Bankruptcy in Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn is the most populous borough of New York City, with approximately 2.7 million residents in Kings County. It is home to diverse communities ranging from Williamsburg to Bay Ridge, each with distinct character.

Brooklyn residents file in the Eastern District of New York at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This is conveniently located in downtown Brooklyn, accessible by many subway lines. All 341 meetings are also held at this location.

Key Information

County

Kings County
Your county determines your federal district and local courthouse.

Federal District

Eastern District of New York
All bankruptcy cases from Brooklyn are filed in this district.

Nearest Courthouse

271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201
341 meetings and court hearings are typically held at this location.

Zip Codes Served

11201 11203 11204 11205 11206 11207 11208 11209 11210 11211 11212 11213 11214 11215 11216 11217 11218 11219 11220 11221 11222 11223 11224 11225 11226 11228 11229 11230 11231 11232 11233 11234 11235 11236 11237 11238 11239
Verify your zip code falls within the correct filing district.

New York Exemptions (State or Federal) in Brooklyn

New York allows debtors to choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions. New York allows a choice between state and federal exemptions. State homestead: $179,975 in Kings County. Federal homestead: $27,900. State exemptions include: vehicle $4,550, cash $5,000, household goods up to $14,375, tools of trade $11,975, and jewelry $1,150. Federal exemptions offer: $27,900 homestead, $4,450 vehicle, and a wildcard of $1,475 plus up to $13,950 unused homestead. Retirement accounts are fully exempt under both systems.

Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.

Filing Bankruptcy in Brooklyn, NY

The Process

  1. Credit counseling - Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
  2. File your petition - Filed with the Eastern District of New York. The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
  3. 341 meeting - About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at or near 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
  4. Debtor education - Complete a second financial course before discharge ($10-25).
  5. Discharge - Chapter 7: approximately 60 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing 3-5 year plan.

Local Resources in Brooklyn

  • Brooklyn Legal Services - Free legal help for Brooklyn residents
  • Legal Aid Society - Brooklyn - Free legal assistance for qualifying residents
  • Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project - Pro bono attorneys for qualifying individuals

These organizations may offer free or low-cost assistance. Contact them directly to verify current services and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Brooklyn residents file bankruptcy?

Brooklyn residents file in the Eastern District of New York at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This is conveniently located in downtown Brooklyn, accessible by many subway lines. All 341 meetings are also held at this location.

What exemptions apply in Brooklyn?

New York allows debtors to choose between state and federal exemptions. The state homestead exemption for Kings County is $179,975 - generally better than the federal $27,900. However, federal exemptions may be better for renters due to the more generous wildcard ($1,475 plus up to $13,950 unused homestead).

Can I keep my Brooklyn apartment in bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy does not affect your rental lease. You have the right to assume (keep) your lease in Chapter 7. If you are behind on rent, the landlord may seek relief from the automatic stay. For cooperative apartments (co-ops), the shares are treated as real property under the homestead exemption.

Check Your Eligibility

Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.

Free Discharge Screener

Other New York Metro Area Cities

Open Bankruptcy Project Network

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Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestions 26-BK-3 and 26-BK-5