Serving Staten Island • Brooklyn • Manhattan • The Bronx • Queens • New Jersey
New York & New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer
Drowning in debt? Facing creditor lawsuits, wage garnishment, or foreclosure? We have helped over 2,000 New Yorkers and New Jersey residents eliminate debt and start over — legally and permanently.
If you are struggling with overwhelming credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, or threats of wage garnishment — you are not alone. Millions of Americans use bankruptcy every year as a legal, court-supervised path to a permanent fresh start.
The Law Office of Jay Meyers has helped over 2,000 New York and New Jersey clients discharge their debts and rebuild their financial lives. We analyze every case individually — we do not file for clients who don't qualify, and we never push you into bankruptcy if a better option exists.
The fastest path to debt relief. Most unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — are permanently discharged in as little as 3–4 months. You keep your home, car, and retirement accounts in most cases.
Reorganize your debt into an affordable 3–5 year repayment plan. Keep your assets, stop foreclosure, and strip wholly unsecured second mortgages. Ideal if you earn too much for Chapter 7.
Behind on your mortgage? We use the EDNY Loss Mitigation Program and direct lender negotiation to help you stay in your home — even if foreclosure has already started.
We represent bankruptcy clients throughout the New York metro area including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, as well as New Jersey clients in Hudson County, Essex County, Union City, Jersey City, Newark, and surrounding communities.
Cases are filed in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Southern District of New York (SDNY) bankruptcy courts, as well as New Jersey federal bankruptcy court.
Jay Meyers is a federally designated debt relief agent — appointed by an Act of Congress to help individuals and families seek bankruptcy relief. Since 1992, he has personally handled over 2,000 bankruptcy cases in New York and New Jersey.
We never file a case that shouldn't be filed. Every client receives a thorough financial analysis before any paperwork is signed. If bankruptcy isn't your best option, we'll tell you — and help you find one that is.
Selected by President George W. Bush for his Small Business Advisory Council, 2002
Captain, NY Guard 54th Civil Affairs Brigade — Commander’s Recognition Award
FINRA Arbitrator • Preferred provider to the ILA, APWU, and Local 1500
Licensed in New York (1991), Florida (2017), and New Jersey (2019)
“I never thought we would get out from under the debt. Jay filed Chapter 7 and we kept our home and retirement savings. I can breathe again.”
“Jay handled my bankruptcy with professionalism and compassion. He explained everything clearly and made me feel completely supported throughout the entire process.”
Jennifer — Bankruptcy Client, Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Jay gave me reassurance and hope. He helped me understand there is a life past all of this — and he delivered. I will forever be grateful.”
Ray Levato — Bankruptcy Client, Jan 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Jay and his team are simply incredible. Not only is Jay personable, he is a great listener and fully astute with law and all its nuances.”
Kristen Leber — Business Client
Track Record
Recent Case Results
$1,000,000+Construction Site AccidentClient with injured ankle — full compensation recovered
$425K → $70KSurety Bond ResolutionNYC Local 3 Contractor — 84% reduction negotiated
$54K DismissedSDNY Bankruptcy VictoryJudge Bernstein barred creditor from pursuing claim
“Jay has over 30 years of experience, is fairly priced, and well-intentioned. He helped me understand there is a life past all of this — and he delivered.”
Ray Levato — Jan 2024
★★★★★
“Jay is truly a professional. Always responded to every phone call, email, and text. Never did I feel I was alone.”
Jay Meyers is licensed in both New York and Florida. If you are relocating to Florida, we can guide your bankruptcy filing, homestead planning, and asset protection strategy across state lines without interruption.
Will I lose my house or car if I file for bankruptcy in New York?
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In most cases, no. New York offers generous bankruptcy exemptions that protect your home equity (up to $204,825 on Staten Island and in the five boroughs), your car, retirement accounts, and household belongings. Chapter 7 filers who are current on their mortgage and car payments typically keep both. Our analysis before filing ensures you know exactly what is protected before any papers are signed.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
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Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, many clients find their credit score begins improving within 12–18 months of filing because discharged debts are removed and they can start rebuilding. Most clients qualify for credit cards and car loans within 1–2 years, and mortgages within 2–4 years after discharge.
Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment immediately?
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Yes. The moment a bankruptcy petition is filed, the court issues an automatic stay — a federal court order that immediately halts all collection activity including wage garnishment, bank levies, lawsuits, creditor calls, foreclosure, and repossession. This protection takes effect the same day you file, which is why timing your filing can be critical. Call us to discuss your situation.
Do I qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York?
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To qualify for Chapter 7 in New York, your income must fall below the New York median income for your household size, or you must pass the means test showing insufficient disposable income. The median income threshold changes periodically — as of 2025, it is approximately $71,393 for a single person and $135,475 for a family of four. If you earn more, Chapter 13 may still be available. We analyze your specific situation at no charge during your free consultation.
What debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?
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Certain debts survive bankruptcy and cannot be eliminated: student loans (in most cases), recent income taxes (within 3 years), child support and alimony, debts from fraud, and criminal fines. However, credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, and most civil judgments can be discharged. We will review your full debt picture at your consultation so you know exactly what gets eliminated before you decide.
The decision to call is the hardest part. Most clients tell us they wished they had called sooner. There is no judgment here — just honest answers, clear options, and real help from an attorney who has guided over 2,000 people through exactly what you are facing right now.