4 Top New Jersey Student Loan Attorneys for Forgiveness, Settlement, Repayment Help & More

Updated on December 5, 2024

Quick Facts

  • New Jersey has skilled attorneys who specialize in handling federal repayment plans, student loan forgiveness, and disputes over private loans.

  • If you are struggling with inaccurate billing or unfair servicer practices, you can receive legal advice to resolve these issues.

  • Many student loan issues—like consolidations, wage garnishments, and forgiveness applications—can be resolved without needing a local attorney.

Overview

Struggling with student loans can be stressful, but having an experienced attorney in your corner can make all the difference. If you’re in New Jersey, there are some great student loan lawyers to connect with.

We’ve put together a list of trusted attorneys who know how to tackle both federal and private student loan concerns. They can assist with:

  • Stopping wage garnishments that are taking money from your paycheck

  • Applying for loan forgiveness programs to reduce or cancel your loan balance

  • Creating repayment plans that fit your budget and make payments easier

Our firm also works with borrowers in New Jersey and across the country, so if you need broader support, we’re here to help.

Whether you decide to work with a local lawyer or a nationwide firm, you’re taking a meaningful step toward managing your student loan debt.

Related: How Much Does a Student Loan Lawyer Cost?

Four Best New Jersey Student Loan Attorneys

Some lawyers focus on particular student loan issues, while others take a broader approach. Always choose the one that works best for your case. Here are four top-rated student loan lawyers in New Jersey:

1. Tate Esq, LLC

  • Specialty: A national law firm focused exclusively on federal and private student loan law. We’ve developed proven strategies for loan forgiveness, cancellation, settlements, and even bankruptcy discharge, helping borrowers reduce millions in student loan debt over the last decade.

  • Why Choose Us: We don’t just dabble in student loans—we live and breathe them. Our lead attorney, Stanley Tate, is a recognized expert who has trained other lawyers in student loan law. We combine a deep understanding of the rules with real-world experience, helping borrowers qualify for forgiveness programs, negotiate settlements, stop wage garnishments, and determine when bankruptcy makes sense. This practical expertise comes from successfully resolving thousands of student loan cases.

  • Ideal For: Borrowers facing any student loan issue, including qualifying for forgiveness programs, stopping wage garnishment, negotiating private loan settlements, or exploring bankruptcy options. If traditional solutions haven’t worked, we specialize in finding permanent fixes.

  • Contact: Visit tateesq.com/book-a-call or call 314-884-1886.

2. Jennifer N. Weil, Esq.

  • Specialty: Attorney Jennifer Weil focuses on bankruptcy law and student loan debt-collection defense in New Jersey. She assists clients with issues related to federal and private student loans, including NJCLASS loans.

  • Why Choose Her: With over a decade of experience, Ms. Weil offers personalized evaluations of each client’s financial situation, providing tailored solutions to manage and resolve student loan debt.

  • Ideal For: Borrowers facing default or potential default on student loans, dealing with debt collectors, or considering bankruptcy as a solution to their financial challenges.

  • Contact: Visit jenniferweil.com or call (201) 676-0722.

3. Law Office of Edward Hanratty

  • Specialty: Led by attorney Edward G. Hanratty, this firm specializes in consumer protection and bankruptcy law, with a focus on student loan litigation, including the discharge of student loans through bankruptcy.

  • Why Choose Them: Mr. Hanratty has been practicing law since 1998, handling trials before judges and juries, and has a track record of successfully discharging substantial student loan debts for clients.

  • Ideal For: Borrowers seeking to discharge student loans through bankruptcy or facing legal actions related to student loan defaults.

  • Contact: Visit wwwlawofficeofedwardhanratty.com or call (732) 866-6655.

4. Richardson Law Offices

  • Specialty: Attorney Steven J. Richardson assists clients with federal, state, and private student loan debts, offering services such as deferment, settlement, payment renegotiation, consolidation, and rehabilitation.

  • Why Choose Them: With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Richardson provides approachable and knowledgeable legal assistance, helping clients manage complex student loan regulations and negotiate with servicers and collectors.

  • Ideal For: Borrowers overwhelmed by student loan payments, facing default, or dealing with collection actions seeking comprehensive solutions to manage their debt.

  • Contact: Visit richardsonlawoffices.com or call (856) 686-9910.

Many firms limit their practice to bankruptcy or debt relief, but at Tate Law Firm, we address all aspects of student loan law nationwide. With decades of experience, we know how to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.

Compare New Jersey Student Loan Attorneys

Feature

Tate Esq, LLC

Jennifer N. Weil, Esq.

Law Office of Edward Hanratty

Richardson Law Offices

1. Service Coverage

Nationwide

New Jersey-focused

New Jersey-focused

New Jersey-focused

2. Federal Loan Expertise

Specialized in all programs

Strong, including IDR plans and forgiveness

Strong, including bankruptcy discharge cases

Specialized in repayment and forgiveness

3. Student Loan Focus

Exclusive focus on student loans

Primarily student loans and bankruptcy

Consumer protection, including student loans

Broad financial services with student loans

4. Private Loan Settlement

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

5. Consultation Fee

$200 (includes actionable strategy)

Varies, call for details

Free

Free

What Services Do New Jersey Student Loan Attorneys Offer?

