Michigan Bankruptcy Courts:

The Michigan Bankruptcy System is divided into 2 federal districts. Each of these districts are subdivided into divisions which serve specific counties. For division specific information, see:

• Eastern District
• Western District

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the 2003 national rate of filing personal bankruptcy was one in every 79.1 households (1.27%). At this rate, over the next 30 years, 38% of all U.S. households will be liquidated by the federal court system. In Michigan, the rate is one in every 82.9 households which ranks as the 22nd highest in the country.

Broad sweeping reform bills have flourished in the U.S. Congress since 1994. With few exceptions, most "Abuse Prevention" schemes have been proposed by lobbies representing commercial lenders, banks, and financial institutions. In general, most proposed amendments reduce or eliminate the availability of discharge for individuals, while creating new creditor rights.

Michigan Bankruptcy Practices - Local Rules:

Each Division maintainsMichigan bankruptcy local rules of court. Many local rules are standardized across the county and provide further clarification and instructions for administrative responsibilities of attorneys. By way of example, instructions on filing additional declarations and required data are not included within the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, but are however routinely published by the Clerk of the Court along with Michigan bankruptcy records. Local rules also may include unique location specific instructions applicable only to a particular district or division. All debtors filingpro se must also follow local rules regardless of actual notice. A violation of local rules may result in dismissal. Copies of local rules are available from the Clerk of the Court for each Michigan Bankruptcy Division. Courts may also offer a glossary ofMichigan bankruptcy terms that provide definitions of common words and phrases. See also:Sitemap.