The bankruptcy laws are there for a reason. On the whole, they benefit both the debtors and creditors. It is of course important to be responsible for the debts you incur, but filing a bankruptcy IS an act of responsibility. It puts you in a position to move forward, to become productive once again, provides closure, and pays your creditors from your non-exempt assets (or by other means if the court so approves in a Chapter 13 or 11 context).

It is important to seriously explore bankruptcy as an alternative to struggling for years to no avail. There are many factors to consider before filing a bankruptcy, but one of them should not be a guilty conscience.

Detroit Bankruptcy Lawyer.com Attorney Walter Metzen Bankruptcy Law Office is conveniently located just one block from the United States Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Michigan. Suite 3156 Penobscot Bldg., Detroit MI 48226. The US Bankruptcy Court for the entire Metro Detroit area is located at 211 West Fort Street, Detroit Michigan 48226. Call 313-962-4656 or 888-Debt-Gone for a Free Consultation. Recognize any of these Warning Signs?

Warning Signs. In assessing whether or not you should seek some kind of debt relief, consider the following questions:

• Do you ever use one form of credit, such as a credit card or debt consolidation loan, to make payments on other debt? Or to put it in Biblical terms "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul"?
• Have you taken one or more cash advances greater than $500 in the past few months to pay living expenses such as everyday utility bills or even groceries?
• Do you ever borrow from friends or family to meet regular expenses, such as food and utility bills?
• Can you barely make the minimum required payment on credit cards or other debts?
• Are you receiving harassing calls or letters from creditors or collection agencies?
• Are you being sued (summons and complaint), or are your creditors threatening to sue you?
• Are your wages being garnished, or are your creditors threatening a garnishment?
• Are your financial problems impacting your health or relationships due to stress?
• Do you owe two months salary or more on your credit cards?
• Are you using one-quarter or more of your take-home income to pay credit card bills and personal loans (excluding mortgage payments)?
• Are your revolving credit cards charged to the limit or maxed out?
• Have you bounced more than one check in the past year?
• Are you without cash reserves for a rainy day or emergency?
• Are you behind on house (mortgage or rent) or auto payments?
• Are your creditors threatening to take your car, house, or other property (foreclosure or repossession)?
• Are you behind on your taxes or do you owe the IRS, State of Michigan or City of Detroit?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of the preceding questions, you should consider seeking some form of debt relief. Bankruptcy, of course, offers very effective debt relief, but there are possible alternatives to filing bankruptcy which shall be covered below.