Brian D. Rodriguez | Dearborn Bankruptcy Attorney

BRIAN D. RODRIGUEZ

Managing Attorney — Dearborn Office
248.443.7033 ext. 243 | Brian@AcclaimLegalServices.com

About Brian, Dearborn Bankruptcy Attorney

Brian D. Rodriguez brings nearly three decades of legal experience to his role as Managing Attorney at our Dearborn office, serving clients across Wayne County, Downriver, and Southeast Michigan. Known for his approachable style and in-depth knowledge of bankruptcy law, Brian helps individuals and families find practical solutions to overwhelming debt.

A graduate of Wayne State University with both a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor, Brian combines honed legal skills with a deep commitment to client service. Whether guiding someone through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, restructuring debt in Chapter 13, or defending against foreclosure, his focus is on delivering clear answers, steady guidance, and real results.

Wayne County Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

Brian works with clients throughout Dearborn, Detroit, and neighboring communities, offering legal solutions tailored to their financial circumstances:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Debt elimination and fresh starts
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Structured repayment plans to save homes and vehicles
• Foreclosure Prevention  – Stopping sheriff’s sales and negotiating with lenders
• Debt Relief & Credit Rebuilding – Helping clients recover financially post-bankruptcy
• Bankruptcy Litigation – Resolving contested matters in bankruptcy court

His strong working relationships with local trustees and courts allow him to navigate cases efficiently while protecting each client’s rights and goals.

Professional Memberships

• State Bar of Michigan
• Federal Bar Association
• Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
• Consumer Bankruptcy Association

Local Commitment to Michigan Bankruptcy Clients

Brian knows that when people walk into his office, they’re often carrying years of financial stress, uncertainty, and fear about what lies ahead. He believes in making the process less intimidating, starting each consultation by listening to his client’s full story — not just their list of debts.

His style is collaborative and transparent: he explains every step in relatable terms, so clients feel informed and empowered to make decisions. Many remark on how much calmer and more confident they feel after their first meeting with him.

In Their Own Words: Client Stories

"The best — prepared, supportive, and respectful" — Dion Walker

"They are the best! They explained the entire process and prepared me very well. I would highly recommend their services. Even when I needed help years later, they treated me with as much respect and support as if I was still a current client. Thank you, Acclaim Legal Services!"

"Phenomenal and persistent" — Eddy Herron

"This legal team is the best in the land! They were phenomenal in processing my filing and went above and beyond to resolve issues with my debtors. Brian, Amy, and Cindy kept me involved from the start of my case to post-confirmation. I’m definitely glad I chose Acclaim Legal Services and would recommend them 10 out of 10 times."

"From frustration to relief" — Dana Sprangel

"I was already in a bankruptcy case but not having a good experience, so I decided to switch. Brian spent two hours on the phone with me that first day. By the next morning, the team already had my paperwork started, and my case moved faster in the following three months than it had in the first three years. I highly recommend this law firm — the most compassionate people I have ever met."

"Peace of mind at every step" — Tina D.

"My first visits with Mr. Rodriguez brought me nothing but relief, peace of mind, and lots of information. He made sure I was informed and confident every step of the way. I recommend them to all my friends and family who inquire about bankruptcy."

Brian’s Tips for a Productive First Conversation

Tip #1: Bring the big picture. Having your income, expenses, debts, and recent financial documents handy will help Brian give you clear guidance right away.

Tip #2: Ask anything. No question is “too basic” when your future is on the line — Brian’s here to make sure you understand every option.

Tip #3: Be open. The more honest you are about your situation, the better Brian can protect your assets and create a strategy you feel good about.

“My goal for that first meeting,” Brian says, “is to send you out the door feeling lighter, clearer, and ready to take control again.”

FAQs About Bankruptcy & Debt Relief in Michigan

Q. How does bankruptcy work in Wayne County, Michigan?
A. Bankruptcy in Wayne County follows federal bankruptcy law but is administered through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit. When you file, an automatic stay immediately stops most collection actions, including foreclosures, garnishments, and lawsuits. Brian works extensively with the Wayne County trustees and understands the local court procedures, which helps clients navigate their cases more smoothly. Whether you're in Dearborn, Detroit, Downriver, or surrounding communities, the process typically takes 3-4 months for Chapter 7 or 3-5 years for Chapter 13.

Q. Can I keep my house if I file bankruptcy in Dearborn?
A. Yes, in most cases. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is specifically designed to help homeowners catch up on mortgage arrears while stopping foreclosure. Brian has helped hundreds of Dearborn and Wayne County families save their homes by restructuring their mortgage debt into an affordable payment plan. You'll continue making your regular mortgage payment plus an additional amount toward the arrears through your Chapter 13 plan. Michigan's homestead exemption also protects significant equity in your primary residence during bankruptcy.

Q. What is Acclaim's Chapter 13 confirmation rate, and why does it matter?
A. Acclaim Legal Services achieves an 80%+ Chapter 13 confirmation rate, which is more than double the national average of 35-40%. This matters tremendously because confirmation means your repayment plan has been approved by the court—without confirmation, your case gets dismissed and you're back where you started. Brian's experience with Wayne County trustees (what works, what doesn't) and meticulous case preparation is a key reason for this success rate. When you hire Acclaim, you're significantly more likely to get your plan confirmed and successfully complete your bankruptcy.

