Consumer Bankruptcy Project
Consumer Bankruptcy Project
To get help from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, call 212.626.7383.
Overview
The City Bar Justice Center’s Consumer Bankruptcy Project provides free legal assistance to low-income consumers in New York City. We help New Yorkers with outstanding debts, assist debtors filing pro se bankruptcy petitions, and provide pro bono representation to debtors in contested matters. This Project allows clients who would otherwise be unable to file or retain counsel to reorder their finances and get an economic fresh start.
We recruit, train, and mentor volunteer lawyers to advise low-income consumers of their rights and responsibilities regarding outstanding debts. Where appropriate, volunteers prepare the forms and schedules necessary for debtors to file pro se Chapter 7 cases and advise them on the steps needed to successfully obtain discharge.
We also oversee the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Panel, which provides pro bono representation in matters referred by bankruptcy judges of the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. The Panel is comprised of volunteer attorneys who represent pro se debtors in discrete contested matters relating to their Chapter 7 cases, such as the discharge of student loans and stay relief.
Ramona Morel directs the Consumer Bankruptcy Project.
Not sure if this is the right project? Contact our free Legal Hotline at 212-626-7383.
Resources
Bankruptcy: Guide to Residential Evictions (2018)
Consumer Bankruptcy Project Brochure (2018)
Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right For You? (English) (2016)
Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right For You? (Spanish) (2013)
Bankruptcy: Understanding Reaffirmation Agreements (2013)
Filing for Bankruptcy: Know the Basics (2015)
Bankruptcy: Fresh Start After a Natural Disaster (2015)
Bankruptcy Basics: A Guide for Employees (2016)
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Upcoming events
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NELP – Legal Clinic
Wednesday, September 25th (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM): A small business legal clinic will be held in Long Island City at the Queens Economic Development Corporation/Entrepreneurs’ Space located at 36-46 37th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. By public transportation, this location is accessible via the M/R to 36th St. To register for an appointment, please contact Bhavna Punjwani of the QEDC at 718-263-0546 to request an appointment.
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NELP – Legal Clinic
Wednesday, September 18th (5:30 – 7:30PM): A small business legal clinic will be held at the main branch of the Brooklyn Library located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238. By subway, this location is accessible via the 2/3 trains to the Eastern Parkway Station. To register for an appointment, please contact Miriam Colon of the Brooklyn Small Business Development Center at 718-797-0187 or click here to request an appointment.