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, and Alexa Tovar is the Project Coordinator.
Not sure if this is the right project? Contact our free Legal Hotline at 212-626-7383.
Resources
Bankruptcy: Options for Small Businesses in Distress (2019)
Personal Bankruptcy: Is it Right For You? (2019)
Bancarrota Personal: ¿Es Conveniente Para Usted? (2019)
Bankruptcy: Guide to Residential Evictions (2018)
Consumer Bankruptcy Project Brochure (2018)
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)
Latest news
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December 3, 2019
Looking Ahead: Financial Planning After Filing Bankruptcy
Over my decade of experience as a public interest bankruptcy attorney, I have helped hundreds of debtors file for b
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October 3, 2019
Maximizing Your Savings Account Plan
Ramona Morel is the Director of the Justice Center's Consumer Bankruptcy Project. Though October is known for Ha
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April 13, 2018
CED Unit Tax Series II: Beware the Tax Refund Offset!
Income Tax Refunds and Debt Preparing your personal income taxes can be, well, taxing. Yet for people with refunda
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Upcoming events
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NELP – Legal Clinic
A small business legal clinic will be held at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP located at 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036. By subway, this location is accessible via the B,D,F, and M trains to the 42nd St. Bryant Park Station. To register for an appointment, please click here or contact NELP at (212) 382-6633.
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NELP – Legal Clinic
A small business legal clinic will be held in the Zannino Conference Room (1st floor) at Pace University, located at One Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038. By subway, this location is accessible via the 2/3 trains to the Fulton Street Station. To register for an appointment, please contact Pace’s Small Business Development Center at (212) 618-6655 or click here to request an appointment.