A Helping Hand For Michigan Families

5 Simple Steps to Get Started with Acclaim Legal Services – Michigan Bankruptcy Attorneys Near You

Starting your journey toward bankruptcy or debt relief can feel intimidating, but you’re not alone. At Acclaim Legal Services, our Michigan bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of people across Detroit, Southfield, Warren, Dearborn, Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and beyond take control of their finances.

Feeling nervous or unsure is completely normal — most clients tell us they feel relieved once they take that first step.  Why? Because you’ll finally have a clear plan, a supportive team by your side, and the reassurance that things will get better.

This page will walk you through:

1. How to schedule your free bankruptcy consultation.
2. How to complete our secure online application.
3. Which documents to gather (and what to do if you’re missing some).
4. How to retain our firm and complete pre-filing credit counseling.
5. How to schedule an intake appointment to finish your paperwork and file with the court.

We will also give you some of the most Common questions we hear from people who are just starting this process.  Take it one step at a time — we’ll be with you throughout the process.

Step 1: Schedule Your Free Michigan Bankruptcy Consultation

Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation

This first step is often the hardest, but we try to make it simple to reach out and schedule a convenient time to speak with one of our licensed bankruptcy attorneys.  This is your chance to ask questions, tell your story, and find out what options are truly available to you.  We offer both in-office or phone consultations.  If needed, we offer same-day legal protection.

What to Expect from Your First Appointment

Your first consultation is all about giving you clarity — and a little breathing room. Here’s what typically happens:

• A thoughtful review of your finances
  We’ll begin by talking through your income, monthly expenses, debts, and any assets you’d like to protect. This isn’t a test — it’s simply a way for us to understand your full financial picture so we can provide clear, tailored guidance.
• Exploring your options, step by step
  Once we understand where you stand, we’ll explain the solutions that may fit your situation — whether that’s Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or another debt-relief strategy. We’ll discuss how each option works, the protections it provides, and what it could mean for your home, vehicle, or paycheck.
• A clear roadmap, explained in straightforward terms
  If you decide to move forward, we’ll outline exactly what the process looks like: timelines, paperwork, fees, and how our team will support you at every stage. Our goal is to replace uncertainty with a well-defined plan you can feel confident about.
• Ample time for your questions
  There’s no rush during this meeting. Bring a list of anything on your mind — from “Will I lose my car?” to “How soon might my credit recover?” We’ll answer all of your questions openly and ensure you leave the meeting feeling empowered.

By the end of this meeting, most people feel a weight lift off their shoulders. Even if you decide not to file right away, you’ll leave knowing exactly where you stand and what your next steps could be — so you can breathe a little easier.

Step 2: Complete Our Secure Online Application

Our online application is the first step. It’s quick, secure, and usually takes about 10–15 minutes. It asks about your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Don’t worry about having every detail perfect—just do your best.

Click Here to Complete Online Questionnaire

Why this matters:
The application helps us understand your financial picture so we can talk honestly about your options. Whether it’s Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or another path, this gives us a place to start.

Tip: Stuck on a question? Just leave it blank. We’ll figure it out together during your consultation.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents for Your Bankruptcy Petition

Paperwork is often the part people dread most. We get it, but we want to review everything carefully to ensure we are steering you in the right direction. That’s why we keep the list simple. Here’s what helps us help you:

• Income Verification – pay stubs, Social Security, unemployment, pension, or disability income.
• Tax Returns – last two years.
• Bank Statements – usually the last three to six months.
• Housing Information – mortgage statement or rental information.
• Vehicle Info – vehicle lease, loan statements or titles.
• Debts – credit card statements, medical bills, collection notices.
• Court or Collection Papers – garnishment notices, foreclosure letters, lawsuits.
• Identity Verification – Government issued ID and social security card.
• Retirement statements –  i.e. 401K or IRA
• Six months all Bank Statements  – Checking or savings from any bank, credit union CashApp, Venmo, Paypal, Chime, etc.

What if you don’t have everything? That’s okay. Bring what you can. You can always e-mail us missing documents along the way.  We will pull a tri-merge credit report once you retain to ensure we have the latest information for all three of the credit bureaus as we put your bankruptcy paperwork together.

Step 4: Retain Our Firm & Complete Pre-filing Credit Counseling

Officially Get Started by Retaining Us

After you’ve decided that bankruptcy might be the right step, your next move is to set up an intake appointment with our team. This meeting is where we officially begin working together and start building your bankruptcy petition.

At your convenience, we will reach out and take the initial payment quoted at the time of your free consultation. You can always make a partial payment if you’re ready to get started but don’t yet have the full amount quoted by the attorney. We will work around your circumstances to set up a reasonable payment schedule so you can move forward without added financial strain.

Once you make a payment, we will send you a retainer agreement to review and sign. If you have questions at any point, our team will be happy to walk you through the details and make sure you’re comfortable before moving forward.

After you have retained our firm, you can begin referring creditors to our office.  This helps most people out tremendously, as the harassing phone calls come to an end.

Once you have made the final retainer payment, we will order the credit counseling for you to complete.  This can be done online or over the phone and the information you provide is not reported to anyone.  If is just a pre-filing requirement and by completing the required course, you will receive a certificate that we will submit to the court at the time that we file your bankruptcy case.

Step 5: Schedule an Intake Appointment to Finalize Your Bankruptcy Paperwork

You can choose a time that works for you — at one of our seven Michigan offices or by phone. When you book, we’ll confirm the details and let you know if there are any documents we still need to proceed.

