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.
Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Michigan: What is the Difference Between a Discharge and a Closed Case?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
A court discharge is issued in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy when you have met all of the following requirements:
- Completed pre-filing credit counseling. A Certificate of completion must be filed with the court with your filing documents;
- Filed petition and schedules;
- Provided supporting documents (i.e tax returns and paystubs) to the court appointed…
When are You Officially Bankrupt?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
This may sound like a question with an obvious answer - you are bankrupt when you file for bankruptcy, right? We don't think it is that simple. It may depend on how you look at or define bankrupt vs. bankruptcy. At Acclaim Legal Services, we view bankruptcy as a financial tool to consolidate or eliminate debt to bring finances into balance and find lasting debt resolution. We believe that…
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filings Fees Will Increase on 6/1/14
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
The Judicial Conference approved new filing fee increases that will become effective June 1, 2014. What does this mean? After June 1st, it will cost slightly more to file for bankruptcy protection. It is not too late to file before these fees increase. We offer free consultations to discuss your bankruptcy and debt resolution options and we…
How are Parking Tickets and Driver Responsibility Fees Handled in a Michigan Bankruptcy? By Managing Attorney Christopher Jones
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
The issue of how parking tickets and driver responsibility fees (DRF) are treated in bankruptcy is an often discussed topic within bankruptcy circles and there are several variables to consider. It is hotly debated because there is not a bankruptcy court ruling interpreting the exact nature of the driver's responsibility fees (DRF) in relation to the bankruptcy code.
Driver Responsibility…
Top 5 Timing Factors for Filing Bankruptcy in Michigan
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
As the old saying goes, "timing is everything!" There is definitely timing factors to maximize available protections and benefits for filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Michigan. For a clear understanding of your personal debt resolution options, we suggest taking advantage of our free consultation offer to meet with a licensed Michigan bankruptcy attorney. At that meeting, we will…
Asymmetrical Norms in Bankruptcy - Why Corporations Have the Upper Hand
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
What is an "asymmetrical norm" anyway? Simply put, it is when a different set of moral rules or encumbrances apply for the different parties with the same circumstances. For instance, corporations aren't burdened by the same set of moral considerations or expectancies that individuals are - they don't experience guilt, embarrassment or shame. So how does this play out in the world of finances…
Loan Default in Michigan - Will my Credit Union or Regional Bank Pursue Me for the Debt?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
In general, banks are becoming more aggressive in pursuing loan deficiency claims. From our experience, small regional banks and credit unions are much more likely to pursue collection on a loan default simply because:
- They cannot absorb losses like larger banks;
- They do not receive government funding to offset losses.
What…
Substitution of Attorney Counsel for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy....When, Why & How?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Circumstances arise when there is a breakdown in communication or trust between a client and his or her attorney. In these instances the court allows for a "Substitution of Counsel." This process allows the client to seek another law firm and bankruptcy attorney to takeover their case. We usually encourage people who call who already have representation to try and exhaust all options for repairing…
Top 5 Questions to Ask a Michigan Bankruptcy Attorney Before Hiring Him or Her....And Our Answers!
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Michigan you may be wondering how to find the best bankruptcy attorney to help you through the process. What questions should you ask and how should you evaluate the firm's professionalism. It may feel like a daunting process. Here are the top 5 questions we feel are important to ask and why. Of course we are giving you our responses too! If you…
Can My Second Mortgage Foreclosure on My Home in Michigan?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Yes, secondary lien holders have the same legal right to foreclosure on your home as the primary mortgage company. The Michigan foreclosure process is the same for the first mortgage holder as it is for the second mortgage lender. The main reason that it is not as common for the secondary lender to foreclose is because that lender would have to satisfy (pay off or negotiate a settlement) on the…
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 would give the Acclaim team an A+. The team never made us feel any less then important to each of them from the Desk Clark to the Trustee – I must say…. the communications that I had with Nicole M. Hollihan was always great – e-mails and voice mails were answered…
My wife and I would like to thank you for your assistance in handling our bankruptcy. Believe me, it was very hard to admit that we had a serious financial problem. Thanks to the professionalism of all your staff, we have been able to overcome our embarrassment…
I am a hard working and proud individual. So when I came to the realization that I might actually have to file bankruptcy, it really ran against everything my parents ever tried to instill in me. I have to say that I was embarrassed and a bit ashamed. However being a realist, I contacted your firm…
I would like to thank your firm especially Chris Jones and Cindy for all the help they provided in my case. Bankruptcy is not an easy thing to go through and not always easy to understand the terms and terminology that is used. Your team was extremely helpful…