Top best Bankruptcy Lawyers Near me in ZIP 49503

Todd Almassian focuses his practice in the areas of Consumer and Commercial Bankruptcy Law and was selected by his peers and named the Best Lawyers’ 2016 Grand Rapids Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law “Lawyer of the Year.”  Todd represents debtors and creditors in consumer and commercial bankruptcy matters including Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings.  Todd has served as an expert witness for plaintiffs and defendants in various insolvency matters and bankruptcy cases.

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."

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.

James R. Oppenhuizen is an experienced business and insolvency attorney in Grand Rapids.  The Oppenhuizen Law Firm, PLC is business focused and results driven.  Mr. Oppenhuizen believes that entrepreneurs and business people are the catalysts for economic growth, build and sustain stable communities, and provide opportunity to huge numbers of people.  Business people who pursue long term profits through providing needed and beneficial services to their communities are the backbone of any community.  Mr. Oppenhuizen is dedicated to helping those business people thrive, through building long lasting relationships directed toward growth and profit.. Mr. Oppenhuizen also has a strong background in insolvency and restructuring matters.  Such experience can provide a springboard to success for a business that has experienced missteps, but has learned and is ready to enter the road to success.  Creativity is the most important skill a bankruptcy attorney must have to be successful.  The same is true in business, and Mr. Oppenhuizen will put his creativity to work for your business in dealing with any issue that arises.

James M. Keller focuses his practice in the areas of Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Commercial Transactions. A native of Grand Rapids, Jim has been a partner with the firm since 1986.. Jim is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received his law degree from the Wayne State University Law School in Detroit in 1984. He is admitted to practice in all of Michigan's state courts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Michigan.. Jim is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Western Michigan; the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the State of Michigan Bar Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.. In 2007, Jim became certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by The American Board of Certification.

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 .

Greg J. Ekdahl, a partner with the firm, focuses his practice in the areas of Consumer and Commercial Bankruptcy Law. Greg represents debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 proceedings and has been featured as a speaker and lecturer regarding consumer bankruptcy.Greg is a graduate of Carleton College and received his law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude . He is admitted to practice in the Michigan state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.. While in law school he served as a Senior Editor for the Law Review of Michigan State University College of Law and is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Daniel B. Hess, JR. was raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Daniel went on to attend Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1992. Daniel then attended California Western School of Law, where he graduated in 1995.. While obtaining his law degree, Daniel interned at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office where he gained a tremendous amount of experience working within the criminal justice system. Daniel was admitted to the California Bar in 1997.. In 1999, Daniel accepted a position at Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC along side his Father, the late Daniel B. Hess, Sr., and his Uncle, the late John H. Hess. Daniel was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2000.. While with Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC. , Daniel’s main areas of practice were bankruptcy law, criminal law and family law with a primary focus on protecting men’s rights through the firms affiliation with the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM).. With the emergence of Gordon & Hess, PLC, Daniel now continues to seek justice for men and woman alike in both the family and criminal court systems and to carry on the legal family tradition of his late Father and Uncle. Daniel is a strong and savvy advocate and has obtained a significant amount of courtroom experience in his areas of practice.

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.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.