A New Jersey student loan lawyer can help you resolve complex issues with federal and private loans. Whether you’re dealing with wage garnishments, lawsuits, or planning for forgiveness, they provide expert guidance to protect your finances.

Here’s a breakdown of what they do:

Immediate Support for Urgent Needs

  • Get Out of Default: Falling behind on your federal student loans can trigger wage garnishments, Social Security offsets, and even tax refund seizures by the Department of Education. Attorneys assist with options like loan rehabilitation and consolidation to help you exit default, secure the lowest possible payment, and safeguard access to loan forgiveness programs.

  • Defend Against Lawsuits: If you’re being sued over a private or NJ student loan, debt buyers may rely on incomplete or flawed claims. Attorneys examine the type of loan involved, develop legal defenses, and negotiate settlements or dismissals that can save you money and protect your financial future.

  • Negotiate Private Loan Settlements: Private loan borrowers in New Jersey often face rising interest rates and unmanageable monthly payments. Attorneys negotiate directly with lenders to settle your debt for less than you owe, potentially saving you thousands of dollars and relieving financial stress.

Long-Term Planning and Relief

  • Qualify for Loan Forgiveness Programs: Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the Department of Education’s one-time account adjustment for periods in forbearance or deferment can erase a significant portion of your federal student loan debt. A skilled attorney ensures you meet program deadlines, comply with requirements, and avoid common pitfalls.

  • Lower Monthly Payments: Federal student loans offer Income-driven repayment plans, which cap monthly payments based on your income while allowing you to maintain a minimal standard of living. Attorneys help you choose the best plan, submit accurate paperwork, and stay on track toward loan forgiveness.

  • Discharge Loans in Bankruptcy: It’s true that discharging student loans through bankruptcy is challenging, but it’s possible in cases of undue hardship. Attorneys can guide you through filing bankruptcy and presenting a strong case to prove repayment would prevent you from maintaining a minimal standard of living. For private loans, they often negotiate significant reductions, restructuring payments into manageable terms.

Private Student Loan Help in New Jersey

We’ve helped borrowers across New Jersey—Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, and Atlantic City—reduce private loan debt through settlements and bankruptcy adversary proceedings.

Our expert legal efforts help secure 35-60% balance reductions for clients, often within six months, by negotiating with major lenders like Navient and Sallie Mae. Our approach includes:

  • Custom Strategies: Tailored negotiations to achieve the best possible outcomes.

  • Rapid Resolution: Most settlements are finalized quickly, providing timely relief.

Although we don’t file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, we specialize in student loan adversary proceedings, where borrowers can seek to discharge loans by proving undue hardship. Our expertise includes:

  • Meeting Legal Standards: Using the Brunner Test to demonstrate undue hardship and good faith repayment efforts.

  • Effective Advocacy: Presenting strong legal arguments tailored to your unique circumstances.

Most New Jersey bankruptcy firms have a general focus, but we’re different. Student loans are all we handle, and our deep knowledge of lender behavior and court strategies allows us to provide effective solutions tailored to you.

FAQs

What Should I Look for When Hiring a Student Loan Lawyer in New Jersey?

When hiring a student loan lawyer, look for expertise in federal and private loans, a proven track record with forgiveness or settlement cases, and familiarity with New Jersey-specific laws. Ensure they offer personalized advice, clear communication, and transparency regarding fees and services to effectively address your financial needs.

Who Are the Best Student Loan Lawyers in New Jersey?

Some of the best student loan lawyers in New Jersey include Stanley Tate of Tate Esq, LLC, Jennifer N. Weil, Edward G. Hanratty, and Steven J. Richardson. Each attorney specializes in unique aspects of student loan law, including forgiveness, bankruptcy discharge, settlement, and repayment solutions.

How Can a Student Loan Lawyer in New Jersey Help Me with My Loan Default?

A lawyer can assist with resolving loan default by offering solutions like loan consolidation, rehabilitation, or even settlement negotiations. They ensure you regain eligibility for forgiveness programs, avoid garnishments, and secure manageable repayment terms, ultimately helping you restore financial stability and avoid further penalties.

How Can a Student Loan Lawyer in New Jersey Help with Loan Default and Wage Garnishment?

A student loan lawyer can help resolve loan default by negotiating rehabilitation or consolidation, stopping wage garnishments, and addressing Social Security offsets or tax refund seizures. They work to secure affordable repayment plans and protect your finances while guiding you through the process to avoid future defaults.

How Do You File for Undue Hardship Discharge of Student Loans in New Jersey?

To file for undue hardship discharge in New Jersey, you’ll need to initiate an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court. A student loan lawyer can help you meet the Brunner Test requirements, which include proving that repayment would prevent you from maintaining a minimal standard of living.

Bottom Line

If you’re seeking assistance with your federal or private student loans—or need help managing monthly payments—consider reaching out to one of the New Jersey student loan attorneys listed above.

Our firm also offers online consultations via video calls, providing easy access to expert advice no matter where you are in New Jersey. Although we don’t offer free consultations, our paid sessions deliver clear, actionable strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Book a phone call with our team today to take the first step toward resolving your student loans.

UP NEXT: Student Loan Bankruptcy Lawyer: What You Need to Know

Share On Social

Stop Stressing

Newsletter side module illustration

Overwhelmed by your Loans?

Get my guide to clearing student loan debt

4.8/5 from 120+ downloads