Top Bankruptcy & Debt Lawyers in Grand Rapids | 14 available

The financial crisis of the past few years has unleashed a staggering number of bankruptcies and foreclosures nationwide, and unfortunately Michigan seems to have been at the center of the storm. Families and small businesses all over West Michigan have been hurt, and that is where Jeffrey Mapes steps in.. An experienced bankruptcy attorney and founder of Mapes Debt solutions, he is on a mission to help turn peoples financial situations from hopeless to hopeful. This mission is especially difficult given that places like Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing have been devastated by foreclosures and job losses. Amid the storm, Jeff offers hope and real relief to people struggling, helping them to avoid losses and help themselves into a better financial future.. "I understand and empathize with my clients because I've been through tough times. I opened my own office five years ago without any staff, without any clients, and without any money. I had just gotten married and I didn't know if I would even make enough money at my new office to pay next month's rent. I know how the fear can paralyze people and cloud their judgment, that is why I love being able to step in, offer advice and help people keep their home, their money, and their sanity.". Jeffrey's vision is formed by his own financially precarious childhood in Grand Rapids. "I grew up the poor kid of a single mother who worked two full time jobs in order to put food on the table. We never had much, and I saw the toll the stress took on my mother," he recalls "I remember learning early on that if I wanted anything I had to earn it, my sister and I had to get jobs to help make ends meet. I knew when I grew up I wanted a career that would allow me to provide for my family, and help others provide for theirs.". That desire led Jeffrey to Kalamazoo College where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in History, followed by a Juris Doctorate degree with Honors from Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing. The combination of a liberal arts education which stressed the importance of thought, and the business like legal education has helped Jeffrey to fulfill her personal and professional goals. "Kalamazoo College instilled a love of learning in me, this love has made me one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in Grand Rapids, Lansing, or Kalamazoo because I never stop learning and never stop asking questions.". Jeffrey's experience and expertise in consumer bankruptcy – specifically chapters 7 and 13 – makes all the difference. "Our firm has shown time and time again that our dedication to the client does not end when their case does. Our job isn't done until we have done everything possible to help clients lead a financially successful life," he explains. "I love seeing my clients, but I know I am most successful if I never need to see them again. If my clients exit bankruptcy with a better understanding of their finances, what mistakes they made, and how they can avoid them, then they will be set for a bright future." In fact Mapes Debt solutions requires all clients to undergo credit counseling and financial education courses. "It makes no sense if our clients leave without knowing how to properly budget, or why a high interest rate is a terrible idea. Even if our clients have questions about budgeting several years after the fact, we will meet with them and go over their budget with them for free, to see how we can help them.. Being a busy bankruptcy lawyer in the worst recession in decades doesn't leave a lot of free time, but Jeffrey makes sure that he is not so busy making a living that he forgets to make a life. Jeffrey's hectic schedule doesn't prevent him from engaging in his eclectic and versatile hobbies including golfing, playing guitar, pistol shooting, and cooking. "I love my job, but on August 17, 2012 I got the best job in the world when I became a father. Hiring my new associate attorney Elizabeth has allowed me to take more time and spend it with my son Isaac and wife Katherine. I think being a father and husband makes me a better attorney because no matter how stressed I am, coming home to a family that loves me allows me to start each day clear of mind and focused."

The decision to file for Bankruptcy is difficult for many people.  The process can be emotional and overwhelming. I started doing bankruptcy work because it feels good to help people.  While I have worked in many area's of law over the past 27 years, I can honestly say that bankruptcy work is the most satisfying legal work I have done, because people are genuinely happy after they complete the process and receive their discharge.  It's as if a huge weight has been lifted off their shoulders and I helped them to get that relief.. I also believe it is important that you choose an attorney with empathy and one that you like as a person.  It makes things so much easier if you know that your attorney cares about you, that he or she will personally take your calls, or answer your emails, instead of treating you like just another filing.  I believe in providing my clients with professional and personal service at a fair price.  I worked by may through College and Law School waiting tables, cooking and tending bar.  I am no different than my clients, I just happen to have a law degree and that allows me to help them get a new lease on life.

Ryan F. Beach earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his juris doctorate from Wayne State University.  Ryan Beach is board certified in consumer bankruptcy law and has represented hundreds of individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.. Ryan F. Beach currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Sarah Sobczak Beach and their two children.. The Law Offices of Ryan F. Beach, PLLC is a small consumer bankruptcy law firm located in Grand Rapids, MI, specializing in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and debt settlement negotiation.  The Law Offices of Ryan F. Beach, PLLC serves Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and West Michigan.. The Law Offices of Ryan F. Beach, PLLC can help with the following:Foreclosure PreventionStop GarnishmentsAuto Loans/RepossessionsUtility ShutoffsCredit Cards/unsecured loansCreditor HarassmentDebt SettlementEliminate 2nd MortgageIRS & State Tax DebtFor more information please visit our website or call for a free phone or in-office consultation -.

