A Helping Hand For Michigan Families

STEPHEN J. BEARD

Managing Attorney — Lansing & Flint Offices
517.210.9431 | Stephen@AcclaimLegalServices.com

About Stephen, Lansing & Flint Bankruptcy Attorney

As the Managing Attorney for Acclaim Legal Services’ Lansing and Flint offices, Stephen J. Beard is known for his blend of legal expertise and genuine compassion for clients facing financial difficulties. With over a decade of legal experience, Stephen has guided countless Michigan residents through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, foreclosure prevention, and debt resolution strategies.

Clients often describe him as both approachable and meticulous — someone who will take the time to listen, explain every option in clear, relatable terms, and follow through until the matter is resolved. Stephen views bankruptcy not as a defeat, but as a powerful legal tool to regain stability and rebuild a future.

Education & Legal Credentials

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Michigan State University (2004)
• Juris Doctor, Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2012) — Dean’s List

Professional Memberships & Admissions in Michigan Bankruptcy Law

• State Bar of Michigan
• Federal Bar Association
• Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
• Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
• American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)
• National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA)

Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Services in Lansing, Flint, and Mid-Michigan

Stephen proudly serves clients throughout Lansing, Flint, and the greater Mid-Michigan region, meeting people where they are during some of the most stressful financial moments of their lives. He understands that debt problems don’t just affect your credit score — they impact your home, your job, your family, and your sense of peace. His work is focused on helping clients protect what matters most while creating a sustainable path forward.

Serving Clients Across Lansing, Flint, and Northern Michigan

Stephen works with clients across a wide stretch of Michigan. His practice is rooted in Mid-Michigan but extends north, ensuring individuals and families throughout the state have access to trusted guidance during financial hardship.

• Lansing & Ingham County — Helping residents stop foreclosures, wage garnishments, and creditor lawsuits while building a path toward stability.
• Flint & Genesee County — Supporting clients with complex Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, as well as debt negotiation and credit rebuilding strategies.
• Mid-Michigan Communities — Serving surrounding counties with practical solutions for debt relief, foreclosure prevention, and bankruptcy planning.
• Northern Michigan — Extending services to clients in northern communities who often face unique financial challenges and limited access to local bankruptcy specialists.

Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Foreclosure Prevention Strategies

Stephen’s practice covers the full spectrum of consumer bankruptcy and debt relief, including:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – A fresh start by eliminating unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Restructuring debt into a manageable repayment plan, often allowing clients to save their homes or vehicles.
• Foreclosure Prevention – We can stop a home foreclosure and force the lender into a structured repayment plan.
• Debt Negotiation & Settlement – Helping clients work directly with creditors to reduce balances or create more affordable repayment terms.
• Credit Restoration Strategies – Offering guidance on how to rebuild credit after bankruptcy so clients can move forward with confidence.

Client Commitment: Compassionate Debt Relief in Michigan

Stephen’s approach is rooted in listening first and advising second. He works to ensure clients leave every meeting with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a sense of relief that someone is advocating for them.

His ability to balance legal precision with human understanding makes him a trusted partner in navigating financial recovery. He also collaborates closely with the Lansing and Flint paralegal teams to keep cases moving smoothly, so clients can focus on rebuilding their lives.

In Their Own Words: Client Experiences from Lansing & Flint Bankruptcy Cases

"Beyond helpful" — Jannise Newby

“The superb service rendered by S. Beard was beyond helpful. I appreciate the time and concern shown, as well as his availability for follow-up. Hands down, Acclaim Legal Services goes beyond the call of duty to help the consumer acquire accurate and factual insight for the presenting problem or concern.”

"Made everything run smoothly" — Michele

“Stephen was great — he was the first person I met with that went over the process with me and what I should expect. Briget was at my hearing and it ran smoothly and was complete in less than 10 minutes. I’m so happy that I chose a knowledgeable staff — they reduced my stress level significantly. Thank you so much!”

"Kind and helpful" — Destiny Tulgetske

“Stephen Beard and Sarah Friant have been so kind and helpful in starting the process of saving our vehicles and fixing our finances. I have full confidence in the following steps. They are very affordable and have had so much empathy for our situation. I highly recommend them.”

"Extraordinary legal skills and warmth" — Kathryn Sharp

“A perfect handshake of extraordinary legal skills and human warmth. Recommended to me by the Michigan State Bar. I am so grateful to Stephen and Giovanna for guiding me through a stressful and frightening matter that required legal intervention.”

Preparing for Your First Meeting with Stephen

Stephen recommends that clients:

• List your top priorities — whether that’s stopping a foreclosure, ending creditor calls, or consolidating debt.
• Bring recent financial documents — pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and creditor information.
• Be open and honest — the more complete the picture, the better Stephen can tailor a solution that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy & Debt Relief in Lansing, Flint & Mid-Michigan

As the Managing Attorney for Acclaim's Lansing and Flint offices, Stephen Beard regularly helps clients throughout Mid-Michigan and Western Michigan understand their options. Here are answers to the most common questions he receives:

Q: Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure in Flint or Lansing?

A: Yes. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates an "automatic stay" that immediately stops foreclosure proceedings throughout Michigan, including in Genesee County (Flint) and Ingham County (Lansing). This legal protection gives you breathing room to catch up on missed mortgage payments through a court-approved repayment plan, typically over 3-5 years. Stephen has helped many Mid-Michigan families save their homes using this strategy, which is particularly effective when you have equity in your home or have fallen only a few months behind on payments.

