Frequently Asked Questions

The law provides generous exemptions which allow most people to retain all of their property.   However, it is required that you list all of your property when you are filing for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition in Michigan. If you fail to list property that you could have kept, you could lose that exemption.  Failure to list property, which includes anything of value which you own or have an interest in, could result in denial of your discharge or criminal prosecution. Examples of property which must be listed are household goods, vehicles, houses or other real estate that you may have an interest in, any money owed to you, lawsuits pensions, IRAs, benefits, bank accounts, any financial account, stocks, bonds, child support, pensions, lawsuits or claims for benefits or lawsuits that have not even been filed, inheritances or property from a divorce to which you become entitled to within 6 months of filing, etc.  Be careful to review your schedules to make sure that all of your property is listed.

The bankruptcy will be reported on your credit for 10 years from the date that you receive a discharge.  Your credit history will still appear on the credit report; however, the creditors have no legal right to collect unless the debt is non-dischargeable.  You can usually purchase a vehicle after the discharge; however, the interest rate will generally be very high.  You may be able to obtain a mortgage or refinance a house usually 2 to 3 years from the date of filing.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Michigan is a financial reorganization plan.  It stops foreclosure.  It consolidates all of your bills and lowers your total monthly payments to an affordable level.  It stops the interest on most debts, and allows you time to repay your creditors.

Yes.  After filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Michigan, you may dismiss it.  A Michigan Chapter 13 bankruptcy is voluntary and may be dismissed at any time.