Areas of Law

Bankruptcy

If you are having financial troubles, you may be considering consulting a bankruptcy attorney. The process can be complicated, and you need an experienced legal professional on your side who will help you make informed decisions as you navigate your options in bankruptcy. Detroit based law firm, Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC, can help you. Our firm represents individuals with filing for consumer bankruptcy in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Please call for a FREE CONSULTATION: (313) 596-9500 or (855) DEBT-BAD

Types of Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Code is divided into chapters. The chapters which usually apply to consumer debtors are chapter 7, known as a Liquidation, and chapter 13, known as an Adjustment of the Debts of an Individual with Regular Income. An important feature applicable to all types of bankruptcy filings is the automatic stay. The automatic stay means that the mere request for bankruptcy protection automatically "stays" or forces an abrupt halt to repossessions, foreclosures, evictions, garnishments, attachments, utility shutoffs, and debt collection harassment. It offers debtors a breathing spell by giving the debtor and the trustee assigned to the case time to review the situation and develop an appropriate plan. Creditors cannot take any further action against the debtor or the property without permission from the bankruptcy court.

Chapter 7 – “Fresh Start”

In a chapter 7, or liquidation case, the bankruptcy court appoints a trustee to examine the debtor's assets and divide them into exempt and nonexempt property. Exempt property is limited to a certain amount of equity in the debtor's residence, motor vehicle, household goods, life insurance, health aids, specified future earnings such as social security benefits and alimony, and certain other personal property. The trustee may then sell the nonexempt property and distribute the proceeds among the unsecured creditors. Although a liquidation case can rarely help with secured debt (the secured creditor still has the right to repossess the collateral), the debtor will be discharged from the legal obligation to pay unsecured debts such as credit card debts, medical bills and utility arrearages. However, certain types of unsecured debt are allowed special treatment and cannot be discharged. These include some student loans, alimony, child support, criminal fines, and some taxes.

Chapter 13 – Repayment Plan

In a chapter 13 case, the debtor puts forward a plan, following the rules set forth in the bankruptcy laws, to repay all creditors over a period of time, usually from future income. A chapter 13 case may be advantageous in that the debtor is allowed to get caught up on mortgages or car loans without the threat of foreclosure or repossession and is allowed to keep both exempt and nonexempt property. The debtor's plan is a simple document outlining to the bankruptcy court how the debtor proposes to pay current expenses while paying off all the old debt balances. The debtor's property is protected from seizure from creditors, including mortgage and other lien holders, as long as the proposed payments are made. The plan generally requires monthly payments to the bankruptcy trustee over period of three to five years. Arrangements can be made to have these payments made automatically through payroll deductions.

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Veterans Advocacy

Veterans are entitled to fair treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Unfortunately, the reality is that the Board of Veterans Appeals (“BVA”) makes mistakes. The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (“CAVC”) was created so Veterans like you may have the BVA’s decision reviewed. Statistically, approximately one-third of appeals are dismissed due to legal technicalities. It is important that you have the benefit of an attorney to navigate this appeal process for you.

Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC is a boutique law firm in Detroit, Michigan focusing its practice on the needs of Veterans, especially in the area of Veteran’s Claims Appeals. The lawyers of Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC are admitted to practice law in the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and may represent anyone with a Veteran’s Claims Appeal regardless of where he or she may live.

The United States government may pay for the legal costs of Veteran’s Claims Appeals under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”). Most Veterans qualify, as EAJA will pay for a Veteran’s legal representation at the CAVC if the Veteran has a net worth less than two million dollars.

We would be honored to assist you, a United States Veteran, in your appeal process. Please be aware that we cannot provide any legal advice until you have signed a retainer agreement naming Bonner Di Salvo PLLC as your counsel. Please call us at (313) 596-9500 or (888) 4VET-LAW, ((888) 483-8529), to begin the process of retaining Bonner Di Salvo PLLC as your legal representatives in your appeal, or any other legal issue you may have.

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Insurance Claims

You purchased an insurance claim for protection from the worst case scenario. Far too many people learn the hard way that insurance companies will go to great lengths to delay and deny insurance claims. With the assistance of high-priced law firms, insurance companies often find a way to avoid payment on claims. Their tactics may include neglecting to perform a thorough investigation, delaying payment or denying a claim without reasonable cause.

Our litigation attorneys at Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC handle insurance claim disputes, and have a strong record of getting positive results for our clients. In the complicated world of insurance claims, you need a qualified and experienced legal team with a thorough knowledge of the complexities of insurance law in your corner. We handle mediation and litigation for a variety of bad faith claims against insurance companies, including:

• Auto Claims
• Life Insurance Claims
• Medical Claims
• Property Claims

Regardless of the type of insurance involved in your dispute, you can rest assured that Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC will aggressively fight to protect your rights. Our commitment to you is to go the extra mile and get the best outcome for your case. We take that pledge very seriously.

For more information, or a free consultation, please call Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC today.

(313) 596-9500

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Civil Litigation

Whether you are initiating a lawsuit, or you have been sued, Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC is fully equipped to handle all of your legal needs. We have an experienced team of top-flight attorneys, and a professional and discreet legal staff to accommodate your needs. No matter what the issues are that led to the lawsuit, you can be sure to receive personal attention from our attorneys and support staff.
We would be honored to represent you. Please call Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC for a free consultation.

(313) 596-9500

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International Business

Coming Soon

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Estate Planning

Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest events in your life. Needing to dedicate hours upon hours to settle your loved one’s estate can extend the mourning process and exacerbate the stress you are already experiencing. Trying to navigate through this process can be an extremely overwhelming. Having an experienced, compassionate Estates and Trusts attorney handle this process for you can be invaluable.
Our Estates and Trusts staff is well-versed in the latest Michigan probate law and procedure. Please call Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC for a free consultation.

(313) 596-9500

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Criminal Law

Under the United States Constitution, everyone is guaranteed the right to a fair trial, and presumption of innocence until proven guilty. If you are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer. At Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC, our criminal defense staff is prepared to represent you in a thorough and professional manner, and to handle every detail of your case.

Call Bonner Di Salvo, PLLC for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney today.

(313) 596-9500

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