Charles M. Forman, Bankruptcy Attorney in Rochelle Park, New Jersey
Rochelle Park, NJ
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Rochelle Park.
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Quick answer
Charles M. Forman is an attorney based in Rochelle Park, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Currently practicing at Forman Holt.
- Based in
- Rochelle Park, NEW JERSEY
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Rochelle Park, NEW JERSEY.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Hackensack) (2021).
About Charles M. Forman: Charles M. Forman is an attorney based in Rochelle Park, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Currently practicing at Forman Holt.
Areas of practice
Charles's practice areas in Rochelle Park
Charles concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Rochelle Park, New Jersey
Charles takes bankruptcy matters in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Charles M. Forman, bankruptcy attorney serving Rochelle Park
Charles M. Forman is an attorney based in Rochelle Park, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Currently practicing at Forman Holt. Charles works from Rochelle Park, New Jersey and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Charles M. Forman, senior member of Forman Holt, is a nationally recognized leader in the field of insolvency and bankruptcy law in the region with more than 40 years of experience as an attorney for debtors and creditors in addition to his service as a Plan Administrator and Liquidating Trustee and as an Independent Director. He has been a member of the private panel of trustees appointed by the United States Department of Justice. Mr. Forman also has served as an attorney for other trustees and as a fiduciary in numerous state and federal court proceedings.
He's a modern day "Robin Hood" who makes extraordinary efforts to recover funds for creditors. - Bankruptcy Insider magazine
In his capacity as a trustee, Mr. Forman has administered more than 20,000 Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases, including many of the most complex cases that have been filed in this region during the past four decades. The cases he has overseen include household names such as Linens 'n Things, Workbench Furniture, Russ Berrie Toys and Upsala College. In addition, his assignments have included serving as trustee for NJ Affordable Homes, a $100 million real estate Ponzi scheme, and Omne Staffing a $350 million per year employee staffing company.
During the course of his 40 year career he has administered approximately one-half billion dollars in assets and distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to creditors in order to satisfy their claims against the various bankruptcy estates which Mr. Forman has administered.
Named "Master of Disaster" by The Bergen Record for his skill and achievements in handling complex and challenging bankruptcy cases.
"U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra, Jr. thanked Charles M. Forman, Esq., who serves as the bankruptcy trustee for NJAH in its Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, for his assistance and cooperation." - FBI Press Release
The United States Department of Justice recognized the excellence of Mr. Forman's performance as a trustee when it awarded him the Director's Award for Outstanding Achievements by a Private Trustee. Mr. Forman is the only panel trustee ever to be recognized by the Department of Justice for his service.
In addition to serving as a Trustee in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases, Mr. Forman has been selected to serve as Liquidating Trustee, Plan Administrator, Independent Director, and Member of the Oversight Committee for confirmed plans. In the State Courts Mr. Forman has served as the Assignee and as Assignor for the Benefit of Creditors, and as a Special Fiscal Agent with broad oversight over Debtors' operations.
In 2016, Mr. Forman received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The New Jersey Law Journal. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers of America from 2007 to 2026. In 2020, he was recognized by Best Lawyers of America as Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization. In 2021, he was recognized by Best Lawyers of America as Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy Litigation. In 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, Mr. Forman was selected amount the Top 100 New Jersey Super Lawyers.
The Chambers 2021 through 2025 edition recognized Mr. Forman as a second tier attorney in the field of bankruptcy for New Jersey. Chambers described Mr. Forman as a "business-minded lawyer" and "very smart and skilled practitioner".
Mr. Forman's efforts and accomplishments have been reported in publication s such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Forbes Magazine.
Mr. Forman is founder of the firm. His combined background in business, law and engineering and his creative approach to problem solving have served him well in connection with the many varied and complex assignments that he has handled including matters in the areas of telecommunications, manufacturing, real estate, employee benefits and health care, retail operations, securities law and other complex areas.
Mr. Forman has a B.S. and M.S. Degree in Engineering. In 2006 he was recognized as Outstanding Alumnus and in 2023 by New Jersey Institute of Technology as Outstanding Achievement Award for Exceptional Achievements in Career, Public Service and Volunteer Activities.
In addition to serving as an attorney and a fiduciary, Mr. Forman also has been a court-approved mediator on the panel of mediators for the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. In that capacity he has been called upon to mediate numerous complex matters for the courts in New Jersey.
Distinctions:
- Best Lawyers in America - 2007-2026
- Best Lawyers in America - Lawyer of the Year for Litigation - Bankruptcy 2021
- Best Lawyers in America - Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law - 2020
- Lifetime Achievement Award - New Jersey Law Journal - 2016
- New York Magazine - The New York Area's Best Lawyers - 2012-2022
- New Jersey Super Lawyers - 2005-2026 : Selected among top 100 for 2012, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Who's Who in America - 2020-2021
- Top ranking in Bankruptcy/Restructuring by Chambers & Partners USA, 2015-2025
- 201 Magazine: Named one of Bergen's Top Lawyers multiple years
- Outstanding Alumnus by Newark College of Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology - 2006
- United States Department of Justice - Executive Director's Award for Outstanding Achievements - 2002
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - President of Student Government, Editor-in-Chief of Student Newspaper, Varsity Tennis, Omicron Delta Kappa (Chapter President), Alpha Pi Mu (Vice President), Pi Delta Epsilon (Chapter President and National Medal of Merit Award), Pi Kappa Phi (Chapter President)
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - President of the Alumni Association - 1990, 2007 and 2008
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - Foundation at NJIT Board of Directors - Audit Committee - 2021 - 2025
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - Outstanding Achievement Award for Exceptional Achievements in Career, Public Service and Volunteer Activities - May 2023
Working with Charles on a bankruptcy matter
Charles M. Forman, senior member of Forman Holt, is a nationally recognized leader in the field of insolvency and bankruptcy law in the region with more than 40 years of experience as an attorney for debtors and creditors in addition to his service as a Plan Administrator and Liquidating Trustee and as an Independent Director. He has been a member of the private panel of trustees appointed by the…
Clients Charles works with
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Rochelle Park and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Charles studied and practices
Seton Hall University
J.D. · 1977
New Jersey Institute of Technology
— · 1972
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
New Jersey, New Jers
ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University and — in New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in Seton Hall University and — in New Jersey Institute of Technology. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Charles's legal honors and published work
Charles has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Hackensack)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Hackensack)
2020
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Hackensack) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Hackensack) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026).
Locations
Charles M. Forman's office in Rochelle Park
Charles's primary office is at 365 West Passaic Street, Suite 400, Rochelle Park, New Jersey, 07662. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Forman Holt
365 West Passaic Street, Suite 400
Rochelle Park, New Jersey 07662
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles M. Forman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Rochelle Park, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles M. Forman
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Rochelle Park?
Charles is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Rochelle Park, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Charles handles bankruptcy matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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