Kerry D. Hettinger

Chapter 13 is a powerful way to deal with even the most frustrating forms of debt. It is most often used in save-the-home programs. Over hundreds and hundreds of cases, I have also found chapter 13 to be the most useful way to deal with tax issues, exemption issues and cases where one's income is too large to file a chapter 7. I am one of the most frequent filers of chapter 13s in Western Michigan.

Chapter 7 is the go to chapter for those people needing a fresh start. Although a large part of my practice involves saving homes, businesses and farms, I also assist normal everyday people obtain fresh starts in chapter 7 cases. There are limits in income, exemptions (items you can own) and types of debt included; if those issues are not significant then chapter 7 is most often the first and best option but we may look toward chapter 13.

Foreclosure is a difficult and frightening prospect. Fortunately we have several options for those facing a foreclosure. The first and best option is often a chapter 13 filing as that halts all foreclosures and sheriff's sales and gives us time to deal with the situation. If you are facing foreclosure, then you need to see us asap as there is little we can do after the date of the sheriff's sale.

I am a debtor's attorney. Although I still do a bit of estate planning and probate, most of my work is now focused on helping people keep their homes and income. My goal is to assist people in dealing with their debt and reduce their stress. My favorite client comment is "not I can finally sleep again." I practice in all areas of bankruptcy and debt relief (foreclosure, business, tax, consumer debt, etc.).