Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically stays on your credit report for up to ten years, while Chapter 13 typically stays for up to seven years. The impact on your credit score tends to lessen over time, especially if you rebuild your credit responsibly after discharge.
Bankruptcy
Macomb County Bankruptcy Lawyers Helping Clients with Debt Relief
Many people find themselves carrying a debt burden they cannot manage on their own. An unexpected illness, job loss, marriage dissolution, or other hardship can cause certain types of debt to accumulate quickly, leaving you to deal with mounting balances, growing interest, and calls from debt collectors.
For many consumers, filing for bankruptcy is a practical and effective way to address many types of debt. Lucido & Manzella, P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping people understand their options and find a path forward. Our attorneys will walk you through the benefits of bankruptcy, explain what to expect, and help you determine whether it is the right step for your situation. You do not have to struggle under the weight of debt any longer. We are here to help you get a fresh start.
Who We Help With Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy law can feel like a maze if you have never dealt with it before. We regularly work with people who are:
- Considering bankruptcy but unsure where to start. Debt has become serious, and you need someone to explain in plain terms what bankruptcy is, how it works, and whether it applies to your situation.
- Weighing bankruptcy against other debt-relief options. You want to understand the real differences between bankruptcy, debt settlement, consolidation, and repayment plans, as well as the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
- Wondering which debts bankruptcy can actually address. Not all debts are treated the same way, so you need clarity on what bankruptcy may eliminate and what may remain your responsibility.
- Worried about the consequences of filing. Cost, the effect on your credit, public court records, required counseling, and long-term impact are all reasonable concerns that deserve straight answers.
- Trying to understand the bankruptcy process before committing. You want to know what the court process involves, what documents you may need to gather, and what deadlines or rules could affect your case.
If any of this sounds like where you are right now, you are in the right place.
Your Bankruptcy Options
There are two main types of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. At your initial meeting, you will sit down with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who will review your financial situation, the types of debt you carry, and other factors to determine which path makes the most sense for you.
We help clients file for:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
In this chapter of bankruptcy, most types of unsecured debt are eliminated. Chapter 7 is also known as liquidation bankruptcy; you may still be able to keep most of your important personal property such as your home, your car, your household belongings, and your retirement accounts.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 involves making payments according to a court-approved bankruptcy plan. It takes longer to complete than Chapter 7, but it can be the right choice if you do not qualify for Chapter 7 or if you want to protect specific assets, such as a vacation home. We do not handle Chapter 13 cases directly, but we can refer you to an attorney who does.
How the Bankruptcy Process Works
While every case has its own details, most bankruptcy filings follow a similar path:
- Case evaluation. We review your income, debts, and assets to find out which chapter of bankruptcy fits your situation, or whether another option makes more sense.
- Credit counseling. Before filing, federal law requires you to complete an approved credit counseling course.
- Filing the petition. We prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the bankruptcy court, which includes a full accounting of your financial situation.
- Automatic stay takes effect. Once your case is filed, an automatic stay generally stops most collection calls, wage garnishments, and lawsuits.
- Meeting of creditors. You will attend a meeting where a bankruptcy trustee and your creditors can ask questions about your finances.
- Plan confirmation or asset review. In Chapter 13, the court confirms your repayment plan. In Chapter 7, the trustee reviews your assets to determine what, if anything, is subject to liquidation.
- Discharge. Once you complete the required steps, including a second credit counseling course, the court can discharge your qualifying debts, giving you a legal fresh start.
Our decades of experience allow us to act as a knowledgeable ally and advocate throughout the entire bankruptcy process. From the initial filing to completing the steps necessary to get a discharge, we strive to help you avoid complications and emerge from bankruptcy into a better financial future.
Why Choose Lucido & Manzella, P.C. for Your Bankruptcy?
The attorney you choose can make a difference in your bankruptcy experience. Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Over 25 years of experience. We have represented thousands of clients through bankruptcy filings across Macomb County and the surrounding area.
- A broad understanding of how legal matters connect. Financial problems can be tied to divorce, criminal charges, or other legal disputes. Because our firm handles multiple areas of law, we can consider how these issues intersect and help you address the full picture rather than treating each problem separately.
- An aggressive approach to protecting your interests. We advocate firmly on your behalf, whether that means negotiating with creditors or standing up for you in court.
- Comfort with complex cases. Not every bankruptcy filing is straightforward. We have the experience to handle complicated financial situations that other firms might shy away from.
Your home, your family, your business, and your future can all be affected by bankruptcy proceedings. At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we look at the bigger picture and bring the experience and determination needed to protect your interests.
Get a Better Understanding of Your Financial Situation
Bankruptcy can be a beneficial step, but it is a serious decision with long-lasting implications. Reach out to one of our bankruptcy attorneys at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. today to schedule a complete evaluation of your case and learn about your options.
FAQs About Bankruptcy in Michigan
Do I need to attend court hearings if I file for bankruptcy?
Yes, you will need to attend a meeting of creditors, where a trustee and any creditors present can ask you questions about your finances. Most bankruptcy cases do not require a full courtroom trial, but your attorney will let you know if any additional hearings apply to your case.
What Are the Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy?
