out with $87,555.84 t