MI bankruptcy

[Migal]

Anyone here file in MI? How did it go? Is MI particularly tough for any reason?

[UhOh]

Every case is different. If you are a simple one, it will be a breeze. If you have high income, marginally pass the Means Test, have assets, been in a business in the past couple years, foreclosed, bought crazy items (a lot of people are silly about whether they will be judged harshly on buying a $50 frying pan....pfffft they don't care at all. He cares about a $1200 Best Buy credit card purchase two weeks before filing and things like that).

Every case was questioned about their tax refund and how it was spent.

9 of 12 were 3 minutes of the same simple ten questions. a few people had the purchases and tax returns they did not identify. I was made an example of but I'm still hoping it is smooth.

In my case, daughters car, payments to relatives, high income and huge consumer debt. I stick out but hopefully legitimately answered his questions to his satisfaction.

Good luck. Read the forum. Know each case is different but the question you need to answer is whether you stick out for some reason.

[Migal]

What district were you in?

After reading some of your posts, mine is alot simpler. It's still hard not to worry though, isn't it?

Thanks for responding back. Did you think your attorney did well for you?

The 9 out of 12 you mentioned, did they have to bring anywhere near the paperwork that was required of you?

[UhOh]

Eastern - Detroit.

It is a stressful time that's for sure.

None of the others had nearly the paperwork I did. Some had thick folders; I had boxes.

I am very pleased with my attorney keeping me sane through it so far. I think in general all the attorneys just did their small Q&A and went through with no impact either way. I would not want to try it on my own!

[Allmixedup]

I, too am from the Eastern-Detroit region. I haven't filed yet..(still trying to pay lawyer off..) but I was wondering if you surrendered your home or kept it? We are giving ours up and our lawyer wanted us to be out and into a rental before they filed the papers. I was hoping to stay here as long as possible to save money, but you can't use your mortgage payment if you are not paying it...so the lawyer was saying that we should get a rental so they could use the exact rental amount. I was just wondering if anyone from MI could shed some light on this matter.......Thanks !!

[broken64]

We are Eastern also, Filed and had 341 last month awaiting discharge. I am self-employed, had some issues with our lawyer not getting all the paperwork in on time. Our case was actually discharged and closed because of it. Lawyer took care of everything after numerous phone calls from myself and DH, and like I said had 341 March 23, and we are hoping and praying no snags arise and we get through the 60 day period.

[Migal]

I think I am considered western side and would be in Grand Rapids, MI. My biggest concern today is our home. I'm filing alone, not with husband, and we're current with our mortgage. We definitely want to keep our home. Our equity is quickly declining with the MI economy. I'm also concerned about my husbands savings accounts. They are only in his name, so I'm hoping it's not a concern.

[UhOh]

Well the individual vs joint filing is certainly a challenge. I never could figure it out. On some things they said I was responsible for everything individually yet they asked for details about what my wife spent. Very odd and I can honestly say that I do not know what to make of it even now.

I would believe the lawyer that says you must be caught up on payments for your house or move to a rental so you have that expense now. I know they asked me if I was behind at all. It was going to affect what is allowable as expense.

[MichiganMan]

Western Michigan

Anyone here file in MI? How did it go? Is MI particularly tough for any reason?

Western Michigan;
Married filing myself without wife
Chap 7 no asset

Wish you well.

[steve_d]

Western District. Single, no assests, piece of cake. Very satisfied with my attorney, but he didn't really have much to do. He also does Wisconsin and said they are easier than MI.

[Mi Bankruptcy]

I was western District. Just make sure if your schedules are negative and your reaffirming you can explain to the judge on paper or in person how you intend to continue to make payments. Other than that if you are truthful and do everything that is asked you should be just fine. Don't worry about explaining to the judge.
That's a precautionary statement to keep in your mind as your listing your expenses.

[Migal]

Any attorney suggestions?

[kathy4530050]

Any attorney suggestions?

Migal, I will send you a private message with an attorney recommendation. I'm in W Michigan have a terrific attorney.

Kathy

[veryclose]

I'm Eastern, no asset, single and with the addition of my mother (I support her) I was well under the means test.

I literally was in front of the trustee for 25 seconds. Name, did I understand....do I have property....business? Then he said "thank you" and I was done. I was the 2nd one in the batch in the room, so I wasn't even able to see what a detailed Q&A was like.