Filing for bankruptcy offers several key benefits. It triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops creditor calls, wage garnishments, and lawsuits. It also allows you to discharge qualifying debts, giving you a fresh financial start. Depending on the chapter you file under, you may be able to keep certain assets while eliminating or restructuring your debt obligations.
How Long Does a Bankruptcy Case Take?
The timeline varies depending on which chapter you file under. A Chapter 7 case typically takes three to six months from filing to discharge. A Chapter 13 case, which involves a repayment plan, generally takes three to five years to complete. The complexity of your case and court scheduling can also affect the overall timeline.
What Happens After My Bankruptcy Case Is Over?
Once your case is closed, eligible debts are discharged, meaning you are no longer legally required to repay them. You will receive a discharge order from the court confirming this. From that point, you can begin rebuilding your credit by making on-time payments, opening a secured credit card, and managing your finances responsibly. Many people find that their financial situation improves significantly within one to two years after discharge.
Talk To An Experienced & Aggressive Lawyer Today.
We offer a free initial consultation so you will get an opportunity to meet us, and we will have an opportunity to learn more about your legal issue.
Free Consultation with an Experienced & Aggressive Macomb County Lawyer
Our consultations offer an opportunity for you to meet our team and discuss your legal issues.
Hear From Our Clients
Going through a divorce is never easy, but working with Vince Manzella and his paralegal, Donna, has made all the difference. Vince is a man of absolute integrity who will always give you his honest legal point of view, which I deeply appreciated. From start to finish, they have been an incredible team—professional, highly knowledgeable, and deeply supportive. My divorce process began in 2024 and has been ongoing, but Vince and Donna have remained steady, reliable guides every step of…
Adrianna and the whole Lucido and Manzella family of Lawyers are awesome. Adrianna did such a great job with my complicated case. Adrianna helped me out with everything through the long process. Thanks again Adrianna for helping me with my case . I will always use Lucido and Manzella Law in the future if I need too.
I would like to take the time today, on my baby's 1st birthday, and say that I am truly thankful for Vincenzo (Vince) Manzella with Lucido & Manzella P.C. having achieved satisfying results in my delicate child paternity/custody case. As demanding of a client as I am, I was pleased with his performance and guidance. Thanks to all who assisted and wholeheartedly give my recommendation to all those seeking outstanding representation. I am forever grateful.
Vince is great to work with. I’d highly recommend him to anyone needing representation for divorce/custody.
I am so lucky I was referred to Vince. He helped me keep a PPO in place. The situation was very stressful and scary for me, but I always felt comfortable and confident with him representing me. I will definitely refer him to other in the future. I wish I would have had him for my actual divorce. He is EXCELLENT.
"Angelo took great care of my husband and I would recommend this office to anyone in need of attorney closed our case almost immediately. Great staff."
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"The best lawyers in town hands down."
"I used Mr. Manzella for several issues with my ex over the last few years. He always knows how to handle the issues so that I get the results I deserve."
"Vince Manzella and his firm have represented me for several years with extensive family/probate court issues. Vince is aggressive, professional and on point at all times. He stands out as one of the hardest working and involved lawyers I have ever retained and I can truly say, I will never go anywhere else for legal service. I trust this firm fully as they have proven time after time that they got my back and won't ever let me or my…
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"Mr. Manzella was great during my divorce. He got me through the hardest time in my life and did more for me than I thought was possible. His professionalism is exceptional & is matched by his confidence. The emotional support I received was invaluable. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer."
"Hired Manzella recently for some family issues and he did an amazing job working through things. He explained things through every step and never made unrealistic promises. This is the guy you want to see in Macomb County!"
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"Vince and his firm have been my family's attorney for over 10 years, They do a great job, When they say they will do something, they do it! And they get the job done. Very Trustworthy & have the highest of integrity! His entire staff is excellent! You won't go wrong with using Lucido & Manzella believe me!"
"Vince is a great lawyer who fought for me. His office and staff went the extra mile to help with my case. Thank you Lucido & Manzella!"
"I was contacted the same day. Me. Lou Corey was professional and I believe he directed me in the right direction."
"Personal Injury Attorney- I called looking for an attorney to handle my injury and received feedback immediately."
"When it comes to getting a law firm that you feel comfortable with, Lucido and Manzella have my trust. They were very prompt and forthright. They listen in detail to your concerns and give knowledgeable responses to your concerns. Their firm is well respected in southeastern Michigan. You will get treated with honest answers and feel very dignified by using their team."
"Working in the legal field can be rather challenging at times. Needless to say, having a firm grasp on the law and knowing how to apply it to ones case can mean all the difference between winning your war or getting less than you deserve. Having had the pleasure of working with this firm in both a personal and professional capacity, I would have to say that this firm goes out of its way to accommodate its clients no matter…
"Very personable, got a next day appointment and they went right to work for me! Would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal services."
"I have used the firm for my divorce. Each time I met with Vince through the process he was very helpful and understanding. Having to go through something like this was not fun but I felt a lot better knowing that I had him on my side."
"I highly recommend Vince he helped my son out. He was there every step of the way, kept every promise, and was honest about the situation. He answered any questions we had and ensured us the best outcome. If you're looking for a great lawyer you don’t have to look any further. I would recommend Vince to anyone."
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