BANKRUPTCY & REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS ATTORNEY

Joel R. Spivack, Esq.

Protecting Your Assets

Rebuilding Your Financial Future

Providing peace of mind for more than 35 years.

Attorney Joel R. Spivack is an experienced bankruptcy and residential real estate transactions lawyer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We only represent consumers. Our clients come to us for legal services, but what we really provide is peace of mind. For more than 35 years, Attorney Spivack has helped people make wise, informed decisions about bankruptcy filings, debt relief options and residential real estate transactions.

We are here to help you.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often the right choice for people who have a significant amount of loans and other debts that cannot be eliminated by Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Through Chapter 13, you may also be able to keep your house and car.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you can no longer keep up with your monthly credit card and loan payments because of a job loss, medical bills, or other financial setbacks, Chapter 7 may be the best way to get your financial future back on track.

Real Estate Transactions

Real estate law is incredibly complicated. Many home buyers and sellers run into tax-related problems in New Jersey; there are taxes, fees, and title insurance issues that will need to be sorted out before closing.

Respected Personal Bankruptcy Lawyer

Located In Cherry Hill, NJ

If you can no longer keep your head above water because of your debts, we can help. Contact our office at your earliest convenience to discuss your options. There is no cost and no obligation involved in personal bankruptcy inquiries. We can help you with:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Alternatives to Bankruptcy
Mortgage & Loan
Modifications
The Bankruptcy Process
Bankruptcy to stop sheriff sales and foreclosure

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by debt. You work hard and try to do the right thing, but then you’re hit by circumstances outside of your control. A divorce, a job loss or unexpected medical bills that may leave you unable to pay your car payment, rent or mortgage. High interest rates on loans and credit cards force you to choose between repaying debt or paying monthly expenses. Bankruptcy may be a way for you to get a fresh start. We provide comprehensive debt relief services, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, mortgage and loan modifications and other solutions that may be helpful in your situation. Attorney Spivack has been practicing consumer bankruptcy law since 1990 and has helped thousands of people across New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Philadelphia and surrounding communities get a fresh start on their finances.

Read our client reviews:

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

    
 
 
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   Askhunnithow 
 9 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safe to say he does what he says he will do. Good guy and down to earth. Appreciate how things were handled
  
 
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   Eleazar S 
 19 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joel handled all my needs in a professional manner.
  
 
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   Oraine W 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Spivack for successfully guiding me through my bankruptcy. He was knowledgeable, professional, patient, and explained everything clearly. He made a stressful process much easier, and I never felt judged. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a dependable and compassionate bankruptcy attorney.
  
 
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   Alice C 
 4 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Spivack made sure every step of the real estate sale of my home went efficiently and professionally. I would recommend him to anyone selling their home.
  
 
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   Akonocap 
 23 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used the Law Office of Joel R. Spivack , and I had a very positive experience. The process was stressful, but Mr. Spivack and his office helped guide me through it clearly and professionally. They explained what to expect, answered my questions, and helped me feel more comfortable during a difficult financial situation.

I appreciated the communication, the knowledge, and the way they handled my case. I would recommend the Law Office of Joel R. Spivack to anyone in New Jersey who needs help.
  
 
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   Gabrielle 
 23 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Joe enough! I came to him needing to get out of debt that I acquired in my early 20s and not only was he so informative, but also just a great person to make you feel comfortable while going through something like this. He handled the process like the professional he is, and I will recommend him from here on out for anyone looking to get out of their own debt.
  
 
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   Shannon S 
 22 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Spivack was great throughout the whole process of my bankruptcy. He was very informative and made everything smooth.
  
 
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   James B 
 15 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Joel was great.  He explained everything well and helped us get through the process.  Timely communication and he answered all of our questions.  We highly recommend.
  
 
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   Brett S 
 12 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joel is a great attorney with a great depth of knowledge of real estate and all the intricacies of the very confusing transactions.  Glad to have him in my corner!
  
