Michigan Bankruptcy
Guide to Law & Courts
  How to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 with a Michigan bankruptcy lawyer.

Michigan Bankruptcy Exemptions:

State statutes list specific property which is exempt from seizure in Michigan bankruptcy cases. In 16 states, residents are allowed to select either state or federal exemptions provided by 11 U.S.C. 522. In all other states and jurisdictions, debtors are limited to state exemptions only.

11 U.S.C. §522 allows an individual debtor may exempt from property of the estate "(A) any property that is exempt under Federal law, other than subsection (d) of this section, or State or local law that is applicable on the date of the filing of the petition at the place in which the debtor's domicile has been located for the 180 days immediately preceding the date of the filing of the petition, or for a longer portion of such 180-day period than in any other place; and (B) any interest in property in which the debtor had, immediately before the commencement of the case, an interest as a tenant by the entirety or joint tenant to the extent that such interest as a tenant by the entirety or joint tenant is exempt from process under applicable nonbankruptcy law."

NOTICE OF AMENDED FORMS AND AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS TO DOLLAR AMOUNTS: On April 1, 2004, automatic adjustments to the dollar amounts stated in various provisions of the Code will become effective in Michigan Bankruptcy Courts. The new dollar amounts will apply to cases filed after the effective date. These amended dollar amounts will affect the eligibility of a debtor to file under Chapter 13 of the Code, certain maximum values of property that a debtor may claim as exempt, the maximum amount of certain claims entitled to priority, the minimum aggregate value of claims needed to commence an involuntary petition, and the value of luxury foods and services deemed to be nondischargeable. The Michigan Bankruptcy Courts will adopt new forms to incorporate these changes beginning April 1, 2004.

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