Bankruptcy in Queens, NY

Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world and the largest borough of New York City by area. Queens County is home to over 2.3 million residents, JFK and LaGuardia airports, and Citi Field.

Queens residents file in the Eastern District of New York. The courthouse is at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. While not in Queens itself, it is accessible via subway from most Queens neighborhoods.

Key Information

County

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

Federal District

Eastern District of New York
All bankruptcy cases from Queens 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

11004 11101 11102 11103 11104 11105 11106 11354 11355 11356 11357 11358 11359 11360 11361 11362 11363 11364 11365 11366 11367 11368 11369 11370 11371 11372 11373 11374 11375 11377 11378 11379 11385 11411 11412 11413 11414 11415 11416 11417 11418 11419 11420 11421 11422 11423 11426 11427 11428 11429 11430 11432 11433 11434 11435 11436 11691 11692 11693 11694 11697
Verify your zip code falls within the correct filing district.

New York Exemptions (State or Federal) in Queens

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 Queens 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 Queens, 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 Queens

  • Queens Legal Services - Free legal help for Queens residents
  • Legal Aid Society - Queens - Free legal assistance for qualifying residents
  • Queens 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 Queens residents file bankruptcy?

Queens residents file in the Eastern District of New York. The courthouse is at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. While not in Queens itself, it is accessible via subway from most Queens neighborhoods.

What homestead exemption applies in Queens?

New York's state homestead exemption for Queens County is $179,975. You can alternatively choose federal exemptions ($27,900 homestead but larger wildcard). Most Queens homeowners benefit from the state exemption. For co-ops, the shares are treated as real property.

Can I file bankruptcy in multiple languages in Queens?

Court documents must be filed in English, but the court provides interpreter services for 341 meetings and hearings in virtually any language. Queens' diverse legal community includes attorneys who practice in Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Urdu, and many other languages.

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