Bankruptcy in Hackensack, NJ

Hackensack is the county seat of Bergen County and a major commercial and medical center in northern New Jersey. It is home to Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in the state.

Key Information

County

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

Federal District

District of New Jersey
All bankruptcy cases from Hackensack are filed in this district.

Nearest Courthouse

50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102
341 meetings and court hearings are typically held at this location.

Zip Codes Served

07601 07602
Verify your zip code falls within the correct filing district.

Federal Exemptions (New Jersey) in Hackensack

New Jersey uses federal bankruptcy exemptions exclusively -- one of the few states in the nation that does so. Federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. section 522(d) apply: Homestead: $27,900. Vehicle: $4,450. Jewelry: $1,875. Tools of trade: $2,800. Wildcard: $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead. Household goods: $700 per item, $14,875 total. Retirement accounts: fully exempt.

Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.

Filing Bankruptcy in Hackensack, NJ

The Process

  1. Credit counseling -- Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
  2. File your petition -- Filed with the District of New Jersey at 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102. The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
  3. 341 meeting -- About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102.
  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 Hackensack

  • Bergen County Legal Services -- Free legal help for qualifying Bergen County residents
  • Legal Services of New Jersey -- Statewide free legal assistance
  • Bergen County Department of Human Services -- Financial counseling and assistance programs

These organizations may offer free or low-cost assistance. Contact them directly to verify current services and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Hackensack residents file bankruptcy?

Hackensack residents file in the District of New Jersey at 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102. The drive from Hackensack is approximately 25-30 minutes south on NJ-17 and I-280.

Can medical debt from Hackensack hospitals be discharged?

Yes. All medical debt is fully dischargeable in bankruptcy, including debts owed to Hackensack University Medical Center and other hospitals. Medical debt is the single largest category of collections debt and is treated as general unsecured debt in bankruptcy.

What is the filing fee for bankruptcy in Hackensack?

Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees in northern New Jersey typically range from $1,500-$3,000 for Chapter 7 and $3,000-$5,000 for Chapter 13. Fee waivers are available for those below 150% of the poverty line.

Check Your Eligibility

Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.

Free Discharge Screener

Other Newark Area Cities

Open Bankruptcy Project Network