Westland Bankruptcy Lawyer

One of the Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Westland, MI

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.

Highly Recommended

Get a Free Consultation

Westland Bankruptcy Attorney

Getting a fresh start is just a click away with Frego & Associates Law Firm, Michigan’s largest bankruptcy filer for the past 20 years. If you’re overwhelmed by debt or facing creditor harassment, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and rebuild your future. With over 40,000 bankruptcy cases filed, our expertise in consumer bankruptcy ensures you get the relief you need.

We offer free consultations and free bankruptcy analysis to help you explore your options without any cost or obligation. Our legal team also assists with credit repair and judgment removal, giving you the tools to move forward with confidence. For over 25 years, we’ve been serving Michigan residents with trusted, results-driven legal representation.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and ranked among the best attorneys in Michigan, Frego & Associates is committed to helping you achieve lasting financial stability. Take the first step today. Contact us at 1-800-646-0075 now and get your life back.

Types of Bankruptcy in Westland, Michigan

When considering bankruptcy in Westland, understand the different types available under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Each type is designed for specific financial situations, whether you’re an individual or a business owner. The most common types are Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13.

Chapter 7: Liquidation Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often referred to as “straight bankruptcy.” It’s the most common option for individuals in Westland who are overwhelmed with unsecured debt, such as credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans.

Key Features:

  • Quick Process: Typically completed in 3–6 months.
  • Debt Discharge: Most unsecured debts are wiped out.
  • Asset Liquidation: Non-exempt assets (if any) may be sold to repay creditors. However, many filers keep most or all of their property due to Michigan’s exemption laws.
  • Eligibility: You must pass a means test showing you can’t afford to repay your debts. In 2023, Westland, MI had a median household income of $62,216

Best For: Individuals with little to no income, few assets, and high unsecured debt.

Chapter 11: Reorganization for Businesses (and Sometimes Individuals)

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily used by businesses in Westland that want to stay open while restructuring their debts. It can also apply to high-net-worth individuals with complex finances.

Key Features:

  • Business Continuity: Allows your business to keep operating during the process.
  • Debt Restructuring: Negotiates new payment terms with creditors.
  • Court Oversight: Involves detailed filings, hearings, and a reorganization plan approved by the court.
  • Costly & Complex: More expensive and time-consuming than other types.

Best For: Westland businesses with significant assets or revenue but in need of restructuring to stay afloat.

Chapter 13: Repayment Plan for Individuals

Chapter 13 is ideal for individuals with a regular income who want to keep their property and catch up on debt through a structured repayment plan.

Key Features:

  • 3 to 5-Year Plan: You make monthly payments to a court-appointed trustee who distributes the funds to creditors.
  • Keep Your Property: Prevents foreclosure or repossession if you catch up on missed payments.
  • Debt Reduction: Unsecured debts may be partially discharged depending on income and assets.

Best For: Individuals in Westland with steady income, who can afford to repay some debts over time and want to avoid losing their home or car.

Chapter 13: Repayment Plan for Individuals

Signs You Might Need to Consider Bankruptcy in Westland

Bankruptcy is often viewed as a last resort, but in many cases, it can be the most responsible step toward financial recovery.

Here are some clear warning signs that it might be time to explore your bankruptcy options in Westland:

1. Mounting Debt With No End in Sight

If your debt continues to grow despite your best efforts to make payments, and you’re only able to cover minimums, or worse, use one credit card to pay another. It could be a sign that your financial situation is no longer sustainable.

2. Missed Mortgage or Rent Payments

Falling behind on housing payments puts you at risk of foreclosure or eviction. If you’re choosing between paying for essentials like food or keeping a roof over your head, it may be time to consider bankruptcy as a way to protect your home and regain control.

3. Constant Calls from Debt Collectors

Persistent phone calls, emails, or letters from creditors can be more than stressful; they are often a sign that your debts have become unmanageable. Bankruptcy can provide you protection from creditors through an automatic stay.

4. Legal Threats or Wage Garnishment

If creditors have started suing you or your paycheck is being garnished, you’re already in the legal phase of debt collection. Filing for bankruptcy may halt these actions and help you take back control of your income.

Bankruptcy Process in Westland, MI

Filing for bankruptcy may feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can ease anxiety and help you prepare for each step. If you are a Westland resident, your case will be handled under federal law but processed through local courts in Michigan.

1. Initial Consultation

Start by meeting with our bankruptcy attorney. We’ll assess your financial situation and help determine whether bankruptcy is the right option, and if so, which chapter best fits your needs.

2. Credit Counseling

Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling session from an approved agency. This is required under federal law and ensures you’re informed about alternatives and the consequences of bankruptcy.

3. Filing the Petition

Once you’ve gathered the required documents (debts, assets, income, expenses), your attorney will file your bankruptcy petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, which serves Wayne County, including Westland.

4. Automatic Stay

Immediately after filing, an automatic stay goes into effect. This court order halts all collection actions, including:

  • Foreclosures
  • Repossessions
  • Lawsuits
  • Wage garnishments
  • Harassing phone calls

5. Meeting of Creditors (341 Hearing)

About a month after filing, you’ll attend a brief hearing where creditors can ask questions about your financial situation. Don’t worry, most cases are straightforward, and creditors often don’t even show up.

Bankruptcy Process in Westland, MI

6. Repayment Plan (Chapter 13 Only) or Asset Liquidation (Chapter 7)

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: The trustee may sell non-exempt assets (if any) to repay creditors.
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: You’ll begin making payments according to your court-approved 3–5 year plan.

7. Debt Discharge

If you complete your case successfully, the court will issue a discharge order, eliminating most of your debts and giving you a fresh financial start.

Life After Bankruptcy: What to Expect

Bankruptcy offers a clean financial slate. Here’s what you can expect after your case is discharged:

  • Debt Relief: Most unsecured debts are eliminated under Chapter 7, or managed through a repayment plan under Chapter 13.
  • Credit Score Impact: Your credit score may dip, but it often begins to recover within 1–2 years with consistent, responsible financial behavior.
  • Rebuilding Credit: Start with secured credit cards, small loans, and timely payments. Many local banks and credit unions in Westland offer programs to help.
  • Renting or Buying a Home: While some landlords may be cautious, steady income and a clean payment history help. FHA loans can be an option as soon as two years after discharge.
  • Peace of Mind: No more overwhelming debt or collection calls. Bankruptcy gives you a path forward.

Hiring Frego & Associates for Your Westland Bankruptcy

When you’re facing overwhelming debt, the law firm you choose matters. At Frego & Associates, we specialize in helping people just like you take back control of their finances and their future.

With FREE consultations, FREE bankruptcy analysis, and a FREE credit repair specialist, getting started is simple and stress-free.

Why Westland Residents Trust Frego & Associates

  • Michigan’s largest bankruptcy law firm since 1999
  • Over 40,000 bankruptcy cases filed — more than any other firm in state history
  • Specialists in Consumer Bankruptcy
  • Ranked among the best attorneys in Michigan
  • Serving the state for over 25 years with the largest number of law offices and attorneys statewide

Get your free consultation with a Westland bankruptcy lawyer today.

Source:

[1] Westland, MI | Data USA. (n.d.). Data USA. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/westland-mi/

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.

Highly Recommended

Get a Free Consultation

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