Michigan Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy Facts

If you are one of the countless people in our community who are struggling with a large burden of debt and if you have decided to take action to put an end to the situation, you can come to the Hensel Law Office, PLLC for help. As a Michigan bankruptcy attorney, I provide counsel and representation to individuals like you on all matters relating to bankruptcy, from exploring it as an option, to filing and moving into life after the discharge of debts. I will not delegate your case down the line to a team of attorneys or paralegals, because I believe in providing personalized service to each of my clients. You may not have to continue to live with the difficulty of owing large sums of money-you may be able to achieve a fresh start.

Chapter 7
Most people think of Chapter 7 when they think of bankruptcy. This filing option will allow you to achieve a near-total discharge of your debts, though you may have to liquidate some of your property in order to satisfy your creditors. Chapter 7 is widely available, though there are requirements and careful preparation is important to ensure that you will qualify. Read more about Chapter 7...

Chapter 13
For those individuals who don't qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or who prefer to protect their assets from liquidation, Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a valuable alternative. Under Chapter 13, you will have the opportunity to restructure the payment of your existing debts into a more manageable plan and you will have a generous time frame for payment. This way you are able to pay off your obligations with less pressure and danger of falling deeper into debt. Read more about Chapter 13...

Means Test
Michigan residents are allowed to pursue bankruptcy under federal law, but in order to prevent abuse of this opportunity, anyone who wants to declare bankruptcy has to pass a means test. This test looks at your current financial health in comparison to certain benchmarks, to determine whether you qualify. Many people who deserve to file are blocked through a failure to properly research the relevant documents and through presenting inaccurate information. It is vital to correctly perform this initial step. Read more about the means test...

Alternatives to Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is not right for everyone. Even if the stress and strain of your debts has led you into considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be better off considering one of the many alternatives that are available to you. Whether you are ineligible to file or if you would prefer not to pursue this course of action, there are many ways of relieving your burden of debt and getting back on stable ground financially. Read more about alternatives to bankruptcy...

Bankruptcy Process
Before you take action on declaring bankruptcy, it is important to have a good understanding of what it entails. When you know what will be expected of you, you will be better prepared to make a decision about whether to move forward. The process of bankruptcy is straightforward, though many of its steps can be complex. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can make your way to the end with relative ease and swiftness. Read more about the bankruptcy process...

Bankruptcy Precursors
While every case is unique, a large percentage of bankruptcies stem from a few common causes. These include divorce, layoffs, unexpected medical bills, and tax problems. Most individuals who file for bankruptcy have already been living with a large amount of debt and are pushed over the limit by a major life event. Whatever the circumstances that have led you to this point, you can get help at my firm. Read more about bankruptcy precursors...

Bankruptcy Myths
Don't let yourself be misled-bankruptcy is a common occurrence, and it is growing increasingly more widespread in today's difficult economic climate. Many individuals and families wait to take action on declaring bankruptcy due to misconceptions and myths about the subject, and this only causes prolonged stress and strain. When you have the true information, you can make an informed decision on whether to move forward. Read more about bankruptcy myths...

Debt Relief
Most people who have large amounts of debt will carry on, fighting to make the minimum monthly payments while watching the total amount they owe increase steadily. You should not have to live in fear of foreclosure or creditor actions against you. There are many options for debt relief, from debt counseling to negotiation for lower payments and interest rates to declaring bankruptcy. Read more about debt relief...

Debt Consolidation
One of the most effective approaches for reducing the strain and burden of a large debt load is to arrange to have the total amount you owe consolidated. This way you don't have to juggle several separate payments, each with a different minimum and due date and the risk of late fees. With debt consolidation, you can reduce the number of payments, simplifying your finances and allowing you to focus on getting closer to solvency. Read more about debt consolidation...

Bankruptcy Dos and Donts
Bankruptcy law can be complex, and there are several common mistakes that often prevent individuals attempting to file from being able to proceed. When you work with a knowledgeable and seasoned attorney, you increase your chances of avoiding these mistakes. There are also many things you can do to facilitate the entire experience, and your attorney can help you take full advantage of this opportunity. Read more about bankruptcy do's and don'ts...

Filing Bankruptcy for a Second Time
If you previously filed for bankruptcy and need to repeat the process, you may be eligible under law. There are guidelines governing how long you have to wait between the first and second time you declare bankruptcy, and even if you do qualify to proceed right now, you should only do so with the guidance of an experienced attorney. There have been several major changes to bankruptcy law in recent years, and it is likely that the rules and guidelines have changed since you last declared bankruptcy. Read more about filing bankruptcy for a second time...

Creditor Harassment
With the dramatic increase in recent years in the numbers of people falling into extreme debt, more and more individuals like you have come to know the frustration of being harassed by creditors and debt collectors. Many of the practices they commonly employ, such as threatening language and calling at all hours of the day and night, have been made illegal and you can sue to put an end to this behavior. Filing bankruptcy will also provide immediate protection under an automatic stay. Read more about creditor harassment...

Lien Stripping
For families who owe more on their home mortgage than the home is worth, lien stripping in Chapter 13 offers an opportunity to get things back under control. If you have a second mortgage on a home that is worth less than you owe, the bankruptcy judge in your case might agree to turn the second mortgage into unsecured debt, allowing you more freedom to repay your debts under the schedule as determined in your settlement. Read more about lien stripping...

Foreclosure Defense
Under bankruptcy law, anyone who files is granted an automatic stay, meaning that they are protected from the actions of creditors to repossess. This applies to homeowners who have been threatened with foreclosure. If you have been living in fear of the prospect of losing your home, you can take action now by declaring bankruptcy, which will block a foreclosure, as well as allowing you to free up a large portion of your financial resources to pay your monthly mortgage. Read more about foreclosure defense...

Bankruptcy Lawyer in Michigan

Come to my firm for a consultation when you have questions about bankruptcy so I can help you determine whether this is right for you and to get started on your filing. I serve clients from all over Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Warren, Brighton, South Lyon, and Howell.

Contact a Michigan bankruptcy attorney for dedicated legal representation and guidance when you need relief from your debts and the chance to start over.