Q: Will filing for bankruptcy eliminate all of my debt?

A: Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and collection accounts. However, certain debts cannot be discharged: child support, alimony, most student loans, recent tax debts, and debts incurred through fraud. Chapter 13 bankruptcy doesn't eliminate debt but reorganizes it into an affordable payment plan and often allows you to discharge a portion of your unsecured debts at the completion of the plan. Stephen will analyze your specific debt situation during your free consultation to determine which debts can be discharged and recommend the best strategy for your circumstances.

Q: How long does the bankruptcy process take in Michigan?

A: Chapter 7 cases typically take 4-6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 cases involve a 3-5 year repayment plan, though you'll receive immediate protection from creditors when the case is filed. The timeline can vary based on your district - cases filed in the Eastern District (Flint area) or Western District (Lansing area) may have slightly different court schedules. Stephen will walk you through the specific timeline for your case type and location during your initial consultation.

Q: Will I lose my house or car if I file bankruptcy in Michigan?

A: Most clients keep both their home and vehicle when filing a Chapter 13, unless they can no longer afford. When filing a Chapter 7, we will carefully evaluate your home equity and vehicle value before moving forward with this option. We would not advise filing a Chapter 7 if it could cause you to lose your home or vehicle. In these cases, we typically recommend filing a Chapter 13 instead.

Q: How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?

A: Bankruptcy does impact your credit initially, appearing on your credit report for 7-10 years. However, most clients in Lansing and Flint actually see their credit scores begin improving within 12-24 months after filing. This happens because you've eliminated the burden of overwhelming debt and stopped the cycle of late payments and collections. Stephen provides practical guidance on credit rebuilding strategies, and many former clients successfully qualify for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards within 2-3 years after their bankruptcy discharge.

Q: Can I file bankruptcy if I'm facing wage garnishment in Michigan?

A: Yes, and filing bankruptcy immediately stops wage garnishment through the automatic stay. This applies to garnishments for credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and most other unsecured debts. However, garnishments for child support, alimony, and certain tax debts cannot be stopped by bankruptcy. If you're losing 25% of your disposable income to garnishment (the maximum allowed in Michigan), bankruptcy can provide immediate relief and help you regain financial stability. Stephen has helped numerous Mid-Michigan clients stop garnishments and recover garnished funds.

Q: What's the difference between filing in Flint (Eastern District) vs. Lansing (Western District)?

A: Both Genesee County (Flint) and Ingham County (Lansing) bankruptcy cases are handled professionally, though they're filed in different federal districts. Flint cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, while Lansing cases go through the Western District. The bankruptcy laws and protections are identical in both districts, but there may be local plan variances, procedural differences and different trustees assigned to cases. As Managing Attorney for both our Flint and Lansing offices, Stephen is admitted to practice in both districts and is deeply familiar with the local procedures, trustees, and court requirements in each location.

Q: Can bankruptcy help with medical debt from Michigan hospitals?

A: Yes. Medical debt is unsecured debt and can be completely eliminated in a Chapter 7 and partially discharged under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, depending on how the plan is structured. This includes bills from Michigan hospitals like McLaren Flint, Hurley Medical Center, Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, and other healthcare providers throughout Mid-Michigan. Many clients come to Stephen after receiving collection notices or lawsuits from hospitals or medical collection agencies. Medical debt is one of the most common reasons people file bankruptcy, and it's one of the easiest types of debt to discharge. Even if you've already been sued over medical bills, bankruptcy can resolve the matter.

Q: What should I bring to my first consultation at the Lansing or Flint office?

A: Bring recent pay stubs (last 2 months), bank statements, tax returns (last 2 years), and a list of your debts with creditor names and approximate balances. Also bring information about any lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure notices you've received. Don't worry if you can't gather everything - the goal of your first meeting is to create clarity and discuss your options. Stephen will help you understand what additional documents may be needed and guide you through the process step by step. The consultation is free and there's no obligation to move forward.

Q: Is there really an 80%+ Chapter 13 confirmation rate at Acclaim?

A: Yes. Acclaim Legal Services maintains an 80%+ Chapter 13 confirmation rate, which is significantly higher than the national average of 35-40%. This means that when you work with Stephen and the Acclaim team, your Chapter 13 plan is much more likely to be approved by the court and successfully completed. This higher success rate comes from careful case preparation, realistic payment plans, thorough documentation, and ongoing support throughout your 3-5 year repayment period. For clients in Lansing, Flint, and throughout Mid-Michigan facing foreclosure or needing time to catch up on secured debts, this expertise makes a critical difference.

These FAQs were last reviewed and updated by Stephen J. Beard in January 2026. Bankruptcy laws and procedures can change. For current information specific to your situation in the Lansing, Flint, or Mid-Michigan area, call 866-261-8282 for a free consultation.

Take the First Step Toward Your Fresh Start with a Free Consultation

If you’re facing overwhelming debt or financial stress in the Lansing, Flint, or Mid-Michigan area, Stephen Beard can help you find a path forward that restores peace of mind. He offers no-cost initial consultations to discuss your options in a supportive, solutions-focused setting.

Call 866-261-8282 or schedule an consultation below. Let Stephen help you regain stability, protect your assets, and move toward a stronger financial future.

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