How to Choose the Best Michigan Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a big step — but choosing the right Michigan bankruptcy law firm can make all the difference in how smooth (or stressful) the process feels. If you live anywhere in Michigan — Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Southfield, Warren, Dearborn, Lansing, or nearby — here’s how to find an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way.

With a trusted Detroit office and six more locations across Michigan, our team has deep roots in your community — so you never have to handle this alone.

Why Choosing the Right Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer Matters

Not every bankruptcy attorney is the same. Some firms handle mostly Chapter 7 cases, while others truly specialize in Chapter 13 — which has more complex rules, strict deadlines, and a repayment plan that can last three to five years. Having an attorney who understands the local Michigan bankruptcy courts, trustees, and judges can help you avoid surprises and reduce stress.

A good lawyer can help you:

• Stop a foreclosure or repossession.
• Protect your paycheck from wage garnishments.
• Lower your monthly payments through a realistic repayment plan based on your unique circumstances.
• Deal with creditors so you don’t have to.

We offer free consultations and are happy to take your call today. Reach out to us at 866-261-8282.

5 Tips to Find the Best Michigan Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

#1 Look for Deep Chapter 13 Experience

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ask how many Chapter 13 cases the firm handles each year vs. Chapter 7 or other areas of law. Are they familiar with the Eastern District and Western District of Michigan courts? Do they know the local Chapter 13 trustees by name? Experience matters — a seasoned attorney will catch issues early and help you adjust your plan if your income changes or unexpected expenses come up.

At Acclaim Legal Services, we bring over 120 years of combined legal experience in bankruptcy and debt resolution — and it’s all we do! For more than 22 years, we’ve focused on being the best consumer bankruptcy law firm in Michigan. While about 68% of bankruptcy cases filed statewide in 2024 were Chapter 7, it’s nearly the opposite for us: last year, about 74% of the clients we helped filed Chapter 13. It’s what we do best — and why our deep experience helps us deliver on our founding promise of quality work product.

#2 If Offered, Use Free Consultations Wisely

Many Michigan bankruptcy lawyers offer a free initial consultation — in person, by phone, or virtual. Bring your questions and concerns:

• Who will handle your case day to day — the attorney or a paralegal?
• How often will they update you?
• What if you miss a payment or need to change your plan?

A good lawyer will listen carefully and ask clarifying questions. If you feel rushed or pressured, keep looking.

Why choose Acclaim Legal Services? We offer a free consultation and will spend the time needed to make sure your questions are answered and your next steps are clear. We use a detailed bankruptcy questionnaire to get an accurate snapshot of your finances before we make any recommendations. All of our cases are prepared by a licensed attorney — never just a data entry clerk. Once filed, you’re assigned to one attorney and paralegal team who stay with you from start to finish. This means your team knows your judge and trustee personally and can expertly navigate your Chapter 13 plan.

Accountability is one of our three founding principles — and communication is key. We offer extended business and weekend hours and plenty of ways to stay in touch, including in-office appointments, email, live phone support, texting, and even an after-hours cell number. Call us today at 866-261-8282 to meet your dedicated team of Michigan Chapter 13 bankruptcy experts.

Take the first step toward peace of mind.

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

#3 Check Local Reviews and Client Stories

Reviews show how a firm treats real people. Look for:

• A strong local Google Reviews profile. This shows how Michigan residents feel about their experience.
• Specific stories about stopping foreclosure, keeping cars, or ending garnishments.
• Signs that the firm communicates clearly and treats clients with dignity and respect.

At Acclaim Legal Services, we’re proud to have earned over 700 5-star reviews across our seven Michigan office locations — including our Detroit office. We’ve also held an A+ Better Business Bureau rating for over 20 years. Our third founding principle is professionalism: in short, we treat every client the way we’d want to be treated ourselves.

#4 Knowledge of Michigan and Federal Bankruptcy Laws

While bankruptcy law is based on federal code, each jurisdiction and filing district has its own unique Chapter 13 model plans, local rules, and standing orders. Knowing both federal law and local rules is critical to your success in a Chapter 13 plan. Look for a firm that shows deep, up-to-date knowledge — and leadership.

At Acclaim Legal Services, we routinely speak at major industry events like the American Bankruptcy Institute symposiums, participate in local consumer bankruptcy panels, and are handpicked to contribute to model plan updates with Michigan trustees and judges. Our board-certified team holds leadership roles within the Michigan bankruptcy community — which means you benefit from our up-to-date expertise.

#5 Trust Your Gut — and Compare Firms

Your fresh start is too important to settle for an attorney who doesn’t feel right. If the first firm you speak to doesn’t impress you, talk to another. See who makes you feel heard, not judged.

A great bankruptcy lawyer won’t make you feel embarrassed about your debt. They’ll explain things in plain English, answer your calls, and help you feel hope — and a clear path to financial security.

At Acclaim Legal Services, our three founding principles are clear:

• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Quality Work Product

We hope you feel these values in every conversation with us.

Our Commitment to Michigan Families

At our firm, we’ve helped thousands of families across Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Southfield, Lansing, Warren, Dearborn, and beyond file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy with confidence. We know the local courts, trustees, and how to protect what matters most — your home, your car, your paycheck.

You deserve peace of mind and a clear plan. Remember, you’re not alone — and there is hope. Thousands of Michigan families have trusted us to help them protect what matters most. We’d be honored to help you, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find the best Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Michigan?
Finding the best Chapter 13 attorney in Michigan starts with looking for attorneys who focus specifically on Chapter 13 cases — not just bankruptcy in general. Read local reviews, check their track record with cases like yours, and meet with them for a free consultation. Ask about their experience with your local court and whether they’ve handled cases like stopping foreclosure or managing back taxes.

Q: What questions should I ask a Michigan bankruptcy attorney?
Some good questions to ask include:

• How many Chapter 13 cases do you handle each year?
• Will you be my main point of contact?
• How do you handle emergencies or missed payments?
• How are your fees structured, and what is due upfront?
• Are most fees included in the repayment plan?
• What can I expect during the 3–5-year plan?

Bringing these questions helps you compare firms and find the one that treats you with respect and clarity.

Q: Should I choose a local attorney near me or a statewide firm?
Both can work well — what matters is experience and responsiveness. Many Michigan firms, like ours, serve clients statewide with virtual or in-person meetings, so don’t be afraid to choose the best fit, even if they’re not down the street. Just make sure they know your local court district and trustees.

Q: Is it better to hire a bankruptcy attorney in Detroit if I live nearby?
If you live in or near Detroit, it helps to have an attorney with a local office and experience with Detroit’s Eastern District Bankruptcy Court. Local familiarity makes the Chapter 13 process smoother — your lawyer will know how local trustees and judges approach repayment plans, hardship modifications, and plan adjustments.

Need a Fresh Start?

If you’re ready to talk through your options for filing Chapter 13 in Michigan, we’re here to listen — no judgment, no pressure. Call us today at 866-261-8282 or schedule your free consultation online. Let’s protect what matters most and help you move forward with confidence.