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NYC-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy, estate planning, and probate services for individuals and businesses across New York City's five boroughs.
Data compiled from public sources
Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP is a New York City law firm with decades of experience serving clients in the five boroughs. The firm was founded to address critical financial and legal planning needs that affect families and businesses throughout their lives. According to their website, the firm's mission centers on "protecting what matters: your family, your business, your future."
The firm's primary service areas include bankruptcy filing and representation (both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11), estate planning, probate administration, trust creation, will drafting, power of attorney documents, and estate litigation. They explicitly represent clients navigating bankruptcy court, probate court, and New York State Surrogate's Court. The firm handles both personal bankruptcy cases (helping individuals obtain debt relief and fresh starts) and business bankruptcy cases for companies in severe debt situations.
Ortiz & Ortiz distinguishes itself through personalized client service and accessibility. Client testimonials emphasize that staff members—particularly attorney Norma—create a comfortable environment for clients who may feel embarrassed about their financial situations. The firm operates a bilingual practice (English and Spanish) and provides direct phone and email contact options. Multiple reviews highlight the firm's professionalism and responsiveness to client concerns throughout legal proceedings.
The firm appears to be a legitimate, established law practice with strong client satisfaction ratings based on available testimonials. However, as a legal services provider, clients should note that bankruptcy and estate planning outcomes depend heavily on individual circumstances, and the firm's services require payment of legal fees. The website provides no information about fee structures, payment plans, or whether they offer free initial consultations, though they do encourage potential clients to schedule consultations.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Ortiz & Ortiz, 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.
Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP offers 12 services including Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filing and representation, Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy filing and representation, Personal Bankruptcy representation for debt relief, Business Bankruptcy representation, Estate Planning and creation of estate plans, and 7 more.
Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP has profile signals associated with NYC residents and business owners with significant debt seeking Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Spanish-speaking individuals and families needing bankruptcy representation or estate planning services, Individuals and families in New York City requiring comprehensive estate planning, will creation, or probate administration, Business owners whose companies are facing insolvency and require business bankruptcy representation.
Key strengths: Bilingual practice offering services in English and Spanish to serve diverse NYC populations; Decades of combined experience specifically in bankruptcy court, probate court, and Surrogate's Court of New York State; Represents both personal and business bankruptcy cases, covering Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 filings. Areas to consider: Website provides no information about fee structures, payment plans, or affordability options for bankruptcy filers; No clear statement about whether initial consultations are free or paid.
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
Ortiz & Ortiz is profile signals for New York City residents and business owners needing bankruptcy filing assistance or comprehensive estate planning services, particularly Spanish-speaking clients who value personalized attorney-client relationships. The primary caveat is that the website lacks listed pricing information, fee structures, or details about payment flexibility—essential information for individuals in financial distress considering bankruptcy.
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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