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Friedman Vartolo LLP is a New York-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy, foreclosure, and default servicing litigation founded in 2016 by partners Adam Friedman and Ralph Vartolo.
Data compiled from public sources
Friedman Vartolo LLP was founded in 2016 to address the need for premium legal services in the default servicing industry. The firm is led by partners Adam Friedman and Ralph Vartolo, who built the practice around acquiring skilled professionals and developing new talent through rigorous training programs. The firm operates from New York and maintains an active web presence documenting their legal insights and case outcomes.
The firm offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas including bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, litigation, evictions, real estate transactions and REO services, and title curative work. They handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters as part of their broader default servicing practice. Beyond direct legal services, they publish educational content through "The Weekly Friedman" podcast series featuring attorneys discussing amicus briefs, appellate decisions, and regulatory updates like Department of Financial Services housing counselor requirements.
Friedman Vartolo distinguishes itself through emphasis on workplace culture and attorney development. The firm explicitly promotes a modern, casual work atmosphere designed to support work-life balance and minimize stress associated with legal practice. They highlight collaborative effort, diversity of ideas, and values of diligence, determination, and communication. The firm actively recruits talent and has published multiple episodes of legal commentary addressing recent case law and regulatory changes affecting their practice areas.
As a law firm rather than a consumer financial service provider, Friedman Vartolo serves clients seeking bankruptcy representation and default servicing legal counsel, not individuals seeking personal financing solutions. The firm's focus on attorney hiring, training, and workplace culture suggests strength in legal execution but no independent assessment of client outcomes is available from the website. Bankruptcy services appear to be one component of a broader default servicing practice oriented toward institutional clients and creditors rather than consumer debtors.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Friedman Vartolo LLP or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection
Relevant law: New York Credit Services Business Act (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Article 28-BB, §§ 458-a through 458-k)
Registration: Required with New York Department of Financial Services
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Friedman Vartolo LLP offers 12 services including Bankruptcy representation (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13), Foreclosure defense and litigation, General litigation services, Eviction defense or representation, Real estate transactions, and 7 more.
Friedman Vartolo LLP has profile signals associated with New York homeowners facing foreclosure seeking litigation representation, Individuals requiring Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy counsel in New York with adequate resources for attorney fees, Property owners dealing with title issues and real estate transactions requiring legal experience context, Institutional clients and creditors requiring default servicing legal representation.
Key strengths: Founded in 2016 with dedicated focus on default servicing legal needs; Partners with track record: Adam Friedman and Ralph Vartolo stored reputation signals in foreclosure and bankruptcy law; Publishes regular legal commentary through 'The Weekly Friedman' podcast addressing recent appellate decisions and regulatory changes. Areas to consider: Law firm structure means high hourly rates typical of bankruptcy counsel; not accessible to all debt situations; Website URL contains error parameter, suggesting technical issues or incomplete website maintenance.
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include Better Credit, Caglar Law Firm PC, CLEAN SLATE BK GROUP P.C.. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Friedman Vartolo LLP is profile signals for New York residents requiring bankruptcy or foreclosure legal representation who can afford attorney fees and prefer a firm with documented appellate experience and modern work culture. The primary caveat is that this is a law firm serving institutional and individual clients with adequate resources; consumers seeking affordable bankruptcy assistance or debt relief should explore non-profit credit counseling or HUD-approved housing counselors first.
FindLaw is a lawyer directory connecting consumers with bankruptcy and credit repair attorneys in Franklin Square, NY and surrounding areas.
Profile signals: Consumers in Franklin Square, NY seeking local bankruptcy attorney referrals with listed credentials, Individuals needing credit repair legal assistance who want to compare multiple attorneys before choosing
Law firm specializing in immigration, business formation, and corporate law with services including business startup, contracts, and organizational compliance.
Profile signals: Entrepreneurs and small business owners forming new entities and seeking legal structure guidance, Business owners engaged in acquisitions, mergers, or buy-sell transactions requiring legal documentation
Clean Slate BK Group P.C. is a bankruptcy filing service helping individuals discharge credit card and personal debt through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies with affordable fees and expedited processing.
Profile signals: Individuals with significant credit card and personal debt seeking a fresh financial start through bankruptcy, First-time bankruptcy filers who need emotional support and clear guidance through an unfamiliar legal process
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A plain-English breakdown of every credit score range — what each number actually means for your loans, cards, and daily life, plus exactly what to do about yours.
Read guide →A plain-English breakdown of what credit products, loans, and cards you can realistically get at every credit score level — from deep subprime to excellent.
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and has obtained a judgment.
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Chapter 13 may be more relevant than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income is generally required to be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Consolidation is generally most useful when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and has obtained a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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