Q. How much does it cost to file bankruptcy with Brian in Dearborn?
A. Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case, but Brian believes in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. The court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, and for Chapter 13 it's $313. You also need to complete pre-filing credit counseling and we pull a tri-merge credit report to ensure we have all creditors properly noticed. The cost for this is $75 for an individual or $120 for a couple. During your free consultation, Brian will review your specific situation and provide a clear, upfront quote for attorney fees tailored to your case. Many clients appreciate that Acclaim offers flexible payment plans, and in Chapter 13 cases, attorney fees can often be included in your court-approved repayment plan, making quality legal representation accessible even when finances are tight.

Q. Can bankruptcy stop a Downriver foreclosure?
A. Absolutely. Filing bankruptcy creates an automatic stay that immediately halts foreclosure proceedings, even if a sheriff's sale is scheduled for the next day. Chapter 13 is particularly effective for foreclosure prevention in Wayne County because it allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3-5 years while keeping your home. Brian has successfully stopped countless foreclosures for families throughout Dearborn, Detroit, and Downriver communities. The key is acting before the foreclosure sale occurs—once the property is sold, bankruptcy cannot reverse it.

Q. What debts cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy?
A. Certain debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans (unless you can prove undue hardship), recent income taxes (generally less than 3 years old), child support, alimony, court-ordered restitution, and debts incurred through fraud. However, bankruptcy can still help by eliminating other debts and freeing up income to pay these non-dischargeable obligations. During your consultation, Brian reviews your specific debts and explains exactly what can and cannot be discharged in your situation.

Q. Will I lose my car if I file bankruptcy in Michigan?
A. Usually not. If you're current on your car loan, you can typically keep the vehicle by continuing payments and reaffirming the debt. If you're behind on payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on arrears through your payment plan. Brian helps clients throughout Wayne County protect their vehicles while managing auto loan debt effectively. In some cases, you may even be able to reduce the principal balance owed on your vehicle through a process called cramdown.

Q. How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A. Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, this doesn't mean your credit is affected for that entire period. Many of Brian's clients see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months post-filing because they've eliminated overwhelming debt, stopped late reporting to the credit bureaus and can start rebuilding. The key is using bankruptcy as a fresh start—making on-time payments, keeping credit utilization low, and gradually rebuilding your credit profile. Dearborn area clients often report being able to finance vehicles within 1-2 years and qualify for mortgages within 2-3 years after bankruptcy.

Q. Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment in Wayne County?
A: Yes, immediately. The moment you file bankruptcy, the automatic stay stops wage garnishments, even if they've already started. If you've had wages garnished within the past 90 days, you may even be able to recover some of those funds. Brian frequently helps Wayne County residents who are facing garnishment—whether from credit card judgments, medical bills, or other debts. Filing bankruptcy not only stops the garnishment but can eliminate the underlying debt entirely in Chapter 7, or include it in your repayment plan in Chapter 13.

Q. What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
A: Chapter 7 is often called liquidation bankruptcy—it eliminates most unsecured debts within 3-4 months, but you may have to surrender non-exempt assets. It's ideal if you have limited income and few assets to protect. Chapter 13 is reorganization bankruptcy—it creates a 3-5 year repayment plan that allows you to keep your property while catching up on secured debts like mortgages and car loans. It's better if you're behind on house or car payments, have non-exempt assets you want to keep, or earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7. Brian helps Dearborn clients determine which chapter best fits their situation during the free consultation.

Q. Do both spouses need to file bankruptcy together?
A: Not necessarily. If most debts are in one spouse's name, only that person may need to file. However, married couples in Michigan often benefit from filing jointly because it provides comprehensive debt relief and costs less than two separate filings. Joint filing also protects jointly-owned property and prevents creditors from pursuing the non-filing spouse for joint debts. During your consultation, Brian reviews your specific situation—including which debts are individual versus joint, your income and assets, and your goals—to recommend whether individual or joint filing makes more sense.

Q. How soon can I start rebuilding my credit after bankruptcy?
A: You can start immediately. While bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 7-10 years, its impact diminishes significantly over time—especially if you take proactive steps. Brian advises Wayne County clients to: (1) Get a secured credit card within 6-12 months post-filing, (2) Make all payments on time, including any remaining obligations like mortgages or reaffirmed car loans, (3) Keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit, (4) Monitor your credit reports for errors, and (5) Consider credit-builder loans from local credit unions. Many of Brian's former clients report credit scores in the 650-700 range within 18-24 months of their bankruptcy discharge.

Take the First Step Toward a Fresh Start

Brian understands that reaching out for help can be the hardest part. He’s committed to making that first conversation encouraging, solutions-focused, and future-forward. Your initial meeting is at no cost and comes with a clear action plan for moving forward — no pressure.

Call 866-261-8282 or Request a consultation with Brian below.
Let Brian help you protect your home, stop creditor harassment, and get back on the path to financial stability.

Take the first step toward peace of mind.

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