Who We Are
We at Grossbart, Portney & Rosenberg, P.A. know you do not want to file bankruptcy, but you will be pleased that you contacted us. We have developed a concentration in handling chapter 7, 11, and 13 consumer bankruptcies and negotiating small business financial cash flow/liability problems. Since we opened our doors in 1989, we have helped over 10,000 people, from all walks of life, get back their financial health and a fresh start. In addition to bankruptcy, our firm has experience serving clients by litigating mortgage service abuse, loan modifications and forbearance agreements, offer and compromise with the IRS, defending debt collection efforts and post discharge violations. We pride ourselves in being your solution architect in your bankruptcy, by strategizing a practical plan, so you can finally get your first restful night of sleep in a long time.
COVID Response
*COVID-19 has upended everyone's lives. We are continuing to monitor developments of COVID-19’s impact on our court systems. The Cares Act has several permanent and temporary provisions that affect your mortgage rights, as well as bankruptcy rights, even if you are already in bankruptcy. Let us be your financial guide through these troubling times.
Adapting to Virtual Meetings and Hearings
Video conferencing is the new normal. No matter where in Maryland you reside, we can represent you without the necessity of coming to our office. Even your initial bankruptcy hearing will not require your physical presence in court.
*We are optimized for Google Meets and Zoom, but are able to join any virtual conferencing software
Services
Mortgage Litigation
Mortgage servicers have engaged in abusive and illegal behaviors, often against those who have claimed Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Borrowers become victims of these unconstitutional occurrences, further exacerbating financial distress and hardship.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 debtors use this provision of the Bankruptcy Code to protect your assets from foreclosure or repossession or garnishments or stopping a civil lawsuit.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 debtors want to protect as many of their assets as possible and get the fresh start they need.
Small Business Bankruptcy
The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 created Subchapter V in Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. To qualify, your debts may not exceed $2,725,625 (The Cares Act raised this number to $7,500,000.00). This new law helps streamline the restructuring process.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA protects debtors from abusive debt collection efforts that may include harassment, speaking to unauthorized individuals, or using inappropriate language.
How Bankruptcy Works
Step 1
Consultation
Step 2
File
Step 3
Hearing
Step 1
Consultation
Step 2
File
Step 3
Hearing
FAQs
Usually when you come for your first appointment, if you bring all of your documents with you we can complete all of the required filings before you leave our office. Your bankruptcy can be filed within 48 hours, almost immediately if necessary.
For an emergency filing, we can file just the Voluntary Petition, but we also need a list of all of your creditors, collection agencies, sheriffs, attorneys and others who are seeking to collect debts from you. If we do an emergency filing, the additional documents must be filed within a 15 day period or your bankruptcy will be dismissed.
Documents to bring: Last two years tax returns; pay stubs; mortgage, installment loan, and automobile payment books or stubs; utility, telephone, insurance, and other receipts; evidence of child support payments and alimony, and other documentation that will support your income and expenses. Also bring a list of all of your creditors, both secured and unsecured, and the amount owing to each.
For an emergency filing, we can file just the Voluntary Petition, but we also need a list of all of your creditors, collection agencies, sheriffs, attorneys and others who are seeking to collect debts from you. If we do an an emergency filing, the additional documents must be filed within a 15 day period or your bankruptcy will be dismissed.
For a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy our basic retainer fee to file the bankruptcy petition with the court, which will stop the foreclosure and the sale of your house, is a retainer of $1,000.00 plus, court cost of $310.00, $36.00 - $60.00 for credit counseling/education and $33.00 for individual credit report. For a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy our rates are very competitive. Call for a quote.
The first meeting with the Trustee takes place six weeks after your documents are filed. Chapter 13 plans are usually confirmed within 90 days of filing, depending on the court's backlog.
The minimum time period for a pay plan is 36 months but most of our clients prefer a 60 month pay plan.
If you live in Allegany, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, or Washington Counties you file your petition with:
United States Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Courthouse
6500 Cherrywood Lane
Greenbelt, MD 20770
301-344-8018
If you live anywhere else in Maryland (e.g., Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, etc.) you file your petition with:
United States Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Courthouse
101 W. Lombard Street
8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-962-2688