Peter lost his factory job during a company downsizing, and though he eventually found work, it was part-time and paid far less. Maria worked as a receptionist at a local clinic, but her income alone couldn’t cover all the bills. Then came medical expenses for Austin, who required surgery after a sports injury to his kidneys, and soon, their credit cards were maxed out. The calls from creditors became relentless, and their savings dwindled to nothing. Foreclosure notices started appearing in the mail.

Peter lost his factory job during a company downsizing, and though he eventually found work, it was part-time and paid far less. Maria worked as a receptionist at a local clinic, but her income alone couldn’t cover all the bills. Then came medical expenses for Austin, who required surgery after a sports injury to his kidneys, and soon, their credit cards were maxed out. The calls from creditors became relentless, and their savings dwindled to nothing. Foreclosure notices started appearing in the mail.

One evening, the family sat together at the kitchen table, sorting through stacks of bills. Their financial situation felt like quicksand, and they knew something had to change. Peter brought up the idea of filing for bankruptcy.

“It could give us a fresh start,” he said, though the words felt heavy. “But I’m not sure which type to file: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. And do we even need a lawyer? Lawyers are expensive.”

Maria looked skeptical. “But can we handle this on our own? What if we mess up the paperwork?”

The kids were quiet, sensing the seriousness of the conversation.

Over the next few days, Peter and Maria researched their options. They learned that Chapter 7 bankruptcy could wipe out most unsecured debts, like credit card balances and medical bills, and it was a quicker process. However, they risked losing their home and some other assets, since Chapter 7 might require selling certain belongings to pay creditors. Chapter 13, on the other hand, would allow them to keep their home and set up a repayment plan over three to five years, but they’d need a steady income to make it work.

The choice wasn’t easy. Chapter 7 seemed like a clean slate, but giving up their home was unthinkable. Chapter 13 offered a way to keep their house, but the thought of being tied to a repayment plan was daunting.

Then there was the question of hiring a lawyer. The family saw pros and cons there, too. A bankruptcy attorney could ensure they filed everything correctly, which would reduce the risk of their case being dismissed. An attorney could also help them navigate complicated Michigan laws and make sure they didn’t overlook anything. On the downside, hiring a lawyer meant adding more expenses to their already tight budget.

Peter thought about handling the process himself. “We can save money by filing on our own,” he said.

Maria disagreed. “But what if we make a mistake? Bankruptcy laws are complicated, and this is too important to get wrong.”

Ultimately, they decided to consult a local bankruptcy attorney for an initial meeting, which was free. The attorney, a kind yet professional woman listened carefully as Peter and Maria explained their situation. She laid out the advantages of Chapter 13, given their desire to keep their home, and explained how she could help set up a repayment plan that was fair and manageable.

The attorney also told them about Michigan-specific laws that could work in their favor. She reassured them that while the process would take time and commitment, filing Chapter 13 with her guidance would give them the breathing room they desperately needed.

Maria looked at Peter as they left the office. “I think we should do it. Chapter 13 feels like the best way to keep our home. And with Ms. Palmer’s help, we won’t have to face this alone.”

Peter nodded. “I agree. It’s worth the cost to make sure we do this right.”

With their decision made, the Brooks family filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy with the attorney’s help.

Over the following months, life wasn’t easy, but they felt a sense of relief knowing they had a plan. Their debts were reorganized, and they kept their home. Slowly, they began to rebuild their financial stability.

In the end, their choice to hire an attorney and file for Chapter 13 wasn’t just about saving their home—it was about reclaiming hope for their family’s future. And for the first time in what felt like years, that hope felt within reach.