In an unprecedented move, Chapter 13 Trustee Thomas W. McDonald, Jr. asked Bankruptcy Judge Daniel S. Opperman to suspend a prominent Detroit bankruptcy firm from filing Chapter 13 bankruptcies in the Northern Division of the Eastern District of Michigan (Bay City) until they get their act together.
Trustee McDonald cited numerous deficiencies in this prominent Detroit firms filings requesting that this major firm present a plan to address their failings to act in the best interests of their clients. While Judge Opperman deferred ruling on the suspension, he did impose a $500 sanction against this firm with a harsh warning that they get their act together. Additionally, Judge Opperman cautioned this Detroit firm to appear in person at future hearings instead of relying on virtual communication for important hearings that affect clients here in the Mid-Michigan area.
Let this be a word of caution to the general public – fancy internet ads can be misleading. Please make sure that the Bankruptcy Law firm that you hire for your Bankruptcy in Michigan has a physical presence in the Northern Division of the Eastern District of Michigan and get some real references – don’t just rely on paid for google reviews.