DIY (Pro Se) Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Michigan: A Decision Guide

How to evaluate risks, spot red flags, and find the right path forward

Feeling squeezed by debt and wondering if you can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own? You’re not alone. For some Michigan families, a do-it-yourself (pro se) approach looks like a way to save money and move fast. The reality: DIY Chapter 7 can work in a very narrow set of cases, but for many people it introduces hidden risks that end up costing more—financially and emotionally.

At Acclaim Legal Services, we’ve seen both sides: people who filed Chapter 7 on their own and ran into trouble, and those who trusted us to guide them from day one. The difference is clear—the right start makes all the difference.

This guide gives you a clear, Michigan-specific way to evaluate your options: a quick self-assessment, the documents you’ll need, red flags that make DIY unsafe, and why working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney is often the smartest choice.

Quick Self-Assessment: Are You a Good Candidate for DIY Chapter 7?

Check the boxes that apply:

   No home equity beyond allowed exemptions (and you’re confident how to calculate it)

   No recent transfers of money or property to friends/family

   No business ownership (LLC, sole prop, side gig with inventory/equipment)

   No joint debts with a spouse/relative you’re trying to protect

   No tax debt, domestic support obligations, or recent large credit use

   You pass the means test and understand Michigan vs. federal exemptions

   You’re comfortable with forms, deadlines, and a court hearing (341 meeting)

If you left several boxes unchecked: DIY Chapter 7 is likely not a good fit. A short, free consultation with Acclaim Legal Services can help you choose the right path before you file.

What DIY Filers in Michigan Often Underestimate

1) Exemptions (What You Can Keep)

Choosing between Michigan and federal exemptions—and applying them correctly—determines whether you keep your home equity, vehicle, tax refund, and more. Misapply exemptions, and the Chapter 7 trustee may sell property you assumed was safe.

Tip from Acclaim Legal: If you own real estate or have equity, talk to us before filing. In many cases, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy protects your home far better than DIY Chapter 7.

2) Transfers to Friends and Family

Repaying a loved one or retitling a car “to keep it safe” can be treated as a preferential transfer. Trustees can claw back those funds or unwind the transfer—bringing your family into your bankruptcy case.

 How Acclaim Helps: In Chapter 13, these payments can often be addressed inside your repayment plan—without embarrassment or lawsuits against your family.

3) The “Open Case” Surprise With Real Estate

Even if you believe your home is exempt, a Chapter 7 trustee may keep your case open to watch equity or market values—leaving you in limbo. That uncertainty can last longer than most DIY filers expect.

 Michigan takeaway: If protecting your home is the top priority, Acclaim Legal Services can help you explore Chapter 13 to keep control of your property and avoid long-term trustee involvement.

4) Accuracy and Timing (Your Discharge Depends on It)

Complete disclosure is non-negotiable. Omissions, misvaluations, or filing under the wrong chapter can lead to objections, dismissal, or even denial of your discharge. Once denied, you may not get another chance.

 Our role: We help ensure your case is filed correctly the first time—protecting your eligibility for discharge and your chance at a true financial reset.

Michigan-Bankruptcy Preparation: What You'll Need

Before you start, gather:

• Pay stubs (recent) and tax returns (last 2 years)
• Bank and retirement account statements
• Vehicle titles/loans, mortgage statements, property tax records
• Deeds/any interest in real estate (including inherited or partial interests)
• Lawsuits/garnishments/collection notices
• A full list of creditors (amounts, account numbers, addresses)
• Any transfers or repayments to friends/family in the last year (two for insiders)

Note: Even “surprise” real estate interests—like an old deed with your name “for estate purposes”—must be disclosed. We help clients identify and disclose these details before they cause problems.

Red-Flag Matrix: When DIY Chapter 7 Is a Bad Idea

DIY is especially risky if you have:

• Home equity near or above exemption limits
• Recent transfers to family/friends or shared accounts
• Small-business income, side-gig assets, or inventory/tools
• Joint debts you’re trying to shield from fallout
• Tax debt, domestic support obligations, or student-loan issues
• Recent large credit card charges/cash advances
• Prior bankruptcy or a likely need to convert to Chapter 13

 If any of these apply, a free consultation with Acclaim Legal Services can help you choose the best path before filing.

What DIY Actually Costs vs. Attorney-Guided Filing

  Bottom line: “Cheap now” often becomes much more expensive later—in lost property, family stress, and extra fees.

Why Consider Acclaim Legal Services

At Acclaim, bankruptcy isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind. We’ve helped over 20,000 Michigan families protect their homes, stop garnishments, and rebuild financially.

What sets us apart:

• Michigan Focus: We know the trustees, courts, and exemption rules across Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and beyond.
• Personalized Strategy: No cookie-cutter approach—we look at your full financial picture.
• Compassionate Guidance: We understand the stress. We’ll walk beside you, step by step.
• Proven Results: Protecting homes, saving vehicles, eliminating debt.
• Accessible Help: Free consultations and payment plans available.

Call Acclaim Legal Services at 866-261-8282 or schedule your free, confidential consultation today.

Take the first step toward peace of mind.

We’ll connect you with a debt relief attorney for a free, no-pressure consultation.