Nicholas Laue focuses his practice on commercial disputes, receivership actions, bankruptcy litigation, and e-commerce. Nicholas also specializes in protecting, preserving, and monitoring brand identity for third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce sites. Before joining Keller & Almassian, PLC, Nicholas was a pre-hearing attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Mr. Bylenga primarily represents debtors and creditors in consumer and commercial bankruptcy matters. His practice includes filing bankruptcies petitions for consumers or small businesses, bankruptcy litigation, asset protection, creditor’s rights, commercial workouts, and business reorganizations.

I have practiced consumer debtor bankruptcy for the past 14 years and I am Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law from the American Board of Certification.  My primary areas of practice are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and representation of consumers and creditors in bankruptcy litigation matters.. I have assisted hundreds of clients with a myriad of financial issues. I not only help individuals with debt relief, but relief from wage garnishments and return of assets seized by creditors. In my Chapter 13 Practice I have helped many homeowners retain their homes, which would have otherwise been lost to foreclosure, and have assisted Small Business owbers reorganize and restructure their business and personal debts which have enable businesses owners to once again operate without the threat of closure.

I am a born and raised Grand Rapidian, active in the local community in many ways.  I have also worked in Washington DC, done family law  litigation in Maryland, and during & after law school, in Detroit and Wayne County and adjoining Counties.. I have served as President of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, my Homeowners Associations, the Polish Heritage Society and the Pulaski Days Patriotic Committee.  I have been admitted to the Michigan bar since 1980, but am also a member of the Federal Bar, through the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cinncinnati, Ohio and both the Western and Eastern Divisions of the United States District Courts of Michigan and the US Bankruptcy Courts. I was also elected as the Trustee of Novi Township, Michigan during law school at WSU.  I have a weekly radio show with an open "ask the lawyer" format, every SATURDAY at 11 AM of radio stations WYGR 1530 AM and 94.9 FM and on the internet streaming at .

Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, 35 years experience, specializing in debt relief for individuals, families and small businesses. Chapter 7 or 13, simple flat fee for most cases. Ask about our simple fee guarantee. Stop lawsuits, garnishment, debt collection action. Save your home or car from foreclosure or repossession. Discharge debt or consolidate. We will choose the best option for each client. Free consultation. Chapter 7 discharges most debts without payments, while chapter 13 consolidates debts into a payment plan that is based on the ability to pay rather than the amount owed. We specialize in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankrutpcy. We have offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Lansing and Big Rapids.. USADebt Bankruptcy Attorneys, or call.

Ben White practices bankruptcy law, estate planning, and litigation. He currently serves as Chair of the West Michigan Federal Bar Association's Bankruptcy Section, and also serves on the Board of the West Michigan Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. Ben was recently selected as a 2016 "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine. Ben is a native of Grand Rapids, and lives with his wife and three children in Ada (a suburb of Grand Rapids).

Attorney Mike Hanrahan was born and raised in a small town in Western New York. He attended St. Bonaventure University where he obtained his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance, Accounting, and Economics. During his time at St. Bonaventure, Mike was actively involved in University activities, including a starting role on the University's nationally-recognized, Division 1 rugby team.. Mike moved to Grand Rapids to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2010 where he was a consistent member of the Dean's List and Honor Roll. Mike served as a Teaching and Research Assistant to Prof. Victoria Vuletich in her ethics class at Cooley Law. Mike graduated Cooley Law cum laude and passed the Bar on his first attempt in early 2013.. After obtaining an associate attorney position following a successful internship at the law firm of Chase & Bylenga, PLLC, Mike decided to make West Michigan his home. He has since returned to the classroom to refine his expertise in the area of Tax Law by pursuing a Master's of Law degree in Taxation which he finished in May of 2015. To add to his professional resume, Mike is also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson.. When Mike isn't working, he is an avid outdoorsman, an experienced skier, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Feel free to contact Mike or any of the experienced attorneys in the law firm of Chase & Bylenga for knowledgeable and informative answers to your legal questions related to Bankruptcy, Tax, and Business matters.

Attorney John Dodson has been practicing law for over 15 years.  He has handled thousands of cases throughout West Michigan.  Mr. Dodson is a United States military veteran, having served in the US Navy and US Navy Reserves from 1987 through 1995.  He graduated with honors from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana in 1996 with a BA, then Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan in December 2000 with a Juris Doctorate. Attorney Dodson has professional associations with the Debtor’s Bar Association of Western Michigan, the Federal Bar Association and the Grand Rapids Bar Association.