Michigan Bankruptcy
The following page provides Michigan bankruptcy information and resources.
If you are not looking for information regarding Michigan, please use the links on the right to find information for your state.
- Courts - Location and Contact Information
- Bankruptcy Laws
- Approved Credit Counseling/Debtor Education Agencies
- Michigan Attorneys
- Other Bankruptcy Michigan Resources
Bankruptcy Courts - Location & Contact Information
Michigan bankruptcy courts are divided into two districts, which are further divided into several divisions. Generally, the debtor’s county of residence will determine which district and division the bankruptcy petition is filed. It may also be determined by the location of the debtor’s principal place of business or principal assets.
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
Counties of Jurisdiction:
Bay City Division - Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Cheboygan, Clare,
Crawford, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Midland,
Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw
and Tuscola Counties
Detroit Division -
Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Sanilac, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties
Flint Division -
Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston and Shiawassee Counties
| DIVISION | STREET ADDRESS | MAILING ADDRESS | TELEPHONE |
| Bay City Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 111 First Street Bay City, MI 48708 |
Same | (989) 894-8840 |
| Detroit Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 211 West Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226 |
Same | (313) 234-0065 |
| Flint Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 226 West Second Street Flint, MI 48502 |
Same |
(810)235-4126 |
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
Counties of Jurisdiction:
Grand Rapids Division - Counties located in the Lower Peninsula
Marquette Division - Counties located in the Upper Peninsula
| DIVISION | STREET ADDRESS | MAILING ADDRESS | TELEPHONE |
| Grand Rapids Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Gerald R. Ford Federal Bldg. 110 Michigan, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court PO Box 3310 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 |
(616) 456-2693 |
| Marquette Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court U.S. Post Office 202 West Washington St. 3rd Floor Marquette, MI 49855 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court PO Box 909 Marquette, MI 49855 |
(906) 226-2117 |
Michigan Bankruptcy Laws and Exemptions
The
U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows individual debtors to exempt certain
property from creditor claims based on exemptions under either federal
law or state law. Exemptions vary from state to state. Some states have
adopted their own set of bankruptcy exemptions that are used in place
of the federal exemptions. However, other states give debtors an option
to choose between either state or federal exemptions.
Michigan bankruptcy law allows residents to exempt property using either federal exemptions or state exemptions.
Contact a Michigan bankruptcy lawyer for more information regarding Michigan bankruptcy exemptions.
Michigan Means Test
The new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 also require that debtors pass a means test before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are two ways to pass the means test:
1. the debtor's annual income (calculated using the average gross income for the six month period prior to filing) must be below the state median.
Census Bureau statistics for state median income by family size can be found here.2. If income exceeds the median income, individuals may still file Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on results of
Form 22A: Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means-Test Calculation .Michigan Credit Counseling & Debtor Education Agencies
Pursuant to the new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005, individuals who file personal bankruptcy (with limited exceptions) in Michigan must:
1. take a credit counseling course from an approved Michigan credit counseling provider within six months before filing bankruptcy; and
2. complete a debtor education course from an approved Michigan debtor education agency prior to receiving a bankruptcy discharge.
Michigan Personal Bankruptcy Attorneys
To find bankruptcy attorneys in your area, you may want to contact your local county bar association or the State Bar of Michigan:
State Bar of Michigan
Michael Franck Building
306 Townsend Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933-2012
(517) 346-6300
Toll Free (800) 968-1442
Based on income, free bankruptcy advice and representation may also be obtained from the following organizations: See the State Bar of Michigan Legal Aid page for a list of organizations that provide legal services to low income clients in Michigan.
If you are concerned about the representation provided to you by a Michigan bankruptcy attorney, contact the Attorney Grievance Commission for the State of Michigan.
Return to Top
Resources for Michigan Bankruptcy Laws
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - administrative and procedural information for Eastern District of Michigan bankruptcy filings
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan - administrative and procedural information for Western District of Michigan bankruptcy filings
Office of the U.S. Trustee for Region 9 - oversees the administration of Michigan personal bankruptcy cases and case trustees
State Bar of Michigan - information about the Michigan bar, membership, ethics, continuing legal education, and resources for the public.
