The Law Offices of Neil Crane has been providing care, solutions and guidance on debt since 1983.  Call our office or submit a chat form today.

Law Offices of Neil Crane in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Your guide to bankruptcy law in Bridgeport, CT

The Law Offices of Neil Crane is a legal firm that focuses entirely on bankruptcy law and debt relief. Our bankruptcy lawyers have assisted many firms and thousands of families in the Bridgeport area. Here are answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask

Who usually files bankruptcy?

Anyone can file for bankruptcy relief – it protects some of the hardest working, good people from all walks of life. Bankruptcy can be filed by individuals who are single or married, spouses can file separately or one or the other can file.

These are normally Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies. Larger companies or individuals sometimes reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

What debt does bankruptcy erase?

Bankruptcy is excellent for eliminating nearly all types of unsecured debts. These include credit cards, lines of credit, personal loans, lawsuits, medical bills and payday loans.

When you file for bankruptcy, you will no longer have to pay these debts. This means you will have more income available for more important bills like your house, utilities and the costs of raising a family in Connecticut without debt.

What’s the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

While Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies are both intended for individuals with consumer debt, they differ in how they treat different types of debt. The choice of which is correct depends on the specific circumstances of each client. Chapter 7 eliminates unsecured debt. Chapter 13 gives you power over unsecured and secured debts.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a way for people to eliminate debts that they can no longer pay while protecting their assets. Chapter 13 is more of a reorganization chapter of bankruptcy. With Chapter 13, you can restructure all types of debt. Chapter 13 stops home loss and foreclosure.

What are the alternatives to bankruptcy?

One of the first matters you should discuss with a bankruptcy lawyer is all the alternatives, not just bankruptcy. In some cases, there are effective alternatives, but bankruptcy may be the best choice, depending on your circumstances.

  • Stop harassment from creditors: Any option you choose needs to deal directly with creditors on your behalf to stop harassment and phone calls. Additionally, you have recourse to state and federal protections under debt collection consumer protection laws, but obviously, it won’t stop collection actions forever.
  • Negotiate directly with your creditors: With professional help, we may be able to work out a new, manageable plan by going directly to your creditors, which might avoid the need for bankruptcy.
  • Debt Consolidation: This has become a very popular internet alternative. Unfortunately, it is rarely a good option. It is extremely dangerous and won’t provide the proper customized relief needed for each individual’s case.

The Bridgeport location of The Law offices of Neil Crane is located next to the Bridgeport Metro North train station in the Park City Plaza. Our lawyers go to this location by appointment only. Please call us to book an appointment before coming to this location

Bridgeport Office Phone: 203-334-5555
Main Phone: 203-230-2233
Fax: 203-230-8484
Email: [email protected]
Location: 10 Middle Street Bridgeport, CT 06604
Photo: Barnum Museum located on Main Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut

How do I file bankruptcy and how long does it take?

Filing for bankruptcy is a very swift process, with the guidance and assistance of an expert bankruptcy attorney. Once you complete a free consultation with your attorney and decide to retain us to file for bankruptcy, we will handle the entire process on your behalf.

The length of the process differs depending on whether you are filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, but in all cases, the work in our office is completed within a week or two.

Will bankruptcy hurt my credit score?

While it is true that filing for bankruptcy will be on your credit report for up to ten years post-bankruptcy, your credit score will improve rapidly. Any non-bankruptcy will actually have a much more severe, negative effect on your credit score and won’t solve anything. Don’t file bankruptcy just to improve your credit score, but filing for bankruptcy will eliminate your debt and quickly begin rebuilding your credit.

Will I lose all my stuff if I file for bankruptcy?

No, in more than 99% of all cases filed in Connecticut, people who file bankruptcy with experienced bankruptcy counsel don’t lose anything. Federal and state laws provide for numerous generous exemptions, which enable your attorney to make sure you keep all of your stuff.

Household goods, furnishings, bank accounts, cars, cash, life insurance, your 401k and other pension plans cannot be touched in a bankruptcy case. Far less than 1% of all our bankruptcy cases ever affect any of your assets, and in all cases, that is known for certain prior to any bankruptcy filing.

If you need the services of a bankruptcy lawyer in Bridgeport, CT, contact The Law Offices of Neil Crane for a free consultation.

Services at this location

Debt Relief
Bankruptcy
Foreclosures
Credit Card Debt Relief
Tax Law
Mortgage Modification
Small Business Bankruptcy
Mediation

Hours at this location

*by appointment only

Monday9:00am to 5:00pm*
Tuesday9:00am to 5:00pm*
Wednesday9:00am to 5:00pm*
Thursday9:00am to 5:00pm*
Friday9:00am to 5:00pm*
Saturday9:00am to12:00pm*
SundayClosed

Our Attorneys

Neil R.
Crane

Stuart H.
Caplan

James B. Heffernan

Audra M.
Buckland

Jennifer
Tremesani

Our Offices

The Law Offices of Neil Crane has a main office in Hamden, Connecticut, as well as 4 other locations across Connecticut. Below are links to each office location. Before visiting one of our office locations, please call us at 203-230-2233 to schedule an appointment. Your time is valuable to us and we want to be available for you when you come into one of our offices.

MAIN OFFICE: HAMDEN

2679 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

NEW HAVEN

11 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor
New Haven, CT 06511

ROCKY HILL

750 Old Main Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

BRIDGEPORT

10 Middle Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604

WATERBURY

58 Holmes Avenue
Waterbury, CT 06710

RIDGEFIELD

440 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877