Lansing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
One of the Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Lansing, MI
Office Location
1324 W Bristol Rd
Flint, MI 48507
Monday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Thursday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Friday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Saturday: 9 AM-12 PM
Sunday: Closed
Appointments as late as 6:30 Mon-Th by phone only
Highly Recommended
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Lansing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Liquidation bankruptcy can help you get rid of any dischargeable debt. It may be your last resort to get rid of the debt and attain financial freedom.
If you are struggling financially, then we can help you. Our experienced Lansing Chapter 7 lawyers are open now and here 24/7 to assist you through these difficulties.
We have served the Western Michigan area for over 25 years and helped with 40,000 bankruptcy filings.
Frego & Associates knows how to help you in this difficult time and assist you through the nuances of bankruptcy. Call (810) 424-1614 for a free Chapter 7 bankruptcy consultation.
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is when your non-exempt assets are sold (liquidated) by a trustee to pay off your creditors. This is also dubbed liquidation bankruptcy, as a court-appointed representative will sell your non-exempt assets and repay creditors. Small businesses or individuals usually opt for this chapter.
This eliminates any debt effectively while allowing you to keep any exempt property or belongings. It provides a fresh financial start for individuals or smaller enterprises, where selling off key assets and paying off the creditors is the only way out.
If you are facing financial challenges, opting for liquidation might be a solid choice. We can look at your case and analyze possible strategies and explore other avenues for you. Our Lansing bankruptcy attorneys will help you with the steps ahead.
In 2025, around 3,900 bankruptcies were filed in Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy court. Of these around 2,620 were Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. [1]
Why Legal Representation is Important in Straight Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy filing is a complicated process, and legal assistance can make things much simpler for you. Our bankruptcy law firm has handled over 40,000 bankruptcy cases.
Here is how our Chapter 7 attorneys will help:
Paperwork Accuracy: One of the biggest challenges anyone faces in bankruptcy filing is the paperwork. We are the largest bankruptcy law firm in Michigan since 1999, and we will accurately handle and file all the paperwork for you.
Protection of Assets: We know the concern you are experiencing regarding your assets. Some assets do not only have a financial value, but also carry emotional weight. We fight to ensure the protection of your assets, such as your house and your car.
Representation in Court: Legal representation throughout the bankruptcy process is very beneficial for court representation. Handling these on your own is possible, but not recommended. We will handle the necessary hearings, objections, and communicate with creditors on your behalf.
What Are The Benefits of Chapter 7 for Individuals and Small Businesses?
Rapid debt relief is one of the leading benefits of Chapter 7 for many businesses and individuals. It discharges any unsecured debt, such as credit cards and medical bills. It also stops creditor harassment and collection efforts via a court-ordered automatic stay.
This fresh financial start offers many benefits, including the following:
| Benefits for Individuals | Benefits for Small Businesses |
| Automatic stay protection | Asset liquidation orderly |
| Debt discharge granted | Debt transparency provided |
| Exemptions protect property | Efficient closure process |
| Fast financial reset | Formal business dissolution |
| Liability legally erased | Liability limits defined |
| Unsecured debt relief | Unprofitable operations end |
If you need assistance with filing, talk to our Chapter 7 lawyers today.
Which Debts Are Eliminated Under Chapter 7?
Sole proprietors and individuals stand to gain the most from Chapter 7, as it discharges most unsecured debt.
While LLCs and corporations do not get a debt discharge, filing for liquidation bankruptcy does provide an automatic stay on personal and business debt.
The debt types eliminated for businesses and individuals are as follows:
| Individual Debt | Small Business/Sole Proprietor Debt |
| Collection agency accounts | Business credit cards |
| Credit card balances | Commercial lease obligations |
| Medical billing costs | Equipment rental contracts |
| Past-due utility bills | Inventory supplier invoices |
| Personal loan amounts (i.e. student loans) | Professional service fees |
| Repossession deficiency balances | Unsecured business loans |
Debt discharge and getting rid of personal liability in this chapter of bankruptcy are two of the leading advantages. We also know how important an automatic stay can be for you in difficult financial times. Our experienced Chapter 7 attorneys are with you, and we will help you through the legal process.
Which Assets Are Protected Under Liquidation Bankruptcy Filings?
Any assets classified as exempt are protected by Chapter 7. Under federal and state law (Michigan), the exemptions may differ. In specific cases, the court may make additional exemptions based on circumstances.
Here are the key assets protected by bankruptcy laws in Lansing:
College Savings Accounts: If you have 529 College Savings Plans or Michigan Education Savings Program benefits, then they will be protected by Michigan law.
Primary Residence (Homestead Exemption): Your primary residence is protected by the local laws in liquidation bankruptcy filings. Senior or disabled citizens can protect their equity of around $250,000. Married couples or filers in joint cases can protect equity of $125,000 each. Michigan House Bill 4901
Personal Property: Any personal property essential to living is protected. This may include furniture, clothing, household goods, computers, phones, etc. The value of these protected assets can range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Retirement Accounts and Pensions: Your retirement accounts and other important assets are also protected by local law. Under the Public Employee Retirement Benefit Protection Act, you will be able to keep any pension assets, define fiduciary duties, and earn benefits. This also includes 401(k), 403(b), and IRAs (with federal limits of $1.5 million). MCL 600.6023(1)(k)$)
Trade/Business Tools: Any tools of your trade are protected by local and federal laws in bankruptcy filings for liquidation. This applies to computers, crops, farm animals, motor vehicles, etc. The value of exempt tools may be $3,075, with higher exceptions in certain cases. MCL 600.6023
Vehicle/Automobile: You get to keep your personal or work-related vehicle. For a work-related vehicle, $2,250 equity is ensured by Michigan law. For personal vehicles, no such limit applies, as it is considered personal property.