Get Ready to File! Schedule an Intake Appointment

At your intake appointment, we’ll:

• Go over your income and budget.
• Explain the exemptions you are entitled to under state and federal law.
• Review all of your assets to ensure we can provide complete protection for everything that you wish to keep.
• Draft the required petitions, schedules and required bankruptcy paperwork.
• Sign all required documents for court filing.
• Outline the next steps once your case is filed, go over any missing documents and answer any remaining questions you may have,

Most people leave this meeting feeling a weight has lifted — they finally have a clear plan and know someone is handling the details.  From this point forward, you have a dedicated legal team protecting your interests and moving your case forward.

As soon as you sign the required documents, complete the pre-filing credit counseling and give us the green light, we will electronically file your case with the United States Bankruptcy Court.  This will establish a case number that is your assurance that you are completely protected from your creditors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing for Bankruptcy in Michigan

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people just getting started.

Q.  How long does the process take?
A.  The consultation usually happens same day or whenever it is convenient for you.  If you decide to move forward and file a case, we usually like to work with you for a couple of weeks before filing to move through all of the steps outlined above.  However, we do offer same day legal protection, so we can file emergency paperwork if necessary to stop a creditor action (i.e. foreclosure, wage garnishment, vehicle repossession, utility shut-off, etc.).

Q. What if I can’t find all my documents?
A.  You’re not alone—this is one of the most common worries. Bring what you have. We’ll give you resources to find documents you are missing (i.e. IRS website, Register of deeds for your county, etc.)

Q. Is there a cost for the consultation appointment?
A.  No. Your first consultation is completely free.

Q. When I am legally protected from my creditors?
A.  You are fully protected once your case is filed with the court and we provide you with a case number.  At that point, creditors are not legally able to call your or attempt to collect debts or take any actions against you.

Q. Will bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?
A.  No. In fact, many people see their credit start improving within a year or two of filing. Bankruptcy can actually be the first step toward rebuilding your credit.  When we run your tri-merge credit report, you will receive an analysis of what your credit score is predicted to shift after filing.

Q. Can I meet virtually?
A.  Yes. We offer Zoom or phone appointments if you prefer.

Q. Do I have to decide right away?
A.  No. The consultation is simply about giving you information and peace of mind. You’ll have time to decide what feels right for you and contact us back for another free consultation if more questions have arisen.

Q. What makes Acclaim Legal Services different?
A.  We don’t just process cases—we support people. We’ve helped thousands of Michigan families protect their homes, cars, and paychecks while getting a fresh financial start. Our focus is compassion and clear communication.

Trusted Bankruptcy Support for all Michiganders

Filing bankruptcy can feel like admitting defeat. But really, it’s about taking back control. At Acclaim, we see every day how strong our clients are—because reaching out for help is one of the bravest steps you can take.

Here is what sets Acclaim Legal Services apart from the rest:

• Experienced bankruptcy attorneys: We’ve handled thousands of Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 cases in Michigan.
• Local knowledge: We know the Michigan courts, judges, and trustees.
• Supportive team: Our attorneys and staff approach every client with compassion and respect. We’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward. Take a look at our Michigan bankruptcy team to learn more.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Debt Relief?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably ready for some relief. You don’t have to keep worrying about the next phone call, bill, or notice in the mail. The first step is simple: fill out the application, gather what you can, and schedule your free consultation.

Take the first step toward peace of mind.

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

You’ll be surprised how much lighter you feel just knowing that a plan is in place. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Our Michigan Bankruptcy Office Locations:

Dearborn Bankruptcy Office
19353 Carlysle Street, Dearborn, MI 48124
Call: (313) 246-4128

Serving clients in Wayne County and the Downriver area, our Dearborn office helps families protect their homes, cars, and paychecks through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and debt relief solutions.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Dearborn

Ann Arbor Bankruptcy Office
3875 Packard Street, Suite 2, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Call: (734) 369-9888

Conveniently located in Washtenaw County, our Ann Arbor bankruptcy attorneys guide clients through Chapter 13 repayment plans and Chapter 7 filings to stop foreclosures, garnishments, and collection calls.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Ann Arbor

Southfield Bankruptcy Office
26400 Lahser Road, Suite 230, Southfield, MI 48033
Call: (248) 443-7033

Serving Oakland County residents, our Southfield office provides trusted legal help with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 debt reorganization, and foreclosure defense.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Southfield

Lansing Bankruptcy Office
1760 Abbey Road, Suite 209, East Lansing, MI 48823
Call: (517) 210-9431

Our Lansing office serves Ingham County and Mid-Michigan residents, helping people file for bankruptcy protection, stop wage garnishments, and create fresh financial plans with Chapter 13 or Chapter 7.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Lansing

Warren Bankruptcy Office
8900 E 13 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48093
Call: (586) 354-2640

Located in Macomb County, our Warren attorneys work with clients to stop repossessions, foreclosures, and creditor harassment through Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Warren

Flint Bankruptcy Office
2425 Austins Pkwy #2, Flint Township, MI 48507
Call: (810) 223-0470

Serving Genesee County and the greater Flint area, our office helps families stop foreclosures, vehicle repossessions, and utility shut-offs with bankruptcy protection and debt relief strategies.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Flint

Detroit Bankruptcy Office
211 West Fort Street #1620, Detroit, MI 48226
Call: (313) 359-8088

Serving clients throughout Wayne County and Metro Detroit, our downtown office provides complete legal support for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt relief, and foreclosure protection.

Schedule a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Detroit