 
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   Susan W 
 9 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience as a client of the Law Office of Joel R Spivack. I was very grateful to the Rutgers Law School Pro Bono Program for appointing Mr Spivak to me as my attorney. After he refreshed my memory of bankruptcy procedure from several decades ago, the case ran smoothly from there for which I especially appreciated. I would highly recommend Mr Spivak. Thank you very much!

Experienced Real Estate Transactions Lawyer

Serving all of New Jersey & Southeast Pennsylvania (Delaware County)

Whether you need an experienced bankruptcy lawyer or real estate attorney for the purchase or sale of your home or property, you can rely on The Law Office of Joel R. Spivack for knowledgeable and thorough representation. We’ll handle all the fine details while remaining focused on the big picture — ensuring we achieve your overall goals.

Bankruptcy FAQs

What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person who cannot pay their bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking to collect debts from you, at least until your debts are sorted out according to the law.

What property can I keep?

In a Chapter 7 case, you can keep all property that the law says is “exempt” from the claims of creditors. You can choose between your exemptions under your state law or under federal law. In many cases, the federal exemptions are better. As of April 1, 2022, Federal exemptions include:

$27,900 in equity in your home
$4,450 in equity in your car
$14,875 for any household goods and furnishings
$1,875 in jewelry
$2,800 in things you need for your job (tools, books, etc.)
$1,475 in any property, plus part of the unused exemption in your home, up to $13,950
Your right to receive certain benefits such as social security, unemployment compensation, veteran’s benefits, public assistance, and pensions — regardless of the amount

(These numbers are as of April 1, 2022 and are subject to change. Please verify these exemption limits with an attorney). In a Chapter 13 case, you can keep all of your property if your plan meets the requirements of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In most cases, you will have to pay the mortgages or liens as you would if you didn’t file bankruptcy.

What will happen to my home and car if I file for bankruptcy?

In most cases, you will not lose your home or car during your bankruptcy case as long as your equity in the property is fully exempt. Even if your property is not fully exempt, you will be able to keep it if you pay its non-exempt value to creditors in a Chapter 13.

Can I own anything after bankruptcy?

Yes! Many people believe they cannot own anything for a period of time after filing for bankruptcy. This is not true. You can keep your exempt property and anything you obtain after the bankruptcy is filed. However, if you receive an inheritance, a property settlement, or life insurance benefits within 180 days after filing for bankruptcy, that money or property may have to be paid to your creditors if the property or money is not exempt.

Will bankruptcy wipe out all my debts?

Yes, with some exceptions.

Bankruptcy will not normally wipe out:

Money owed for child support or alimony, fines, and some taxes
Debts not listed on your bankruptcy petition
Loans you got by knowingly giving false information to a creditor who reasonably relied on it in giving you the loan
Debts resulting from “willful and malicious” harm
Most student loans, except if the court decides that payment would be an undue hardship
Mortgages and other liens that are not paid in the bankruptcy case (but bankruptcy will wipe out your obligation to pay any additional money if the property is sold by the creditor)

Will I have to go to court?

In most bankruptcy cases, you only have to go to a proceeding called the “meeting of creditors” to meet with the bankruptcy trustee and any creditor who chooses to come. Most of the time, this meeting will be a short and simple procedure where you are asked a few questions about your bankruptcy forms and your financial situation.

Occasionally, if complications arise, or if you choose to dispute a debt, you may have to appear before a judge at a hearing. If you need to go to court, you will receive notice of the court date and time from the court and/or from your attorney.

Will bankruptcy affect my credit?

There is no clear answer to this question. Unfortunately, if you are behind on your bills, your credit may already be bad. Bankruptcy will probably not make things any worse.

The fact that you’ve filed a bankruptcy can appear on your credit record for 10 years. But because bankruptcy wipes out your old debts, you are likely to be in a better position to pay your current bills, and you may be able to get new credit.

Request a Consultation

Attorney Joel R. Spivack is an experienced bankruptcy and residential real estate transactions lawyer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Clients come to us for legal services, but what we really provide is peace of mind. For more than 35 years, Attorney Spivack has helped people make wise, informed decisions about bankruptcy filings, debt relief options and residential real estate transactions.