You have the right to keep exempt assets under federal and Michigan laws. Rest assured that we will protect everything that the law allows you to keep.
Requirements to Qualify for Liquidation Bankruptcy in Lansing
You will have to take the means test to qualify for a liquidation bankruptcy filing. Under federal and state laws, this means test will analyze your expenses, income, and other important factors. The household size and financial situation are also taken into account.
The key factors considered in the means test are as follows:
- Expenses, including childcare and health insurance
- Average income calculated from the last six months
- Whether you are below the median income for a Michigan household of the same size
- Disposable income
- Income sources such as pensions, alimony, and dividends
Keep in mind that:
- The one-person household limit is approximately $65,625 annually
- The two-person household limit is approximately $81,293 annually
We will assess your case ahead of time and examine your eligibility for liquidation. Our experienced Chapter 7 lawyers will help you through every step of the way.
What Are The Filing Requirements for Chapter 7 in Lansing?
We will help you gather the Chapter 7 filing requirements, including:
- Assets and liabilities – a fully itemized list
- Credit counseling certificate
- Current monthly income statement
- Filing fee of $338 or waiver
- Government-issued photo identification
- Means test calculation for income eligibility verification
- Pay stubs for the last sixty days
- Statement of financial affairs detailing recent history
- Tax returns from the last two years
Filing requirements can be one of the challenging aspects of filing for bankruptcy in Lansing. That is where our Chapter 7 attorneys will step in and handle things for you.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Lansing
The filing process for liquidation is straightforward once the requirements are met. The initial stages will include assessment, before documentation and credit counselling begin. The final stages will include petitioning, trustee review meetings, and the discharge of debt.
Here is how each step of the filing phase will go:
- Assessment: This is the initial step that our Michigan bankruptcy law firm takes. We analyze your eligibility for bankruptcy filing and assess your situation. We guide you through a means test, as this quick process examines your income, debt, and other important aspects.
- Credit Counseling: You will have to take a credit counseling case, as it is a mandatory requirement. This will be done 180 days before the filing of your bankruptcy.
- Gathering Documentation: The next phase is collecting the necessary documentation for filing. We will handle the process for you and assist you with the important paperwork. This may include a list of creditors, income, assets and liabilities, monthly expenses, recent tax returns, pay stubs, etc.
- Filing Petition: The next stage is filing the petition for you in the local court. With the necessary documents, our Lansing Chapter 7 lawyers will begin the legal process.
- Trustee Meetings: The 341 meeting is where the terms will be discussed. This meeting is not conducted by the court, but is an important step in the process.
- Discharge and Completion: Once the court review is done and all the paperwork is in order, the court will finalize the bankruptcy. This will include an automatic stay and a discharge order that will absolve all unsecured debt. The completion will also begin the 4-6 month process of liquidating your assets to satisfy all creditors.
Get A FREE Consultation From a Lansing Chapter 7 Lawyer
This is your chance to bounce back. You are not alone in this, as our local Lansing Chapter 7 attorneys will be with you every step of the way. Our legal team has been supporting the financial recovery of Lansing residents as the largest bankruptcy law firm in Michigan since 1999.
Here is how we will help you in this challenging time:
- Analyze your individual financial situation with great care
- Counsel you regarding the best bankruptcy filing options
- File your petition and all legal requirements
- Handle all communications with the court and creditors
- Manage every interaction with the appointed bankruptcy trustee
- Shield you from creditors during the entire process with the automatic stay
- Regularly update you on the status of your bankruptcy filing
You are just a phone call away from the legal representation that you need. Let us help you in this difficult time and get the financial relief that you are looking for.
Contact us today and get a free Chapter 7 bankruptcy consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
This will depend on the assets you have, as most liquidation bankruptcies are finalized within the first 3-6 months. From filing to discharge of your debt, the entire process may take up to 5-7 months.
If you are a small business looking to pay off your debt, then you can opt for Chapter 7. This will repay your debt and give you a chance to bounce back. If you are a business that is looking to repay the debt while keeping the business, then you can file for Chapter 11. The latter allows you to continue operating the business as “debtor-in-possession” while you repay the debt.
Any unsecured debt not tied to collateral will be discharged under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This means you will be able to wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, etc. You can also discharge any past due rent within a few months. The legal liability is eliminated for these debt types in filing Chapter 7. It also puts an automatic stay, preventing debt collection efforts by creditors.
Source:
[1] 2025 Case Statistics US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Michigan. (2025). US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Michigan. https://ecf.miwb.uscourts.gov/ecfstatsdash-new.html
Received Accolades:
206-2010, 2012, 2014-2021
American Bankruptcy Institute
Certified as a Bankruptcy Specialist by ABC
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Better Business Bureau
Office Location
23843 Joy Rd
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Monday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Thursday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Friday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
Saturday: 9 AM-12 PM
Sunday: Closed
We offer late night appointments as late as 6:30 by phone or in person Mon-Thur.