Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz in Southfield, MI

4.5/5

Detroit-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings for consumer debtors. Offers free consultations and 50+ years of combined legal experience.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

From Free/mo Visit Website

Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz Review

Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz is a bankruptcy law firm located in Detroit and Southfield, Michigan, founded on the principle of providing accessible legal assistance to consumers facing financial hardship. The firm's lead attorney, Marshall D. Schultz, brings over 50 years of combined experience in bankruptcy law, having previously represented business debtors, Chapter 7 trustees, creditors, and corporate clients before specializing exclusively in consumer bankruptcy cases. This deep background in complex bankruptcy matters positions the firm to handle nuanced financial situations across multiple practice areas.

The firm provides comprehensive bankruptcy legal services centered on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. Services include debt evaluation, bankruptcy eligibility assessment, guidance on debt discharge options, property protection through bankruptcy exemptions, and representation throughout the bankruptcy process. The firm helps clients understand which debts can be discharged (consumer debt, credit cards, medical bills) versus non-dischargeable debts (tax debt, child support, government fines, DUI-related claims). They conduct free initial consultations to discuss financial situations and determine the appropriate bankruptcy strategy without requiring upfront fees.

The firm distinguishes itself through several specific commitments: maintaining a non-judgmental and informal atmosphere during a stressful process, providing first-class legal representation at affordable fees, and offering convenient dual office locations to minimize client commute burden. The website emphasizes accessibility (AudioEye enabled), a welcoming environment, and personalized guidance through difficult financial periods. The firm markets itself as having assisted 12,000+ consumers with their debt situations, demonstrating sustained client service over decades.

A straightforward assessment: This is a legitimate bankruptcy law firm with genuine experience and transparent service offerings. The 50+ year experience claim and 12,000+ client assistance figure appear credible based on the firm's tenure. However, prospective clients should understand that bankruptcy is a complex legal process requiring thorough analysis of individual circumstances; the free consultation exists precisely to determine whether bankruptcy is appropriate versus alternative debt management strategies. The firm's exclusive focus on consumer debtors (rather than business bankruptcy) represents a deliberate specialization.

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.

Services & Features

Bankruptcy eligibility determination

Bankruptcy exemption planning to protect property

Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation

Creditor harassment defense and relief

Debt evaluation and financial situation assessment

Foreclosure prevention through bankruptcy

Free initial bankruptcy consultation

Full bankruptcy process representation and guidance

Guidance on debt discharge options and limitations

Non-dischargeable debt identification (tax, child support, student loans)

Personalized debt relief strategy development

Feature Checklist

Mobile App

Online Portal

Score Tracking

Credit Education

Personal Advisor

Identity Theft Protection

Pricing Plans

Bankruptcy Consultation

Free /mo

Free initial consultation
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 evaluation
Means test analysis
Court filing and representation
Creditor communication handling
Post-discharge credit rebuilding guidance

Get Started

Pros & Cons

Pros

50+ years of combined bankruptcy law experience with attorney having represented diverse debtor types
Free initial consultations with no obligation or upfront fees required
Claimed experience assisting 12,000+ consumers with debt resolution
Non-judgmental environment explicitly designed to reduce client stress during financial crisis
Dual office locations in Detroit and Southfield for client convenience
Expertise in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy structures
Specific knowledge of bankruptcy exemptions to help protect client property

Cons

Website contains unverified client count claims (12,000+ consumers) without third-party verification
Limited information about fee structure despite claims of 'affordable' rates—specific pricing not disclosed
No client testimonials or case results presented on the website excerpt provided
Focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy, which may limit value for those with business debt components
No information about attorney credentials, bar certifications, or disciplinary history available on website

Rating Breakdown

Value

5.0

Effectiveness

4.9

Customer Service

3.9

Transparency

3.8

Ease of Use

4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz legitimate?

Yes. Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz is a registered company, headquartered in Southfield, MI.

How much does Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz cost?

Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters: Southfield, MI
BBB Accredited: No
Starting Price: Free/mo
Setup Fee: None
Money-Back Guarantee: No

Visit Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz

+1 888-822-6730 29777 Telegraph Rd suite 2203, Southfield, MI 48034

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz

Best for Detroit-area consumers facing serious financial distress (foreclosure, garnishment, inability to pay debts) who need professional bankruptcy legal representation without upfront consultation costs. Primary caveat: bankruptcy is a significant legal action with long-term credit consequences; this firm's value lies in its free consultation to assess whether bankruptcy is genuinely the appropriate solution versus alternative debt management strategies.

Best For

Detroit-area consumers facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or creditor harassment seeking bankruptcy protection
Individuals with mixed debt loads (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) evaluating Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 options
Consumers living paycheck-to-paycheck or with depleted savings who need legal guidance without upfront costs
People uncertain whether bankruptcy is appropriate for their situation and needing expert evaluation

Updated 2026-04-29

Similar Companies

Ascend Finance Corp.

Ascend Finance offers free debt relief comparison and guidance across bankruptcy, debt settlement, debt management, and consolidation options without pressure or sales tactics.

4.5/5

Free BBB: NR

Best for: Consumers overwhelmed by multiple debt relief options who want free guidance comparing bankruptcy, settlement, consolidation, and management in one consultation, People seeking judgment-free assessment of their financial situation without immediate pressure to purchase a specific program

View Details

Colorado Bankruptcy Law Group, LLC

Denver-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy representation. Offers full-service legal guidance from consultation through case closure.

4.5/5

Free BBB: NR

Best for: Denver-area residents with substantial unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) and income within Chapter 7 limits, Homeowners or vehicle owners facing foreclosure or repossession seeking immediate creditor action stoppage

View Details

Freedom Law Firm - Las Vegas Bankruptcy Lawyers

Unable to generate profile - website is currently inaccessible due to security restrictions. No factual company data available for verification.

4.5/5

Free BBB: NR

Best for: Consumers in Las Vegas, Nevada looking for credit building services, People who prefer working with a local credit building provider

View Details

Financial Wellness Guides

How to Read Your Credit Report (And Spot Errors)

Your credit report contains the raw data behind your score. Learn what's in it, how to read it, and how to dispute errors that could be dragging your score down.

Read guide →

Buy Now, Pay Later: How BNPL Really Affects Your Credit

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — they make spending easy. But what happens to your credit score when you use them? Here's what the fine print doesn't tell you.

Read guide →

Understanding Your Credit Score: The Complete Guide

Learn what makes up your credit score, how it's calculated, what the ranges mean, and how to check yours for free.

Read guide →

Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

How Loans Work

Default — Loan Default

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.

Why it matters

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).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

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.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

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.

Why it matters

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.

Garnishment — Wage Garnishment

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.

Why it matters

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.

Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)

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.

Why it matters

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.

Debt & Recovery

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)

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.

Why it matters

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.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)

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.

Why it matters

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.

Charge-Off

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.

Why it matters

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).

Collections — Debt Collections

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.

Why it matters

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.

Debt Consolidation

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.

Why it matters

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.

Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation

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.

Why it matters

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.

DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio

The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.

Why it matters

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.

Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)

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.

Why it matters

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.

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Law Offices of Marshall D. Schultz and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence our ratings or rankings. Learn more.