Michigan Bankruptcy Resources
Looking for bankruptcy information in Michigan? This resource center provides official court information, legal aid organizations, approved credit counseling resources, and additional educational materials.
Last updated: July 2026
Overview
Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation) can discharge most unsecured debts within 3–6 months. It requires passing a means test based on income, and some non-exempt assets may be sold to repay creditors.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization) creates a court-approved repayment plan lasting 3–5 years, allowing filers to keep property like a home or car while catching up on payments.
Bankruptcy is generally considered when other options, debt settlement, consolidation, or credit counseling, aren't realistic given the size of the debt or an ongoing hardship.
ReliefGuardian does not provide legal advice. This page is for educational purposes only. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney or a nonprofit legal aid organization.
Official Bankruptcy Court Information
Federal Bankruptcy Districts Serving Michigan
Official U.S. Courts Directory
Find your exact court website, address, and filing information
Michigan Legal Aid Organizations
These official directories let you search for nonprofit and government-recognized legal aid organizations serving Michigan by county, income eligibility, and type of legal issue.
Bankruptcy Attorney Referral Resources
ReliefGuardian does not recommend individual attorneys. Use these official referral directories instead:
American Bar Association. State Bar Directories
Official lawyer referral service directory for every state
Credit Counseling & Debtor Education
Federal law requires most filers to complete credit counseling from an approved provider before filing, and a debtor education course before receiving a discharge. ReliefGuardian does not recommend individual providers, use the U.S. Trustee Program's official approved lists:
Bankruptcy Forms
Official federal forms, instructions, and the court fee schedule:
Michigan Exemption Information
Homestead up to $51,150 of home equity in bankruptcy ($76,725 if you or a dependent is 65+ or disabled)
Source: MCL 600.5451(1)(m) (effective: April 1, 2026). Exemption figures verified September 30, 2026.
This is a general overview only, exemption amounts and rules change and can be complex. Consult the official state statute or a bankruptcy attorney for a full, current list of exemptions available in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my home?
Homestead up to $51,150 of home equity in bankruptcy ($76,725 if you or a dependent is 65+ or disabled). These exemptions may allow you to protect some or all of your home equity, but eligibility depends on your specific situation.
Can I keep my car?
Many states offer a motor vehicle exemption that protects some or all of the equity in one vehicle. Whether you can keep a car with an active loan also depends on whether you continue making payments and reaffirm the debt.
Will bankruptcy stop wage garnishment?
Filing triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops most wage garnishments, collection calls, and lawsuits while your case is active. Some exceptions apply, such as certain support obligations.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
Chapter 7 remains on your credit report for up to 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 remains for up to 7 years.
How much does filing cost?
Federal court filing fees apply and are set nationally, though fee waivers or installment payment plans may be available for those who qualify. See the official court fee schedule linked above for current amounts.
Do I need an attorney?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney and may file on your own behalf ('pro se'), but bankruptcy involves complex federal rules, and mistakes can affect your case. Many filers consult an attorney or legal aid organization first.
Can I file without an attorney?
Yes, this is called filing 'pro se.' The court cannot give you legal advice, so many self-represented filers use official court self-help resources, legal aid clinics, or the forms and instructions linked above.
Related ReliefGuardian Resources
Sources: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (uscourts.gov), U.S. Department of Justice. U.S. Trustee Program (justice.gov/ust), Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov), American Bar Association (americanbar.org). Last updated July 2026.
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