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Credit Card Debt Attorney in Michigan

What Are Your Options for Eliminating Credit Card Debt?

For millions of Americans, repaying credit card debt is an endless battle. If you too are struggling to keep your head above water, it is important to understand that you have options.

While filing for bankruptcy is an effective way to wipe out unmanageable debt, there are numerous other ways that you can regain control of your finances. For example, strict budgeting and strategic planning is a good way for you to start chipping away at your credit card debt.

If that is not enough, our lawyer may be able to assist you in negotiating a settlement with the bank or the issuer of your credit card. If you are really in over your head, however, you may want to consider filing for bankruptcy.

Learn more about your options for resolving your credit card debt. Contact the Hensel Law Office, PLLC in Sterling, MI at (888) 258-0651 for a free consultation.

How Credit Card Debt is Treated in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you are unable to get a handle on your credit card debt, filing for Chapter 7 may be your financial solution. Through this debt relief process, you would be able to discharge most, if not all, of your unsecured debt. This means you would be absolved of the responsibility to repay your overdue credit card bills once the process is over.

During Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your non-exempt assets would be liquidated and the proceeds would be used to repay your creditors in order of priority. Since credit card debt is low on the scale, it is unlikely the credit card company will be repaid at all.

The court can choose not to discharge these debts if:

  • You purchased luxury goods on a credit card - If you use a credit card to purchase "luxury goods" or services within 90 days of filing for bankruptcy ($650 or more), a judge can choose not to discharge the debt, as this could be seen as an attempt to defraud the court. However, this excludes any goods or services deemed necessary for the support of you and your dependents (i.e. food, gas, and clothing).
  • You used a credit card to take out a large cash advance - If you use a credit card to take out a large cash advance within 70 days of filing for bankruptcy ($925 or more), the debt will be considered nondischargeable. It will not matter whether or not you used the money to purchase luxury items, as you will still need to show the court you intended to repay the debt when you incurred it.

Will I Need to Repay Credit Card Debt in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 requires you to reorganize your debt and develop a suitable repayment plan to be executed over three to five years. You will be asked to repay creditors in order of priority. Therefore, whether or not you repay your credit card debt will depend on the type and amount of all other debts that you have incurred.

For example, you would first be required to repay all secured loans and priority unsecured debts before touching your credit card debt. If at this point you can afford to repay more of your debt, you will be required to do so.

Any unsecured debts not been repaid at the end of your bankruptcy will be discharged by the court.

Are you struggling with credit card debt? Call today at (888) 258-0651 to schedule a meeting. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Client Testimonials

  • We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.

    “Dear Tom, my husband and I wanted to express our deepest thanks for the help you gave us during our embarrassing and stressful time. I was very impressed that you returned every phone call in a timely manner. You were able to explain exactly what was going to happen in words that "we" could understand. You answered every question we threw at you. The whole bankruptcy process from start to finish was complete in the time you told us it would take. Your professionalism yet friendliness made the whole experience for us almost enjoyable... almost! We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.”

    Melissa

  • Tom Hensel is definitely the right attorney to call!

    “I was referred to Tom Hensel by a friend. My first impression was not only was Tom professional but he's so kind and caring too. He helped my husband and I through an embarrassing, scary situation and definitely made it more positive one. He guided us through our options and helped us make the right decision for us which ended up being a chapter 7 bankruptcy. Tom was so knowledgeable and helped us throughout the whole process. He never once made us feel uncomfortable or dumb when we had questions. He was also very easy to get a hold of when questions would come up and would always return our calls and emails promptly. I strongly recommend Tom to anyone going through this kind of financial nightmare. Do yourselves a favor and call him right away. He will help you get on the right path again. Our only mistake was waiting so long to call him!! When we in court waiting our turn all the other attorneys referred to their clients as "The debtors" Tom on the other hand acknowledged us by our names. Little things mean a lot and that left a lasting impression with us. Tom Thank You again for all your help!!”

    Stacy S.

  • Sincerest thanks for all of your help in affording me what I consider a real "fresh start."

    “I wanted to give you my sincerest thanks for all of your help in affording me what I consider a real "fresh start". My divorce was unfortunate but definitely a needed change for the better. However, the financial side of things still seemed to keep that past linked, which makes this an enormous weight lifted. I just can't believe the impact it's made on my outlook with...everything.I will be sure to keep your business cards handy to distribute along with highly favorable words of recommendation should the needs arise.Thank you again for your time and professional guidance.”

    Michelle

  • Utmost dedication and professionalism.

    “I chose to work with Tom Hensel after meeting with several big name firms in the area. Tom handled my unique situation with the utmost dedication and professionalism. The personal service I received from him made all the difference in my case. My only regret is that I didn't call him first.”

    Craig

  • 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