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Michigan Bankruptcy Blog
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…
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Your Assets - What Happens When You File?
Posted by AcclaimLegalService
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy allows you to exempt (protect) equity in real and personal property, such as your:
- Home (Real Property)
- Vehicle
- Personal belongings & misc. household goods and furniture
- General exemptions, such as bank accounts, income tax refunds, qualified retirement accounts, etc.
However you can only protect…
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…
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Michigan Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Income Guidelines (2025): Do I Qualify?
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Did You Pay a Debt Relief or Debt Settlement Company in Michigan — and Still End Up Filing Bankruptcy?
- Jun 27, 2025 -
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Explained
- May 19, 2025 -
Common Bankruptcy Myths About Chapter 13
- Mar 19, 2025
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…
Almost a year ago to the day, I walked into your office overwhelmed and defeated and hopeless because of where I was at financially as a result of a difficult divorce. This last year has been a long and hard journey.
My Chapter 13 attorney was awesome in court and brought conclusion necessary…
We just received our discharge on our Chapter 13 bankruptcy today. I want to thank the staff at Acclaim for all the help given during the past 3 years. Everyone I have dealt with was very knowledgeable and gave concise answers to my questions and in timely manner.
I often email you guys with a load of questions or asking for things… but I wanted to take this time to say thank you for all you do. You guys work hard and have been extremely dedicated to helping me with the various things that have come up – even with those…