Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Southfield, Michigan

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Southfield, MI

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

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Southfield, Michigan

There are 2 main forms of consumer bankruptcies in Southfield, 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 discharged. Fortunately for debtors, many forms of property are exempt from liquidation, including homes, vehicles, essential personal items, and retirement accounts.

Once all non-exempt assets are sold, and the money from the sales turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is discharged. But some forms of debt cannot be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These include child support payments, student loans, and criminal fines, among others. If most of your Southfield, Michigan debts are not dischargeable, you may want to consider options other than bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Southfield, Michigan

In Southfield, Michigan, Chapter 13 is quite different from Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may or may not be the best choice for you; this depends on the facts of your particular situation. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy involves a court setting up a revised payment plan, which allows the debtor to pay off most or all of his debts over a longer period of time, through monthly payments that should, assuming that the debtor is willing to make a few sacrifices, be manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Southfield, Michigan

The answer to this question depends strongly on your individual situation. If you have enough stable income to manage a payment plan, and a lot of non-exempt property that you are unwilling to part with, Chapter 13 may be a good option. If you don't have much stable income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be better.

In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a local bankruptcy Lawyer in Southfield, Michigan. Your Lawyer can make an educated judgment as to what your best option is, and advise you accordingly (of course, the choice to file for bankruptcy is ultimately yours).

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Life in Southfield

Southfield is a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. It is known area because of its five golden skyscrapers, nicknamed the "Golden Triangle." These skyscrapers form Southfield Town Center, a 2,200,000 square foot complex with the Westin Hotel and conference center.

Due to a relatively new thirty-three story luxury residential high-rise complex, located near Southfield Town Center, Southfield saw an influx of many new residents. It is home to approximately 71,739 people per the 2010 census.

Southfield is also home to employers such as Denso, Peterson Spring, Federal-Mogul, Lear, R.L. Polk Co., and Stefanini TechTeam Global.

The legal force is also present in Southfield via the attorneys who live and practice within the area. These attorneys are competent to handle the legal needs of residents and local businesses.