Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Royal Oak, Michigan

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Royal Oak, MI

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure allowing a person or business to have their debts excused, in part or in whole. It is typically treated as a last resort, because, while it can prevent financial catastrophe, it has some influential long-term consequences. This warrants careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Since it's a product of federal law, bankruptcy is handled in federal courts. Therefore, the rules and procedures governing it in Michigan will be the same as anywhere else in the country. Distinct courts in Royal Oak, Michigan will have some unique rules, however, so you should consult with a local lawyer before you file.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Royal Oak, Michigan

There are 2 typical types of consumer bankruptcies in Royal Oak, Michigan: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves a liquidation of some of the debtor's assets, which pays off part of his or her debt. Once this is done, the remaining debt is excused. Fortunately for debtors, many types of property are exempt from liquidation, including homes, vehicles, necessary personal items, and retirement accounts.

Once eligible assets are sold, and the proceeds turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is absolved. However, some types of debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including student loans, taxes, child support, personal injury awards, and fines. If most of your debt in Royal Oak, Michigan is not dischargeable, you might want to consider other options besides bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Royal Oak, Michigan

In Royal Oak, Michigan, Chapter 13 is substantially different from Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may or may not be the best choice for you; this depends on the facts of your specific situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not absolve debt, it restructures it. This involves a court coming up with an adjusted repayment plan designed to be manageable for the debtor. This new plan sets aside the terms of the original arrangements that created the debt in the first place. This creates a new payment structure, typically involving a single monthly payment, that the debtor should find manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Royal Oak, Michigan

Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right choice for you depends heavily on your distinct situation. If you have a steady income stream, and a lot of non-exempt property, Chapter 13 might be right for you. If you don't have a steady income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be a better way to go.

Regardless of your situation, you should speak with an attorney in Royal Oak, Michigan who is experienced in bankruptcy before making a decision. They will be able to advise you of your options, and the likely results of each one, allowing you to make a much more informed decision.

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Life in Royal Oak

Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County, Michigan. It has a population of about 60,000 individuals, and is considered a suburb of Detroit.

Royal Oak was incorporated as a village in 1891, but its human history dates back thousands of years - the area now known as Royal Oak was inhabited by indigenous peoples millennia before the arrival of European settlers. The name of Royal Oak dates back to 1819, when an early settler to the region saw an oak tree which reminded him of the "Royal Oak" - an oak tree in which King Charles II hid to evade enemy forces during a battle in 1651.

The downtown area of Royal Oak features a variety of entertainment options, including bars, restaurants, music venues, comedy clubs,and nightclubs. Royal Oak appears to have avoided the worst of the economic hardship that the Detroit area has experienced over the past few decades, with only 4.3% of the population living below the poverty line - much lower than the national average. It also has a verylow rate of violent crime, and an average rate of property crime, which is much better than many of its neighbors.

Thanks to its diversity and relative prosperity, Royal Oak, Michigan has a thriving legal community, with attorneys who should be able to solve just about any legal problem a person might have. If you need any form of legal assistance, a Royal Oak, Michigan lawyer is who you should contact.