An Overview of Personal Bankruptcy, Farm Bankruptcy and Business Bankruptcy in New York
The lawyers at Orville & McDonald Law, have spent over 25 years helping our clients through the difficult and complex process of bankruptcy in Central New York and the Southern Tier. An experienced debt relief lawyer can answer your questions and help you understand the benefits and the consequences of filing for bankruptcy.
Our firm will help you learn about:
About You
Individuals who file for bankruptcy come from all walks of life and all levels of income. Learn about some of our clients and how we treat them at our firm.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Learn about the process of Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, which can get rid of most kinds of debt and help you reclaim your financial future.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In cases of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, we help clients discharge their debts at the end of a three- to five-year repayment plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you keep your house, your car and other exempt assets.
Chapter 12 Bankruptcy
Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy, is designed for “family farmers” or “family fishermen” with “regular annual income.” It enables financially distressed family farmers and fishermen to propose and carry out a plan to repay all or part of their debts. Under Chapter 12, debtors propose a repayment plan to make installments to creditors over three to five years. Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy is more streamlined, less complicated and less expensive than Chapter 11, and has some powerful tools for farmers that are not available in Chapter 13.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases are designed to help business and individuals who do not qualify for Chapter 13 to “reorganize” their debts.
Bankruptcy Myths
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit? How much does the typical bankruptcy cost? What is debt reorganization? Learn about the myths associated with consumer bankruptcy.

Before Filing for Bankruptcy
Learn about what you can do and what you should know before filing for bankruptcy. There are steps that you can take to make the process easier.
Life After Bankruptcy
Many people who are hesitant to file for bankruptcy believe that the recovery process is slow and difficult. Learn about what it is really like after filing for bankruptcy.
Stopping Creditor Harassment
You can stop threatening and harassing phone calls, bills and letters from creditors by filing for bankruptcy. If the harassment continues, we can sue the creditor
Bankruptcy Alternatives
Learn about alternatives to bankruptcy, including debt reorganization and more. We can help you solve your financial problems, (even if you end up going somewhere else).
Bankruptcy Glossary
Learn about some key terms of bankruptcy and the bankruptcy process. The more you understand bankruptcy, the easier the process will go.
Contact our firm today to ask us questions about filing for bankruptcy in New York State. Our firm is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation.