Filing Bankruptcy in Michigan begins with Article I, Section 8, of the United States Constitution which authorizes Congress to enact "uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies." Under this grant of authority, Congress enacted the "Bankruptcy Code" in 1978. The Bankruptcy Code, which is codified as title 11 of the United States Code, has been amended several times since its enactment. It is the uniform federal law that governs all bankruptcy cases including filing Bankruptcy in Michigan.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, entitled Liquidation, contemplates an orderly, court-supervised procedure by which a trustee takes over the assets of the debtor's estate, reduces them to cash, and makes distributions to creditors, subject to the debtor's right to retain certain exempt property and the rights of secured creditors.  Most debtors filing for Bankruptcy in Michigan are filing a Chapter 7 to wipe out credit card debt that they can no longer afford to pay. Because there is usually little or no nonexempt property in most chapter 7 cases, there may not be an actual liquidation of the debtor's assets. These cases are called "no-asset cases." A creditor holding an unsecured claim will get a distribution from the bankruptcy estate only if the case is an asset case and the creditor files a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court. In most chapter 7 cases, if the debtor is an individual, he or she receives a discharge that releases him or her from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts.  The debtor normally receives a Chapter 7 discharge just a few months after the petition is filed. Amendments to the Bankruptcy Code enacted in to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 require the application of a "means test" to determine whether individual consumer debtors qualify for relief under chapter 7. If such a debtor's income is in excess of certain thresholds, the debtor may not be eligible for chapter 7 relief.

A debtor's involvement with the bankruptcy judge is usually very limited. A typical Michigan Chapter 7 debtor will not appear in court and will not see the bankruptcy judge unless an objection is raised in the case. A Michigan Chapter 13 debtor may only have to appear before the bankruptcy judge at a plan confirmation hearing. Usually, the only formal proceeding at which a debtor must appear is the meeting of creditors, which is usually held at the offices of the U.S. trustee. This meeting is informally called a "341 meeting" because section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code requires that the debtor attend this meeting so that creditors can question the debtor about debts and property.

A fundamental goal of the federal bankruptcy laws enacted by Congress is to give debtors a financial "fresh start" from burdensome debts. The Supreme Court made this point about the purpose of the bankruptcy law in a 1934 decision:

[I]t gives to the honest but unfortunate debtor…a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of preexisting debt.

There are 2 basic types of bankruptcy cases for consumers that are provided for under the Bankruptcy Code, my office handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Consumer Bankruptcy cases in Michigan. The cases are traditionally given the names of the chapters that describe them.  If you would like a free Michigan Bankruptcy Case Evaluation. Contact my office for a Fresh Start with Bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Basics - For Cases Filed on or after October 17, 2005 (pdf)
Bankruptcy Basics - For Cases Filed before October 17, 2005 (pdf)

   

Contact me, Detroit bankruptcy lawyer Walter Metzen today to schedule your free initial consultation. I also offer clients flexible appointment times and same day appointments if necessary. Get in touch with me today to learn how filing bankruptcy may be beneficial for you and your family. Why should you hire a Board Certified Bankruptcy Specialist? Click Here. My office has handled over 10,000 bankruptcy cases in Michigan and will apply this experience to your case as well. My office prides itself on fast, detailed, personal service. There are many different aspects to a bankruptcy case. Some of the different aspects are listed on the links below for you to explore. If you have any questions while exploring this site or would like a free personal bankruptcy consultation, contact my office at (313) 962-4656 or toll free 888-777-FILE. Chapter 7 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy myths New bankruptcy laws Required documents Bankruptcy timeline Do’s and don’ts Stopping creditor harassment Foreclosure Attorney Profile Budgeting Tips Detroit Bankruptcy Law Office Location GOAL of Bankruptcy