News: New bankruptcy law took effect OCTOBER 17, 2005 - read Detroit News Article from March 11, 2005 for more information.

Clients being sued or pay being garnished - if you want Mr. Dodd to represent you, please click here for the information sheets we will need you to fill out and fax to us so we can negotiate with creditors for you.

HOW TO FILE FOR CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY - or click on "Bankruptcy Checklist" at left

Gregory L. Dodd represents debtors in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cases in the Eastern District of Michigan. The information below has been updated for the new bankruptcy law effective October 17, 2005.

If you're not sure you want to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, only complete step 1. Mr. Dodd will need the completed information sheets and pay stubs to perform the Means Testing to see if you qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

STEP 1: Get client intake information sheets at the link below in Adobe .pdf format (26 pages; 258 kbs).

 CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW CLIENT INFORMATION SHEETS - for representation in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or other debt collection cases - updated for the new bankruptcy law effective October 17, 2005. You don't need to fill out the part listing your debts - we will get that information from the credit report (see Step 2). Only list debts that are not listed on the credit report. Deliver the completed information sheets to Mr. Dodd at least two business days before your appointment (faxes are strongly disfavored because they are frequently incomplete and/or illegible). Also send your two most recent federal tax returns and your most recent six months of pay stubs along with the information sheets to Mr. Dodd.

STEP 2: Get your credit report from Mr. Dodd's office. We will access your complete 3-bureau credit report at a cost to you of $28.00 ($48.00 for joint cases). This credit report is required if you want to file bankruptcy with this office.

For your own information, you may want to get a credit reports from any one of the three major credit reporting agencies:

• Trans Union at 1-800-916-8800
• Equifax at 1-800-685-1111
• Experian at 1-888-397-3742

You may also go to the Ypsilanti Credit Bureau at 25 South Huron (near Ypsilanti City Hall) or call them at (734) 483-1130. They may charge $30.00. However, this report will only contain information from one national credit reporting agency.

Mr. Dodd can access information about prior bankruptcies from our office using the Court's PACER system. Mr. Dodd will file your petition electronically from our office; usually within hours you will have a case number that will put a stop to any garnishment or lawsuits that are currently pending against you.

STEP 3: Get credit counseling. Under the 2005 bankruptcy law you must have a certificate that you have completed credit counseling with an approved credit counselor before you can file bankruptcy. GreenPath Debt Solutions is usually used by clients of this office. It can be done by telephone or on the internet.

STEP 4: Come in for your appointment. Mr. Dodd will advise you as to whether you can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and what is likely to happen if you do.

Click below to see a YouTube video about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Click here to read the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.

Send mail to Gregory L. Dodd with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright 2004 Gregory L. Dodd, Attorney at Law
Last modified: 05/30/08