Practice Areas
Focused Bankruptcy Representation
Every bankruptcy case is different. Daniel M. Press brings over 35 years of dedicated bankruptcy experience to help individuals and businesses find the right path forward.
The Right Chapter for Your Situation
Choosing the right type of bankruptcy filing is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. The wrong chapter can cost you assets, time, and money. The right one can give you a genuine fresh start.
At the Law Office of Daniel M. Press, we begin every engagement with a thorough analysis of your financial situation — income, assets, debts, and goals — before recommending a course of action. We do not push clients toward any particular chapter; we find the one that serves your interests.
Liquidation & Fresh Start
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 is the most common form of personal bankruptcy. It allows individuals to discharge most unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and certain other obligations — typically within three to six months of filing.
To qualify, you must pass the means test, which compares your income to the median income in your state. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify. If it is above, a more detailed analysis is required. We guide clients through this analysis at no charge during the initial consultation.
Chapter 7 can also be used to efficiently liquidate a business, providing an orderly wind-down, but there can be significant risks for the owners/officers that may make a corporate filing ill-advised. We can guide you through the best way, bankruptcy or otherwise, to shut down your business.
Key Benefits
- Discharge of most unsecured debts
- Automatic stay stops creditor calls and lawsuits immediately
- Process typically completed in 3–6 months
- Exemptions protect essential assets (home equity, car, retirement accounts)
- Available to individuals and businesses
Reorganization & Restructuring
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 is the reorganization chapter of the Bankruptcy Code. It allows businesses — and individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 limits — to restructure their obligations under a court-approved plan while continuing to operate.
A Chapter 11 case involves negotiating with creditors, developing a plan of reorganization, and obtaining court confirmation. It is a complex process that requires experienced counsel. Daniel M. Press has handled Chapter 11 cases for businesses ranging from small enterprises to mid-market companies.
The Small Business Reorganization Act (Subchapter V of Chapter 11) has made reorganization significantly more accessible and affordable for small businesses. We help eligible businesses take advantage of this streamlined process.
Key Benefits
- Business continues operating during reorganization
- Restructure secured and unsecured debt
- Subchapter V streamlines the process for small businesses
- Available to individuals with high debt levels
Repayment Plan & Home Retention
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 is often called the "wage earner's plan." It allows individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts over three to five years, while retaining their property.
One of the most powerful uses of Chapter 13 is stopping foreclosure and allowing homeowners to catch up on mortgage arrears over the life of the plan. If you are behind on your mortgage and want to keep your home, Chapter 13 may be your best option.
Chapter 13 also allows you to strip off wholly unsecured second mortgages and home equity lines of credit in certain circumstances, and to reduce the principal balance on certain secured debts ("cramdown").
Key Benefits
- Stop foreclosure and save your home
- Catch up on mortgage arrears over 3–5 years
- Retain non-exempt assets you would lose in Chapter 7
- Discharge certain debts not dischargeable in Chapter 7
- Strip wholly unsecured junior liens in some cases
Corporate & Commercial
Business Bankruptcy
When a business faces insurmountable debt, the right legal strategy depends on whether the goal is to preserve the enterprise or wind it down efficiently. We represent businesses across the full spectrum of commercial bankruptcy matters.
For businesses that can be saved, Chapter 11 reorganization — including the streamlined Subchapter V process for small businesses — allows the company to restructure its debts and emerge as a viable going concern. For family farmers and fishermen, Chapter 12 provides an even more powerful way to restructure debts, tailored to the specific needs of these types of businesses.
For businesses that need to close, Chapter 7 liquidation provides an orderly, court-supervised process that ensures creditors are treated fairly under the priority rules of the Bankruptcy Code.
Key Benefits
- Chapter 7 liquidation for orderly wind-down
- Chapter 11 reorganization to preserve going-concern value
- Subchapter V for eligible small businesses
- Out-of-court workouts and debt restructuring
- Chapter 12 for family farmers and fishermen
Protecting Your Interests in Bankruptcy
Creditor Representation
When a debtor files for bankruptcy, creditors and other interested parties have important rights — but those rights must be actively asserted. We represent creditors, landlords, and other parties in primarily business bankruptcy cases to ensure their interests are protected throughout the process.
Whether you are a secured lender seeking relief from the automatic stay, a landlord dealing with a tenant in bankruptcy, a trade creditor owed money by a business debtor, or a party to a contract being assumed or rejected, we provide experienced, strategic counsel to maximize your recovery and protect your position.
We also represent creditors' committees and individual creditors in Chapter 11 reorganization cases, monitoring the debtor's conduct, reviewing plans of reorganization, and advocating for the best possible outcome for those owed money.
Key Benefits
- Relief from automatic stay to enforce secured interests
- Filing and pursuing proofs of claim
- Objecting to discharge or plan confirmation
- Landlord representation in lease assumption/rejection disputes
- Creditors' committee representation in Chapter 11 cases
Cross-Border Insolvency
International / Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code implements the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency and provides a mechanism for foreign insolvency representatives to obtain recognition of foreign proceedings in U.S. courts. It is the primary tool for coordinating international insolvency cases that touch U.S. assets or parties.
We represent foreign debtors, foreign insolvency representatives, and U.S. creditors and parties in interest in Chapter 15 proceedings. This includes petitions for recognition of foreign main and non-main proceedings, requests for relief ancillary to foreign proceedings, and coordination with counsel in other jurisdictions.
Cross-border insolvency matters require counsel who understands both the technical requirements of Chapter 15 and the practical realities of coordinating with foreign proceedings. Daniel M. Press brings that experience to clients navigating these complex, multi-jurisdictional cases.
Key Benefits
- Recognition of foreign main and non-main proceedings
- Automatic stay protection for U.S. assets
- Coordination with foreign insolvency representatives
- Representation of U.S. creditors in foreign proceedings
- Ancillary relief to support foreign insolvency cases
What to Expect
A clear, step-by-step process from first call to discharge.
Free Consultation
We review your financial situation, explain your options, and recommend the right chapter — at no charge and with no obligation.
Case Preparation
We gather your financial documents, prepare the petition and schedules, and ensure everything is accurate and complete before filing.
Filing & Automatic Stay
The moment your case is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect — stopping creditor calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings immediately.
Meeting of Creditors
You attend a brief meeting (the 341 meeting) with the trustee. We prepare you thoroughly so you know exactly what to expect.
Discharge or Confirmation
In Chapter 7, most cases result in a discharge within 3–6 months. In Chapter 13 and 11, the court confirms your repayment or reorganization plan.
Not Sure Which Chapter Applies to You?
That is exactly what the free consultation is for. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and give you a clear recommendation — with no pressure and no obligation.