Metro Detroit and Northern Michigan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney - Get Free from Overwhelming Debt and Restore Your Life!

Chapter 7 bankruptcy isn't for everyone, but for many it can provide relief from overwhelming debt — and stop creditor harassment and threats of foreclosure, repossession or wage garnishment.

Based in both metro Detroit (Fraser) and Northern Michigan (Gaylord), Bernadich Law can help you determine if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for your situation and identify potential alternatives.

In today's economy, with escalating debt, plummeting home values, and an uncertain future for employment, anyone can find themselves in a crushing financial situation. Stress, frustration and anxiety often result as ordinary, honest, hardworking individuals get harassed by creditors threatening to foreclose on their home, repossess their car, or garnish their wages.

For many people in these situations, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief can do the following:

End harassing phone calls
Stop foreclosure proceedings on your home
Stop repossession of your car or other property
Stop wage garnishments
Prevent utilities from being shut off
Eliminate unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills, civil judgments and more

Chapter 7 bankruptcy — Who is it for?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often the best solution for people who've had a dramatic loss in income, such as loss of a job, and have no hope of repaying their debts even under a Chapter 13 reorganization. It can also be a good solution for people overwhelmed by medical bills, credit card debt and other forms of unsecured debt as these types of debt can be completely discharged.

Will I be able to keep my home and/or car under Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

It depends. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires you to liquidate most of your possessions, including your home and automobiles, to pay off your creditors. However, many exemptions or "property protections" exist that allow you to retain much of your personal property, including your home and automobile, so you can continue living and working without undue hardship.

Some of the exemptions an individual debtor may qualify for include:

Up to $21,625 for your personal Michigan residence
Up to $3,450 of value for one automobile
Up to $11,525 aggregate value for household goods, furniture, and appliances
Up to $2,150 in value for tools of the trade / equipment required for carrying out your profession
Up to $1,450 in jewelry
Up to $11,525 for a life insurance policy
Wild Card of $1,150 of any personal property plus up to 1/2 of any unused amount of the homestead exemption ($10,825)

Other exemptions may also apply. Attorney Peter J. Bernadich can help you determine how much of your property, possessions and income is likely to be exempt from bankruptcy proceedings.

Do I need a lawyer to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

It is highly advisable to have a qualified bankruptcy attorney, like Peter Bernadich, represent you in any bankruptcy proceedings and assist with completing the filing process. An attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could get your case denied and help you establish your need to file bankruptcy. An attorney can also help protect your rights against creditors before, during and after bankruptcy proceedings.

Receive a Free, no-obligation consultation regarding filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy and/or your overall financial situation.

Complete our contact form on our Contact Us page and receive a free consultation with debt solutions and bankruptcy attorney Peter Bernadich. Find out how we can help you protect your rights against harassing creditors and get you free from overwhelming debt. Or call our Fraser or Gaylord, Michigan bankruptcy attorney's office toll-free at 855-650-2529.