If you are struggling to pay your debt are looking to file bankruptcy you may wonder where you have to go to file a bankruptcy petition. Individuals, who want to file a Staten Island bankruptcy, often come to our office and ask “Where Do you file bankruptcy if you live on Staten Island?” Many individuals filing a Staten Island Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy are surprised to learn that there is no Staten Island Bankruptcy court on Staten Island.
To file bankruptcy, people who live in Staten Island must file their bankruptcy case in the Eastern District of New York. The nearest bankruptcy court for people in Staten Island searching to file in the Eastern District is located in Brooklyn. The Bankruptcy Court n Brooklyn is located at 271-C Cadman Plaza East. Individuals who want to file bankruptcy will need to go to Brooklyn to attend their meeting of creditors.
Why Are There No Staten Island Bankruptcy Courts?
Many individuals filing bankruptcy in Staten Island are often upset when I tell them there are no bankruptcy courts located in Staten Island. Bankruptcy Courts are Federal Courts that are divided by District. In New York, there are three districts Eastern, Southern and Northern. Unfortunately, Means there are not Federal bankruptcy courts located in every city of New York.
What Should I Expect when arriving at the Brooklyn Bankruptcy Court?
When you arrive for your Staten Island bankruptcy case, you should pay for parking. The Brooklyn Bankruptcy Court is in downtown Brooklyn and it is usually hard to find on the street parking. Although expensive, there are parking lots right across the street that you can park in before going to your New York bankruptcy hearing.
Once you have parked your vehicle, you will need to enter the Brooklyn Bankruptcy Court. As soon as you walk in you will be screened through security. Note, the Brooklyn Bankruptcy Court does not allow individuals to keep their cell phones. Security will hold your phone in a secure place until you are ready to leave.
What Should I bring to my Staten Island Bankruptcy Court Hearing
Keep a Checklist of everything you should have with you at your hearing. Our Bankruptcy lawyers always have all the documents prepared and ready to go for your hearing. Aside from documentation, you will need to bring your social security card and ID with you. If you don’t have your original social security card you may bring an original W2.
Karra L. Kingston Esq. is a Staten Island Bankruptcy Lawyer. Karra helps many individuals get out of debt by filing bankruptcy. Our Staten Island bankruptcy lawyers can go over your unique financial situation and come up with a plan to help you tackle your debt. Contact us today at (973)-979-9078 or email us at karra@klkbankruptcylawyer.com