A Helping Hand For Michigan Families
Over 120 years of combined legal experience advocating debt resolution for our clients.
We look forward to earning your trust.
What would Donald Trump Do? by Attorney Bill Johnson
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
When people think of Donald Trump they think of one of the worlds wealthiest individuals. They do not think of someone who filed for bankruptcy (4 times), yet that is exactly what Donald Trump did. Donald Trump created one of the most iconic casinos in Atlantic City, The Trump Taj Mahal. When his casino went into hard times (because of the market and over-leveraging for other ventures) Mr. Trump…
How does a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Budget Work? Your Chapter 13 Budget Questions, Answered!
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Trying to determine the best debt resolution can be daunting. You may hear about others peoples' experiences (positive or negative) and wonder - what is right for me? You may be considering credit counseling debt management plans versus debt consolidation through a Chapter 13 and still be left with questions. We are here for you. We offer free consultations to help you determine the best plan…
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Expired at the End of 2013.
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
If you owe a debt to someone and that party forgives or cancels the debt, that canceled amount of debt may be taxable. As a part of the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007, homeowners were able to exclude from income debt that was reduced on their principal residence. This included:
- Short sales;
- Mortgage restructuring, such as a loan modification;
- Foreclosure,…
Make Your Resolution Stick! 5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Budget & Tips for Success.
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
January 1st signals a fresh start to a new year and ambitions for how you can do things better in the next year - a new years resolution! In a 2012 survey, 45% of Americans reported that they usually make a new year's resolution. Among the top resolutions are "better money management and debt reduction." Unfortunately, a dismal 8% of the survey respondents reported success at meeting…
Strategies for Managing Your Budget Over the Holidays...and After!
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
The holidays often become stressful - especially when you consider the impact on your wallet. Below are some tips for taking the strain out of holiday gift-giving with general budget concepts that you can use year-round. If you need help getting your finances under control, our firm exclusively helps clients find lasting debt resolution. Call us today at 866-261-8282…
The New Year Brings Changes to Both Federal and Michigan Foreclosure Law - Will they be Effective in Preventing Foreclosure?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Beginning in January 2014, both Michigan and Federal foreclosures laws will change to add stronger protections for consumers facing foreclosure with aims to bring stronger lines of communication between borrowers and mortgage servicers. We recently posted a page outlining the details of the new federal law (Dodd-Frank Act effective January 2014). Changes will take place with Michigan Foreclosure…
Will Obamacare Reduce the Need for "Medical Bankruptcies" in Michigan?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
One of the main talking points of health care reform and the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as "Obamacare," was that increasing healthcare coverage would prevent people from falling into bankruptcy due to medical bills they could not afford to pay. Studies suggest that medical bills are the number one reason for filing bankruptcy, outpacing other common factors such as credit card bills…
What Income is Eligible to Qualify for Filing Bankruptcy in Michigan?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Are you experiencing financial hardship, but uncertain if you would qualify to file for bankruptcy relief based on your income? We can help! Below is some general information regarding the types of bankruptcy relief and how income is considered for filing. To get a free evaluation of your circumstances, call our office at 866-261-8282for…
Does a Short Sale Result in Deficiency Debt?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Many homeowners seek a short sale if they are no longer able to maintain their mortgage payments or wish to step away from the property due to valuation issues. In most cases, the homeowner needs to prove a financial hardship for the bank to engage in a short sale. When the house is sold for an amount less than your mortgage, the remaining balance is known as "loan deficiency debt." The common…
Understanding Your Credit Score. What does your credit score really mean?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
According to Investopedia, your credit score is: "A statistically derived numeric expression of a person's creditworthiness that is used by lenders to access the likelihood that a person will repay his or her debts." Unfortunately, many people look at their credit score as a mark of their self worth. Here are some interesting facts that breakdown the different ways credit scoring agencies determine…
Latest Posts
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Attorney Christopher W. Jones Quoted in DS News Magazine
- May 23, 2023 -
Michigan Foreclosure Forecast for 2023
- May 12, 2023 -
Avoiding Bankruptcy in 2023
- May 09, 2023 -
Attorney Christopher Jones was nominated and voted to become a 2022 Super Lawyer
- Oct 17, 2022 -
What to Expect About Your Credit Report After Your Discharge
- Jul 04, 2022
I along with my husband would like to thank our attorney and Acclaim Legal Services for their outstanding service during our Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Stacy was able to push our home modification through smoothly and rapidly after failed attempts by my husband and me to work with our mortgage company…
My wife and I would like to thank Acclaim Legal Services for all their expertise and support. Special thanks to Brian Rodriguez, Cindy Millns and Leanna Sikes who have been so supportive in this most difficult time in our lives regarding Chapter 13 and our set of rather severe circumstances.
What a Wonderful Experience!
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how very satisfied I am with the way my case was handled. From the very first phone call to the discharge “congratulations” email I received from Cindy Millns. I was scared to death to go…
Greetings Julie! This is to let you know about our experience with Acclaim Legal Services regarding our Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case. Chris made the journey easy because of his prompt replies to our emails and phone calls. He always kept us abreast of what was…