Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Dearborn, Michigan

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Dearborn, MI

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In Dearborn, Michigan, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally cleared, when they are unable to pay them. This hopefully allows them to begin over with a clean slate and move on, after having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process. However, bankruptcy should not be treated as a way to avoid debt that one simply doesn't feel like paying. It is meant to be a safety net for people or businesses who are really unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a heavily damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to consult with a Dearborn, Michigan bankruptcy attorney. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you about your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy, if such alternatives exist in your case. Whatever the result, it is often challenging to anticipate the long-term consequences of any bankruptcy-related decisions, so the advice of a bankruptcy in Dearborn could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Dearborn, Michigan

In Dearborn, Michigan, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most frequently used. They are identified as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Dearborn, Michigan will be very similar to those in any other part of the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her assets in order to pay off as much debt as possible. Once the sale of the assets is verified, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is perceived as discharged. Liquidation is basically selling assets to the highest bidder. Not all of the debtor's assets will need to be sold, and many types of property are entirely or partially exempt, including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This means that the debtor can keep them. It should be noted that some types of debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, criminal fines, taxes, and child support payments. Even when the bankruptcy process is complete, these debts will have to be paid in full.

Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Dearborn, most of the debtor's debt is not discharged. Instead, the bankruptcy court, working with the debtor and participating creditors, work out a payment plan that allows the debtor to pay off most of his or her debts over an extended period of time, therefore theoretically making the debt far more manageable. Once a payment plan is approved by the court, creditors are prohibited from attempting to collect payment under their original agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. Although it can be used by individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used almost always by businesses. Not unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 11 focuses on restructuring of debt, rather than discharging it. Chapter 11 requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan designed to reduce debt and cut costs. Before being enforced, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

One advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operating, and to trade its stock.

How Can a Dearborn Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The decision to file for bankruptcy in Dearborn is not one to be made easily, and it definitely should not be made without first obtaining the advice of an efficient Dearborn bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Dearborn

Dearborn is in Wayne County, Michigan. It is the eighth largest city in the state. Ford Motor Company has its world headquarters in Dearborn, and the city is the home of Henry Ford. In fact, there is a community college (Henry Ford Community College) named after Mr. Ford. Another interesting fact about Dearborn is that it has an attraction called The Henry Ford, which is America's largest indoor-outdoor museum complex.

Along with Mr. Ford, some other notable residents include Johnny Pacar, Stavros Paskaris, George Peppard, Rima Fakih, David Burtka, Derek Lowe, Bob Seger, and Nancy Milford.

Some of the largest employers in Dearborn include Ford, the Oakwood Health System, Visteon, Dearborn Board of Education, Lear, United Technologies Auto, and Dearborn Stamping Plant.

Dearborn is also home to many attorneys who work in law offices and firms, and practice in various areas of law. Thus, the legal needs of residents and businesses is in good hands.