Bankruptcy Information
Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer different forms of protection. If you’re facing a financial crisis, a local bankruptcy attorney can help you determine whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be the right answer for you.
Generally speaking, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is intended to wipe the slate clean by discharging unsecured debt—debts like credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured loans. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, is intended to give a debtor time to catch up past due payments over a period of 3-5 years, while keeping secured property like houses and cars.
Just complete this form & let Bankruptcy.me connect you with a bankruptcy attorney near you.Of all the regions that are suffering under this economic downturn, it is this one. There is not one bankruptcy lawyer in Michigan who has not found their business up double digits. This is a sad reflection of reality, but your average bankruptcy lawyer in Michigan is in the forefront of trying to create a more stable economic condition. People are filing bankruptcy at record rates, creditors are not being paid, and this is very destabilizing to a local economy.
Many people are surprised to find themselves in a distressing financial situation. Usually, these individuals are hit with one or two unforeseen things that will totally change their situation. They may lose their jobs, or there may be an unexpected medical bill. Add those things to a portfolio that has lost maybe half its value and decreased home values and it is the perfect storm that can take formally stable people over the edge into insolvency.
Usually there is a denial element, too. They take one hit on one thing, say a job loss, and they figure that they will find another job — but then other factors strike. Suddenly savings have been lost, or they are upside down on their mortgage, owing more that what the house is worth. Then, sometimes, panic kicks in. Panic should be kept at bay. It will not solve any issues, and often makes matters worse by people doing irrational things.
Take some time, recognize the situation, and take some action. Prepare a plan. Can you deal with creditors on your own? Can you sell any assets and get a realistic price for it? Can you even borrow on a short term basis from a relative? There are options.
However, when the options fall short, and the realization is there that you have to do something, then you look into finding a qualified bankruptcy lawyer.
There are many ways to seek out an attorney: internet, phone book, advertising and referrals. Referrals are always great, especially if it comes from a trusted family member or friend. The other sources can help, too, naturally.
Once you decide to retain an attorney, do some homework. Know a bit about the bankruptcy subject, so you can be in control of the process. After all, it is happening to you. It will affect you. Your attorney may review your case and recommend or not recommend to file a consumer bankruptcy chapter. It could be either a Chapter 7 filing or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 to liquify your assets and pay creditors; Chapter 13 to reorganize and arrange to pay creditors.
A competent bankruptcy lawyer in Michigan can be the most important person in an individual’s life who is facing impatient creditors. They can also be the creditors best ally as well. They are helping to calm the waters in a very stormy economic sea.
