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 New York City individuals struggling with consumer debt, and those whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, with assistance in filing for bankruptcy relief. Unexpected life events such as divorce, loss of income, and illness are reasons individuals with limited economic means struggle to pay back their creditors. They are constantly harassed by debt collectors, have their incomes garnished, and risk having their minimal assets seized, pushing them further into poverty.
The Bankruptcy Project realizes its work by recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteer lawyers to help New Yorkers struggling with consumer debts obtain an economic fresh start. Where appropriate, volunteers prepare the forms and schedules necessary for individuals to file pro se Chapter 7 cases and advise them on the steps needed to successfully obtain a discharge.
The Bankruptcy Project also oversees 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 interested parties, who cannot afford to obtain private counsel, in discrete contested matters relating to their bankruptcy cases, such as the discharge of student loans and stay relief.
Ramona Morel directs the Consumer Bankruptcy Project and Jennifer Arocha is the project coordinator.
Not sure if this is the right project? Contact our free Legal Hotline at 212-626-7383.
Financial Education Resources
Financial Literacy For Veterans Presentation (2020)
Financial Literacy Guide (2020)
Know Your Rights: Federal Debt Collection Protections (2022) (English/Español)
Know Your Rights: New York State Debt Collection Protections (2022) (English/Español)
Bankruptcy Resources
Small Business Bankruptcy Webinar – Watch video / Download presentation slides (2020)
Bankruptcy: Options for Small Businesses in Distress (2020)
Personal Bankruptcy: Is it Right For You? (2021) (English) (Spanish)
Bancarrota Personal: ¿Es Conveniente Para Usted? (2021)
Bankruptcy: Guide to Residential Evictions (2018)
Bankruptcy Basics: A Guide For Employees Whose Employer Files For Bankruptcy (2016)
Bankruptcy: Understanding Reaffirmation Agreements (2013)
Latest news
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July 6, 2022
Recent New York State and Federal Debt Collection Regulations Increase Consumer Protections
Ramona Morel is the director of the Consumer Bankruptcy Project. Individuals burdened with consumer debt have lo
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May 18, 2021
How Access to Language Services is Vital to Closing the Justice Gap
Ramona Morel is the director for the Consumer Bankruptcy Project. Alexa Tovar is the coordinator for the Consumer B
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February 18, 2021
Trailblazer Ramona Morel Receives the Renaissance Award from the New York Institute of Credit
Photo caption: Ramona Morel, Esq. accepting the Renaissance Award at NYIC’s 14th Annual Women in Achievements vir
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Upcoming events
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NELP Small Business Remote Legal Clinic
A small business virtual legal clinic will be held over Zoom in partnership with the Pace University Small Business Development Center. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Webinar #2
The Consumer Bankruptcy Project will hold a webinar on Zoom covering updates on forgiveness programs for Public Service employees, available repayments options, and discharging student loan debt in bankruptcy. Please register here.