Michelle H. Bass

Consumer debtor representation (Ch. 7, 13, 11 & Subchapter V)

• Chapter 7 liquidations and Chapter 13 reorganizations for individuals
• Chapter 11 and Subchapter V reorganizations for qualifying individuals and small business owners
• Strategy tailored for high-income and high net-worth individuals with complex financial profiles

Foreclosure and repossession prevention

• Stop foreclosures in process through bankruptcy and court protection
• Reorganization strategies to preserve secured collateral
• Practical guidance in time-sensitive, high-pressure situations

Reorganization tools: lien stripping and loan cramdowns

• Proven experience stripping secured liens and cramming down loans on collateral in Chapters 13 and 11
• Pre-bankruptcy asset protection planning designed to maximize available relief within the Bankruptcy Code

Divorce-related bankruptcy matters

• Representation of debtors and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings involving divorce-related obligations
• Frequent speaker on the intersection of bankruptcy and family law disputes

Appeals and complex contested matters

• Successfully defended appeals in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Litigation-ready strategy for contested matters involving consumer and small business bankruptcy issues

Common issues Michelle is brought in to address

• “Which chapter is appropriate: Chapter 7, 13, or 11/Subchapter V?”
• Imminent foreclosure or repossession risk requiring immediate action
• A reorganization plan providing more favorable treatment of secured debts
• Divorce, support obligations, or property division issues complicating bankruptcy strategy
• A contested matter or appeal requires experienced bankruptcy litigation counsel