Michigan Bankruptcy Attorneys filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases

The bankruptcy lawyers at the Law offices of Thav and Ryke, PLLC are committed to helping people struggling to pay their monthly bills. We have handled more Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases than any other Michigan law firm. We understand the stress financial problems place on individuals and we use the federal bankruptcy laws to help people prepare for their future.

Regardless of why you need to file for bankruptcy, it is important to have a local attorney who is familiar with local bankruptcy rules. While bankruptcy is a constitutional right and falls under federal jurisdiction, there are local rules that can mean the difference in the outcome of your bankruptcy hearing. We represent clients throughout the State of Michigan.

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding afforded to people (or businesses) who are unable to handle a financial crisis. Bankruptcy is made available by federal law so that you can have a fresh start.

After an individual qualifies and files a bankruptcy, legal protections are then instilled by the court that protect the filer as they fix their financial situation, and get their life back on track.

Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code offers various forms or "chapters" of relief. The chapters most commonly used by consumers are Chapter 7 (known as the Bankruptcy Reform Act) and Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is for persons wishing to be free from debt who cannot afford to pay back a significant portion of their unsecured debt. Chapter 13 is for those who wish to pay a portion of their unsecured debt back, and can afford to do so.

• Relieve you of unsecured debt that you are unable to pay such as medical bills, credit cards, bank loans, business debts, overdraft charges and utility bills. Not all unsecured debt is dischargeable.

• Stop creditor harassment. After you file a bankruptcy petition, the "automatic stay" protection immediately works to prohibit creditors from calling, billing, threatening, suing or taking any measures to collect from you. After you file a Bankruptcy Petition, even secured creditors must get court permission to repossess your car or foreclose on your home.

You are probably wondering: “How does one qualify? How long does the process take? How will bankruptcy affect my credit? Will I lose everything I own?”

An individual contemplating bankruptcy should seek out as much information as possible as the process is complex and will have a major impact on your life. Bankruptcy for many people is the best answer, and can provide immediate relief both personally and financially. There is a lot to consider before decisions are made about filing for bankruptcy and having legal consultation will help in providing you answers to many of those questions.

Bankruptcy is federal law, but individual states have unique exemptions — so it is best to seek out a competent, professional and experienced local bankruptcy attorney who’s legally bound to provide you with the best counsel possible for your unique case.

Considering Bankruptcy Checklist

If several of the following apply in your situation, you might consider bankruptcy:

Your wages have been garnished or your bank account has been attached
Most of your debts are unsecured debts like credit card bills, hospital or doctor’s bills, etc.
Your total debt, not including your a car or house loan, is more than you could pay, even over five or more years
Collection agencies are calling you at home and/or at work
Your payments are more than 30 days behind on more than one bill
There are lawsuits pending against you
You have high medical bills not covered by insurance
You owe income taxes that you are unable to currently pay
You have few assets
You have little or no savings
You have had property repossessed (such as a vehicle)

People who have had their wages garnished can especially benefit from a bankruptcy because the bankruptcy will stop the garnishment and may even help you get some of the garnished money back.

Harrassment * Collection Action * Creditor Lawsuits * Wage Garshishemnets * Vehicle Repossessions * Home Foreclosures * Property Seizures * Tax Collections * Utility Shutoffs * Payment Plans Available * Bankruptcy Alternatives