Chapter 7 guidance across all 34 counties

One district, two statutory divisions, three bankruptcy court locations

28 U.S.C. § 102 creates the Eastern District’s Southern Division (13 counties) and Northern Division (21 counties). For practical bankruptcy court service, the court directory groups those counties under Detroit (7), Flint (6) and Bay City (21). These three service locations are not three statutory divisions. Federal district-court jury and civil-assignment groupings are different again.

Lansing and Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties are in the Western District, not this 34-county service-area list. A nearby city name or postal address does not decide venue; give counsel the actual facts.

Detroit bankruptcy court service area — 7 counties

Southern statutory division. Courthouse: 211 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226. This is not the law firm’s address or an automatic 341 meeting location.

Flint bankruptcy court service area — 6 counties

Southern statutory division. Courthouse: 226 West Second Street, Flint, MI 48502. This is not the law firm’s address or an automatic 341 meeting location.

Bay City bankruptcy court service area — 21 counties

Northern statutory division. Courthouse: 111 First Street, Bay City, MI 48708. This is not the law firm’s address or an automatic 341 meeting location.

Where is my 341 meeting?

Chapter 7, 12 and 13 cases filed on or after September 1, 2023 generally use video meetings under the official district policy, subject to exceptions. For Chapter 7 in-person alternatives, the official table groups Detroit: 9 counties (its seven court-service counties plus St. Clair and Sanilac), Flint: 4 counties (Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston and Shiawassee), and Bay City: 21 counties. St. Clair and Sanilac therefore have Flint court-service coverage but a Detroit alternate meeting group.

An alternate physical meeting location is determined for the case; follow the official notice and counsel’s instructions rather than assuming any courthouse or office address. The Zoom policy does not promise remote treatment of every hearing. Do not publish or email meeting credentials or identity documents.

Serving your county without claiming a local office

Wendy Turner Lewis has over 25 years in private practice and leads a woman-led practice. The firm’s office is at 444 W. Willis Street in Detroit. Residents throughout the district can discuss whether Chapter 7 is suitable by phone; much preparation can use secure encrypted upload through the secure upload form. The website does not collect questionnaire answers; use the fillable PDFs and secure upload form. Actual case requirements and notices control.

Never email SSNs or ID photos. Gather records using the document checklist, review client questionnaires, and book a free consultation or call 313.832.5555.

Explore 21 local preparation guides

These guides combine established Southeast Michigan coverage with population-informed markets and regional access points. They are not a ranking of the district’s largest cities. County seats and community names are informational; venue requires an individual review.