No one wants to proceed down the road to bankruptcy but when it becomes necessary an experienced attorney will be a very important asset. I am committed to rescuing people from debt under the Federal Bankruptcy Code and will personally handle the bankruptcy process and keep you advised as we go along.

Bankruptcy can help stop:

• Creditor Harassment
• Foreclosures
• Wage Garnishment
• Repossession
• Judgment and Lawsuits
• IRS Collections

Many people fall behind on a mortgage or other financial obligations because of unemployment, unexpected illness, divorce, etc.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 allow protection from your creditors under the Federal Bankruptcy Code. After filing for bankruptcy all collection actions from creditors must cease or the creditors will face sanctions for violating Federal Law. 

More than ever people are filing for bankruptcy. You are not alone. If you feel that you are not able to make payments on your bills and are in serious debt take the first step and make an appointment with us at (248) 437-1208.

If you are struggling with payments and balancing your other every day expenses, fill out our budget sheet and bring it with you if you decide to take advantage of our free consultation. This information will be helpful in determining whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is best for you.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can wipe away most debt after 90 to 120 days. This gives the debtor a fresh start. 

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a limited repayment plan that has several advantages over Chapter 7.  If your home is underwater and encumbered with multiple mortgages the bankruptcy code may allow you to avoid the secondary mortgages and have them discharged through a successful Chapter 13 plan.

Through Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you may be able pay off your mortgage arrearage over 5 years to give you a much-needed breather. Under the provisions of the bankruptcy code, you may be able to pay less for credit cards, automobiles and, in some instances taxes.

Our Property Law Services Include the Following Areas:

• Residential, commercial and industrial sales and purchases
• Leasing
• Landlord / tenant relationships
• Mortgage documentation and enforcement
• Real estate development
• Building agreements

By the time individuals or families get to an attorney's office the situation has generally reached a crisis point. The person(s) involved are under a stress level that is unimaginable. Such issues as divorce, spousal and/or child support, visitations, property division, etc., are difficult for anyone to address and generally progress to disagreements and hostility. It is important to have an attorney who can bring a calmer and more rational environment as this will allow the process to find resolution in less time.

Some divorces can be handled with minimum court involvement. However, most divorces are complex and can take many different courses.  Leo J. Foley has the necessary skills required to help move you through the process as quickly as possible.

What Can I Expect?

When one spouse contacts an attorney, the attorney will prepare a complaint. It is then filed through the court and served to the other spouse. The spouse must respond within the time limit or it will be assumed that the spouse does not contest the petition. Both sides will go through a "discovery" phase where there will be an exchange of documents and decisions on what the important issues are in that particular case. This may include property division, spousal support, child support, etc. Parties may try to reach a settlement. If a settlement is reached it will be submitted to the court. A judge may or may not approve the settlement. If it is approved then the settlement will be issued with the divorce decree. If not, or if there has been no settlement, then the case will go to trial. If the case goes to court then each side will present the evidence and arguments. If one or both sides are unhappy about the ruling then they may appeal the judge's decision to a higher court. 

If you are under investigation by the police, or believe that you may be facing criminal charges, it is critical that you consult with an attorney immediately. Police officers are legally permitted to use trickery and lies in order to persuade a suspect to cooperate and give a voluntary statement. PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AND FREEDOM. 

If you have been charged with or think that you might be charged with any of the following:

• Drunk Driving/ Driving while intoxicated
• DUI - DWI - OWI
• Driving under the Influence of Drugs
• Criminal Damage to Property
• Vehicular Manslaughter

Contact us at (248) 437-1208.

If your license has been suspended or revoked after being convicted of any of these charges you may be eligible to get it reinstated.

Educate yourself. Click on the following links to see how drunk driving can adversely affect you.

• Michigan.gov
• Driving Laws

Charges may include:

• Cultivation or Manufacture
• Sale, Distribution, or Trafficking
• Possession or Possession with Intent to Sell

You should always contact an attorney immediately so that measures can be taken to protect your constitutional rights and your freedom. We are experienced in handling all criminal charges. Call Leo J. Foley at (248) 437-1208.

Many people believe that if they, or a loved one, should unexpectedly die or become incapacitated another family member automatically steps in and takes control. That may not necessarily be true. Unless you have planned ahead and taken the necessary steps for continuing asset management, the probate courts will decide who is in charge and the person chosen by the court may not be the person you want to take over.

One of the most important, yet often neglected, areas of law that might have the greatest impact upon your loved ones involves estate planning. In general, estate planning covers the following topics:

• Wills
• Trusts: Revocable, ILIT, QTIP, Special Needs Trusts, etc.
• Medical Durable Power of Attorney (patient advocate designations), including end-of-life decisions
• Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions
• Special Needs Planning: Planning for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

When Should I Plan?

The answer is simple - NOW. Waiting for another day or time is easy - especially when your health is good, the future looks bright, and there are many other "pressing" tasks to be done. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future. What will happen to your spouse or child if something unexpected happens to you? ACT NOW - and know that you have done everything you could for your loved ones future.

The social security administration pays benefits to persons who cannot work because of a medical condition or a catastrophic injury that is expected to last at least one year. Claims for SSD can often be stressful and confusing. Here at the Law Offices of Leo J. Foley, we can help lead you through the process.