Plan your next step

How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in Michigan?

Explore an income comparison, understand the known fees and see the typical path forward. These tools do not decide eligibility or replace advice.

Am I eligible? Start with an income comparison

This local-only quiz compares an estimate with the verified Michigan median table. It does not evaluate exemptions, debts, prior cases, means-test deductions, exceptions or overall suitability.

Use income that belongs in the legal calculation, not merely take-home pay. Social Security Act benefits are excluded from current monthly income; household size, spousal income and other adjustments need review. Do not enter account numbers or identifying details.

Book a free consultation to review eligibility →

Michigan annual median

HouseholdMedian
1 person$67,352
2 people$83,432
3 people$103,449
4 people$123,010

Add $11,100 for each household member over four. Table for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026; rechecked Nov 8, 2026. The official means-testing index currently lists this period; do not assume a new table exists just because November has arrived.

Source: U.S. Trustee Program, Median Family Income (cases filed on or after July 15, 2026) · U.S. Trustee Program, Means Testing · 11 U.S.C. § 101 · 11 U.S.C. § 707

What should I budget?

Chapter 7 attorney fee: $1,300. Reaffirmation agreement hearings are included in the $1,300 attorney fee. Payment plans available on the attorney fee. In Chapter 7, the attorney fee is generally paid before the case is filed, so plans are arranged before filing. The $338 court filing fee is paid separately. The $1,300 does not include credit counseling or debtor-education course fees or services, or adversary proceedings. The attorney and court fees total $1,638 before excluded items. The written engagement agreement confirms scope and any additional charges.

No course price is assumed. Enter only a quote you obtain from an approved provider; blank means unknown, not free. Course services and adversary proceedings are not covered by the attorney fee. Other agreed charges are not calculated.

Known attorney and court fees: $1,638. Reaffirmation agreement hearings are included in the attorney fee. Course fees and any other agreed charges are additional.

Payment plans available on attorney fees, arranged before filing; Chapter 7 attorney fees are generally paid before filing. Individuals may request court permission for up to four filing-fee installments, ordinarily within 120 days (up to 180 for cause). A court-fee waiver requires income below 150% of poverty and inability to pay installments; court approval is not automatic. A waiver of the court fee does not waive the attorney fee.

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Mich., Fee Schedule · U.S. Courts, Chapter 7 – Bankruptcy Basics · U.S. Trustee Program, Approved Credit Counseling Agencies · U.S. Trustee Program, Approved Debtor Education Providers

What happens next

  1. 1
    Before filing

    Free consultation

    Discuss goals, urgent notices, income and property. Consultation alone creates no stay or representation.

  2. 2
    Before filing

    Agreement, counseling & records

    If both sides agree to representation, sign written terms. Most individual filers need approved credit counseling within 180 days before filing.

  3. 3
    Filing day

    Review, sign & file

    Review accurate documents before filing. Filing generally triggers the automatic stay, subject to exceptions and prior-case limits.

  4. 4
    Usually 21–40 days after filing

    Meeting of creditors

    Attend and answer questions under oath. Follow actual notices and secure ID/document instructions.

  5. 5
    After filing

    Education & follow-through

    Complete the approved financial-management course and respond to requests. Course-completion filing generally is due within 60 days after the first date set for the meeting, unless extended.

  6. 6
    Often 60–90 days after first meeting date

    Discharge, if eligible

    Some debts and liens survive. Timing and result vary; discharge is not a guarantee or always the end of asset administration.

Source: U.S. Courts, Chapter 7 – Bankruptcy Basics · 11 U.S.C. § 109 · Official Bankruptcy Rules — 1007(f), 4002 and 9037
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