Michigan-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 filing with 20+ years experience and 750+ five-star reviews.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Acclaim Legal Services is a Michigan-based bankruptcy law firm founded over 20 years ago with a mission to help families resolve debt through legal channels. The firm is led by William Johnson, Esq., a founding partner with 30+ years of bankruptcy law experience and published author on the subject. With seven office locations across Michigan (Ann Arbor, Detroit, Dearborn, Warren, Southfield, Lansing, and Flint), the firm employs attorneys and specialists with over 120 years of combined legal experience in debt resolution law.
The firm offers multiple debt resolution services including Chapter 13 debt consolidation plans, Chapter 7 fresh start bankruptcy filings, and non-bankruptcy debt settlement options. All services are customized to individual circumstances through free confidential consultations. Their approach emphasizes identifying the most effective strategy for immediate relief, long-term debt resolution, and credit restoration, with licensed attorneys and paralegals guiding clients through the process.
Acclaim Legal distinguishes itself through documented success metrics: an 80%+ Chapter 13 confirmation rate compared to the 48% national average, 750+ five-star reviews across platforms, and service to over 18,000+ clients. The firm maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for over 20 years and holds memberships in respected organizations like the American Bankruptcy Institute. Their marketing emphasizes a client-first philosophy based on accountability, professionalism, and quality work product delivered with integrity and compassion.
Prospective clients should understand that while Acclaim Legal offers legitimate bankruptcy legal services, the firm's marketing heavily promotes bankruptcy as 'the most effective long-term solution for legal debt relief' and emphasizes their high Chapter 13 success rates. Consumers should independently verify that bankruptcy is appropriate for their situation and consider seeking non-profit credit counseling first, as required by bankruptcy law.
Consumers considering bankruptcy should also explore alternatives. Debt relief programs may negotiate settlements for less than owed, while debt consolidation loans can simplify payments into one monthly bill. Credit counseling agencies offer free financial assessments and debt management plans. After bankruptcy, rebuilding credit through secured credit cards and credit builder loans provides a structured path back. Credit repair services can help ensure the bankruptcy filing is accurately reported and outdated items are removed on schedule. Credit monitoring services provide ongoing visibility during the multi-year recovery process. After discharge, qualifying for an installment loan — even a small one with higher rates — can begin rebuilding payment history on your credit report.
Yes. Acclaim Legal Services is a registered company, headquartered in Warren, MI.
Acclaim Legal Services plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Acclaim Legal Services is best suited for Michigan residents with substantial debt seeking professional bankruptcy legal representation, particularly those interested in Chapter 13 consolidation plans. The critical caveat is that consumers must independently assess whether bankruptcy is necessary—federal law requires credit counseling with a non-profit agency before filing, and alternatives like debt management or settlement may be appropriate for some situations despite the firm's bankruptcy-focused marketing.
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Best for: Consumers in Denver, Colorado looking for credit building services, People who prefer working with a local credit building provider
Philadelphia-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, foreclosure prevention, and debt relief for individuals and small business owners.
Best for: Philadelphia-area residents facing foreclosure, repossession, or overwhelming unsecured debt who need legal representation, Small business owners seeking bankruptcy counsel in Pennsylvania
Miami-based bankruptcy law firm offering Chapter 7 & 13 filing, foreclosure defense, and debt-related litigation with free initial consultations since 2018.
Best for: South Florida consumers filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy who want free initial consultation, Individuals facing foreclosure, garnishment, or credit card lawsuits seeking debt defense representation
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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