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NYC and NJ-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, with expertise in foreclosure prevention and debt negotiation alternatives.
Data compiled from public sources
Waltzer Law Group is a New York-based bankruptcy law practice operated under the Law Offices of David S Waltzer PC. The firm has handled over 20,000 bankruptcy cases and maintains a Better Business Bureau A+ rating. They operate multiple locations throughout the New York Metropolitan Area including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Rockland County, White Plains, Suffern, and several New Jersey cities (Elizabeth, Paterson), with affiliate offices in 10 additional states including Pennsylvania, California, and Connecticut.
The firm offers comprehensive bankruptcy services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, foreclosure prevention and home-saving strategies, creditor call cessation assistance, and non-bankruptcy alternatives such as debt settlement and debt consolidation. They provide free initial consultations and offer affordable payment plans with special discounts for veterans, qualified single parents, and qualified disability recipients. The firm explicitly positions itself as offering solutions beyond bankruptcy, stating they recommend the approach best suited to each client's situation rather than automatically pursuing bankruptcy filing.
Waltzer Law Group distinguishes itself through multilingual capabilities (English, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese, French, Russian, Italian), remote consultation options via internet and telephone for clients unable to leave their homes, and a stated commitment to experience context in both the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 requirements and debt negotiation strategies. They emphasize rapid foreclosure intervention, claiming ability to stop foreclosure within hours of hiring. The firm positions attorney availability and personalized attention as core differentiators.
The firm appears legitimate and established with verifiable locations, BBB accreditation, and a substantial case history. However, prospective clients should note that bankruptcy outcomes depend heavily on individual financial circumstances, and marketing claims about speed (foreclosure stopping "within hours") warrant realistic expectation-setting during consultation. Pricing details are not specified on the website beyond references to "affordable fees" and payment plans.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Waltzer Law Group 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.
Waltzer Law Group offers 12 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, Foreclosure prevention and home-saving consultation, Creditor call cessation assistance, Debt settlement negotiation, and 7 more.
Waltzer Law Group has profile signals associated with Individuals in NY or NJ facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, Homeowners seeking foreclosure prevention and mortgage default negotiation, Non-English speakers needing multilingual bankruptcy representation, Clients preferring attorneys who evaluate debt settlement/consolidation before bankruptcy.
Key strengths: Better Business Bureau A+ rating provides independent credibility verification; Over 20,000 cases handled indicates substantial experience in bankruptcy practice; Multiple convenient locations across NY, NJ, and affiliate offices in 10 states. Areas to consider: Website provides no listed fee structure or pricing information beyond references to 'affordable fees'; Marketing claim of stopping foreclosure 'within hours' is vague and potentially overstated given legal timelines.
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
Waltzer Law Group is appropriate for individuals in New York or New Jersey seeking professional bankruptcy representation or exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. The primary caveat is that listed pricing information is absent from their website—clients should request detailed fee structures and payment terms during initial consultation before committing to representation.
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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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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