Stephen Bilkis

Stephen Bilkis is the founder and principal of the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. Stephen has more than 20 years of experience, and provides legal guidance to clients throughout Nassau County, Manhattan, Suffolk County, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, and Westchester County who are in need of assistance with debt relief. Stephen Bilkis has represented countless clients regarding filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy and chapter 13 bankruptcy. In addition, Mr. Bilkis' practice includes representing clients in matters related to foreclosure, asset protection, wage garnishment, bank account levy, debt relief, credit repair, repossession, and creditor harassment. Because of his in depth understanding of bankruptcy law, Mr. Bilkis knows that there are times when it is not advantageous for a client to file for either chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy. In these instances, Mr. Bilkis counsels the client on other options to help him or her out of the financial crisis.

Stephen Bilkis graduated from Touro Law School in 1997 and was admitted to the New York bar the same year. Soon after graduating from law school Stephen established the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. During nearly 2 decades of practicing law Stephen Bilkis has helped hundreds of New Yorkers who were experiencing financial crises. Because of his well-earned reputation as a knowledgeable and effective attorney, Stephen and his team have become distinguished commentators on today's legal issues and have appeared on CNN, CBS, CNBC, and ABC New York, as well as in the New York Times, New York Post and Newsday. Whether the case involves a bankruptcy filing, negotiating with a creditor, or foreclosure defense, Stephen works hard to protect his client’s interests as though they were his own.

As part of his bankruptcy practice Stephen Bilkis represents with sensitivity and professionalism both individual and business clients who are experiencing financial difficulties. With a concern toward the long-term financial health of his clients, Stephen advises clients on options for getting out of debt and helps them chart a course that will ensure that they will rebuild their credit and have a healthy financial future. Furthermore, Stephen's extensive experience allows him to craft an individual solution for each client's financial situation, rather than provide the same solution to all clients. Depending on the client’s specific circumstances, Mr. Bilkis can help with a variety of options. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also referred to as liquidation, involves the debtor’s property being sold in order to pay back some of the money owed to the unsecured creditors. On the other hand, during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor is required to pay all or most of his or her debt. A third type of bankruptcy is Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is an option for businesses that is not available for individuals. Because of Mr. Bilkis’ understanding of the bankruptcy code, he is able to determine which type of bankruptcy is appropriate in each case.

In instances in which bankruptcy is not an appropriate option, Mr. Bilkis can still help. Clients whose situations do not meet the standards for bankruptcy still may need help getting their finances back on track to financial health. Debt consolidation may be an option. It allows the client to pay off debt though a consolidation loan. Debt settlement is the process of negotiating directly with your individual creditors to reduce the amount of debt owed. Those experiencing financial crises may face garnishments, default judgments, or foreclosures making their already tenuous financial situation even worse. Mr. Bilkis and his team have the resources to defend clients who face such situations and help them find a more appropriate solution.

Stephen Bilkis is an active member in the legal community and has been a member of numerous bar associations and organizations including the American Prepaid Legal Institute, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, New York State Bar Association, AARP Legal Services Network, and the American Association for Justice.