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Michigan Bankruptcy Attorney Personalized & Skilled Representation

Bankruptcy Do's and Don'ts

Advice from a Michigan Bankruptcy Lawyer

If your finances are in trouble and you have started looking at ways to get out of debt, you have probably considered filing for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy process, whether you're filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, involves many steps that a Michigan bankruptcy attorney can explain to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the process. There are also some things you should and shouldn't do before filing a bankruptcy petition to make sure that your petition is approved.

Here are some basic bankruptcy do's and don'ts:

  • Do not use a credit card to pay your taxes - If you pay your taxes with a credit card, you may not be able to discharge the debt at a later point in time. Even though paying your taxes with a credit card may solve an immediate problem, it can lead to future financial difficulties.
  • Do not use credit card cash advances to pay another card - The court may not approve the discharging of certain debts when you take money from one credit card to pay another.
  • Don't incur more debts if you are considering bankruptcy - Any debts incurred just prior to bankruptcy may not be discharged.
  • Don't transfer title to your home, car or other property to a family member or friend - When you file for bankruptcy, the court may consider these types of transfers a type of fraud and deny your petition.
  • Do file your taxes - Even if you are unable to pay the amount of taxes that you owe, filing your returns is extremely important. Tax information will be requested by the court if you decide to file for bankruptcy. Without this data, your debts may not be discharged.
  • Do provide accurate information on your bankruptcy petition - Falsifying data on your bankruptcy petition can get you in serious trouble and can result in your petition being denied.
  • Do contact a lawyer - A bankruptcy attorney can advise on the best way to proceed if you are considering filing for bankruptcy, and help you avoid mistakes that could result in the denial of your petition.

Legal Representation in Sterling Heights & Warren

My firm, Hensel Law Office, PLLC has over 12 years of experience representing clients in bankruptcy cases throughout Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and Warren. As a Michigan bankruptcy lawyer, I will make sure that you are in compliance with state and federal bankruptcy statutes, and prevent any errors from being made that could jeopardize your petition.

Contact my firm for a free initial consultation to find out what to do and what not to do if you are considering bankruptcy.

Client Testimonials

  • He is respectful and down to earth with his approach to very complicated legal matters.

    “Hensel Law Office has helped me during a very difficult time in my life. Tom has done a wonderful job with my Chapter 13 case. He always kept in touch with me and explained everything in terms I could understand. I would highly recommend Mr. Hensel to anyone who is facing any bankruptcy filing. He is respectful and down to earth with his approach to very complicated legal matters.”

    Sandra

  • His knowledge and expertise made a very difficult time in our lives much easier.

    “From start to finish our experience with Mr. Hensel was great. He carefully and thoroughly explained the entire process to us and was always available for any questions or concerns we had. His knowledge and expertise made a very difficult time in our lives much easier. We are very thankful for his help in our situation.”

    Christine and John

  • I greatly appreciate your time and effort.

    “It was a great pleasure and relief working with you through that tough time. I greatly appreciate your time and effort on our case. I will gladly and confidently recommend you to anyone I know facing a tough financial time requiring your expertise.”

    Jay

  • We couldn't have gotten through this difficult process without Tom.

    “We couldn't have gotten through this difficult process without Tom. We evaluated a number of bankruptcy attorneys and found Tom to be the most knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain all aspects of the process and answers your questions thoroughly and promptly both in person and via email. He knows the law and ensures that you receive the best treatment possible depending on your particular situation.”

    T & J

  • You made a difficult experience so much easier.

    “Back a few years ago, you helped me through a bankruptcy. I still tell people how you made a difficult experience so much easier, with your clarity, support, and friendly approach to the law. I'm still very appreciative for all your help – it really helped to pull me out of a difficult place and put my life back on track.”

    Eric