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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

  • 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

  • Thank you very much for getting us through this very hard time in our lives.

    “I just wanted to thank you very much, for getting us through this very hard time in our lives. You did an excellent job. If anyone I know is in need of a lawyer, we will surely give them your name. Again thanks.”

    John and Linda

  • Professional, competent, empathetic attorney.

    “My husband and I were forced into a position to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We were devastated and mortified that we had to choose that route, but Tom eased our stress about the filing and court hearing process, as he thoroughly explained what Chapter 7 entails, as well as exactly what to expect during and after the filing process; he was accurate on each point that he advised us on. Tom also kept in frequent contact with us and responded quickly to any questions or concerns that we had while we worked with him. Tom's expertise and tact was invaluable for us, and we will absolutely recommend him to any of our friends and relatives that may find themselves in similar positions to ours. Thank you, Tom, for your dedicated help during this process.”

    EJO

  • He always responded quickly and intelligently.

    “Mr. Hensel made a difficult and uncomfortable situation as easy as possible for me. He always responded quickly and intelligently to my questions and never made me feel as if I were bothering him. He explained the unknown aspects of bankruptcy, the court system, and my options in clearly understandable terms. I felt confident that he was handling my case in the best possible manner and in my best possible interests. I feel lucky to have found the Hensel Law Office and I never hesitate to refer others who could use assistance - because I know they will get superior service and help.”

    Kelly

  • 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