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Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13) in Princeton

Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13) in Trenton Metro

When a foreclosure notice lands and a loan modification isn't going to close the gap, bankruptcy is one of the few tools that can actually stop a sheriff's sale. Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case triggers an automatic stay, which halts foreclosure proceedings the moment the case is entered, at least temporarily. Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying unsecured debt and can buy weeks to months of breathing room, but it doesn't cure a mortgage default on its own. Chapter 13 is the more common route for homeowners who want to keep the house: it sets up a 3 to 5 year repayment plan that catches up missed mortgage payments while you keep making current ones. We list 9 attorneys and firms in Princeton who handle these filings, and this page is a starting point for comparing them, not a substitute for a consultation.

What separates a good fit from a bad one here comes down to a few things. Ask whether the attorney regularly handles mortgage arrears in Chapter 13 plans, not just general consumer bankruptcy. Ask how they staff a case: some firms hand off routine filings to paralegals while the attorney only shows up in court, which is fine for a clean case but not ideal if your lender is disputing numbers. Ask about fee structure up front, since Chapter 13 fees are often partly rolled into the repayment plan rather than paid entirely at filing. And ask what happens if your case gets complicated, such as a second mortgage, a tax lien, or a lender who won't cooperate on loss mitigation.

Our scoring weighs how firms handle exactly these questions: responsiveness during intake, transparency on cost, track record with foreclosure-specific filings, and how clients describe communication once the case is underway. For the full ranked list with the reasoning behind each placement, see our best foreclosure attorneys guide for Princeton. Details on how we score and rank every firm are on our methodology page.

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All bankruptcy (chapter 7 & 13) in Princeton, ranked by score and relevance

9 businesses, scored on recent reviews. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is bankruptcy (chapter 7 & 13), so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist.

Schatzman Baker
#1
47 low data

Schatzman Baker

5.0(1)

Not enough recent reviews yet to synthesise a reliable sentiment read for this business.

Foreclosure DefenseBankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)Estate Litigation Attorney
Manchel New Jersey Bankruptcy Law
#2
32 low data

Manchel New Jersey Bankruptcy Law

No rating yet✓ Google-verified

Review evidence is limited. The firm states Board Certification in consumer law bankruptcy on their website and lists services including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure resolution, loan modification, and mortgage foreclosure mediation across Princeton and surrounding Mercer County areas.

Foreclosure DefenseBankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)Free Consultation
LO
#3
30 low data

Law Offices of Steven Abelson, Esq.

No rating yet✓ Google-verified

Review text is not available for this business. The firm operates in Princeton, claims to have served clients since 1990, and states it handles bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt settlement, and estate litigation across central and northern New Jersey counties. Their website lists Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy options, student loan relief, and debt negotiations as services.

Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)Foreclosure DefenseFree Consultation
Edward C. Logan, Esq.
#4
76

Edward C. Logan, Esq.

4.3(56)✓ Google-verified

Most reviewers praise Mr. Logan for answering calls and emails fast, listening carefully, and explaining options clearly. His clients report he delivers results: charges dropped, early lease termination, favorable settlements, deposit recovery guidance. Two reviewers felt the automated phone system was unhelpful, and one found him rude, but these are outliers among 56 reviews. Mr. Logan handles civil disputes, criminal defense, and family matters. Reviewers specifically mention landlord issues, insurance claims, construction disputes, traffic tickets, and criminal charges. His approach combines honest advice with strategic thinking. He works across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Foreclosure DefenseReal Estate & Title LitigationEstate Litigation Attorney

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Laurence R. Sheller, Esq.
#6
62 low data

Laurence R. Sheller, Esq.

4.7(15)✓ Google-verified

Clients consistently praise Sheller's responsiveness and genuine care, with several crediting him for keeping them housed during foreclosure. One reviewer reported inattention to detail and poor office conditions during a home closing, noting the experience felt rushed despite a successful outcome. Over 25 years in practice, NJ-licensed.

Estate Litigation AttorneyForeclosure DefenseReal Estate & Title Litigation
Stevens & Lee
#7
60 low data

Stevens & Lee

4.0(3)✓ Google-verified

Stevens & Lee brings qualified, courteous attorneys to the table. However, one reviewer found billing lacked transparency and cost controls, with fees mounting faster than expected relative to deliverables. Limited evidence from a single detailed account.

Estate Litigation AttorneyForeclosure DefenseBankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)
Maciag Law LLC
#8
57 low data

Maciag Law LLC

5.0(5)

Clients consistently praise Ted Maciag for deep experience and ready availability. Long-term clients report he handles both personal and business matters with competence, keeps communication open, and takes a proactive approach to legal problems.

Foreclosure DefenseEstate Litigation AttorneyLoan Modification & Loss Mitigation
Rubin Ehrlich & Buckley
#9
64 low data

Rubin Ehrlich & Buckley

4.2(10)

Randie Ehrlich and her team earn strong marks for real estate transactions, with most clients praising her direct approach and responsiveness. Nicole Martinez, the paralegal, appears repeatedly across reviews as a dedicated resource. One negative review cited impatience and extra fees, suggesting results vary by client or engagement type.

Foreclosure DefenseLoan Modification & Loss MitigationBankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)

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Common questions about bankruptcy (chapter 7 & 13)

How much does it cost to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 to stop a foreclosure?
Attorney fees for a straightforward Chapter 7 typically run in the low thousands, while Chapter 13 fees are usually higher because the case runs for years and involves ongoing court supervision, though a large portion of a Chapter 13 fee is often paid through the plan rather than at filing. On top of attorney fees there's a federal filing fee, and both chapters require a mandatory credit counseling course. Get a written fee breakdown before signing anything, since some firms charge extra for contested matters like objections from your lender.
How soon after filing does bankruptcy actually stop a foreclosure sale?
The automatic stay takes effect the moment the case is filed with the court, so a scheduled sheriff's sale should be halted immediately once the lender's attorney is notified. That said, timing matters: filing has to happen before the sale, and if you've filed and had a case dismissed in the past year, the stay may be shorter or require a motion to extend it.
Will Chapter 13 actually let me keep my house?
In most cases yes, as long as you can afford both the ongoing mortgage payment and a catch-up amount on the missed payments through the plan. The plan has to show the numbers work, which is why an attorney who actually runs the math on your income and arrears before filing matters more than one who just files paperwork. If the numbers don't work, Chapter 13 can still slow things down while you pursue a modification or sale.
How do I judge whether a bankruptcy attorney is any good?
Look for someone who asks detailed questions about your mortgage servicer, arrears amount, and income stability before quoting a plan, rather than someone who treats every case the same. Ask how many Chapter 13 cases tied to foreclosure they've closed, who in the office you'll actually talk to after filing, and how they handle a servicer that objects to the plan. A clear answer on all three is usually a better sign than a low quoted fee.

Last updated 2026-08-27