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Michigan Bankruptcy Blog
New Bankruptcy Attorney, Francesca Lousia, Joins Acclaim Legal Services
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
The firm welcomes Francesca A. Lousia to our Southfield, Michigan office! Attorney Lousia joins Acclaim with over four years of experience in consumer bankruptcy, debt resolution and debt collection.
Attorney Lousia attended Wayne State University Law School where she received her Juris Doctor in 2008. While in law school, Attorney Lousia was a…
What is a Proof of Claim in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
Chapter 13, simply put, is a debt consolidation and reorganization plan that uses court oversight and Federal Law to provide protections and rights that may not be available in a typical debt management program. The plan is specific to each person's individual situation and circumstances. This allows for flexibility in terms of proposed repayment terms and how…
Is it Time to Consider Bankruptcy? 6 Questions to Ask Yourself½
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
How do you know if bankruptcy might be your best option for debt resolution?
Below are some typical questions we discuss with our clients at the initial free consultation to determine if they need our assistance with bankruptcy or a debt settlement solution. If you feel you may need to speak with a professional,…
Timelines While Filing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Michigan
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, simply put, is a court authorized debt consolidation program. Because the Chapter 13 program provides court protection, the plan offers many unique benefits over traditional debt management programs. Below are some of the benefits of consolidating debt under a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
- Legal protection…
Recent Study Found that One Third of All Michigan Families are Experiencing Debt Collection
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
According to a recent study of more than 7 million American's by the Urban Institute, Michigan is ranked in the lowest bracket nationally for average debt load - great news, right?
- Average debt load in Michigan per household is $43,377 vs. the highest state, Virginia, with an average debt load of $74,279 per household.
While it is wonderful…
Can I Choose Which Debts or Creditors to Include in My Bankruptcy?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
The answer: Yes & No! Confused? Read more about the specifics of how debts are treated in bankruptcy and the key differences between filing a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Michigan. Also, our firm does offer a free consultation - over the phone or at one of our seven Michigan locations in: Detroit, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, Warren, Lansing…
Paying Attorney Fees for Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Michigan
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
How are attorney fees handled in consumer bankruptcy cases in Michigan?
- In a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the attorney fees are paid directly to the retained attorney. In a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, most often the attorney's fees are paid through the Chapter 13 Trustee.
- The fees under a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will also vary from…
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…
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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…
From one very satisfied customer!
It has been very pleasant to have Chris Jones helping with the bankruptcy process. At first you think you know everything by reading few things here and there from various web sites. Then when you meet Chris in the first 30 minutes you realize that you really…
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 would like to take a few minutes to say thanks to your entire staff. In the past 51/2 years I have come into contact with a lot of them! Chris and Cindy have been very patient with my questions, e-mails and phone calls.
Acclaim Legal Services has given…