Asked in Bankruptcy for Michigan

Q: Got layed off March 19, 2020. On March 20, a debt collector took all the money from bank account, I have no money left.

The money that was in my account was to file bankruptcy, all the courthouses are closed to the public due to the Coronavirus. Everything I had was in my account, now I have no money for rent, food, my car. Is there any way to fight this during a national emergency?

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5 Lawyer Answers

A: You can still file a bankruptcy. Bankruptcy courts are still operating electronically.

Andrew M Steiger agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

A: If the money taken was more than $600, you can get that back in a bankruptcy case if you file within 90 days. It's called a preferential transfer, and it can be recovered in the bankruptcy case. For more information, consult with a bankruptcy attorney in your area.

Andrew M Steiger agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

A: The bankruptcy courts are not closed for case filings.

You might find an attorney who will file with no money down, or you can file yourself. You can apply for a waiver of the filing fee.

1 user found this answer helpful

A: There is also the possibility to have the fee either waived or paid in installments, especially if part or all of the garnished bank account will come back to the bankruptcy estate. There are attorneys who will start a bankruptcy filing for a low down payment.

1 user found this answer helpful

A: You can file bankruptcy during the covid-19 emergency.

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