About Hugh Robert Pierce — Bankruptcy Royal Oak

Hugh Robert Pierce is a bankruptcy Royal Oak attorney serving individuals and families across Oakland County who are dealing with overwhelming debt and need a clear, honest path forward. The firm focuses on Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plan cases, and Attorney Pierce has built a strong reputation in the Royal Oak and Metro Detroit community for being upfront about what bankruptcy can and cannot do — helping clients understand their realistic options from the very first conversation.

The firm is well-regarded for its reasonable fees and willingness to work with payment plans, making experienced bankruptcy counsel accessible to clients who are already under significant financial pressure. Multiple clients note that they returned to Attorney Pierce after positive earlier experiences — or sent family members — which reflects the kind of sustained trust that takes years to earn in a competitive market like Oakland County.

Bankruptcy Royal Oak — Practice Areas

Royal Oak sits in the heart of Metro Detroit’s affluent northern suburbs, but financial hardship reaches every community, and Oakland County’s U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings reflect economic stress that is real and widespread. Bankruptcy cases in Michigan are filed in the Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court, and having a Royal Oak attorney who practices regularly in that court is a practical advantage for debtors who need experienced local representation.

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy — liquidation of non-exempt assets and discharge of unsecured debt
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy — structured repayment plans to save homes and manage secured debt
• Bankruptcy means test analysis and eligibility evaluation
• Post-filing credit rebuilding guidance for Oakland County clients

What Royal Oak Clients Say

Reviews of Hugh Robert Pierce are consistently positive, with clients praising his directness, professionalism, and non-judgmental approach to financial distress. One client described him as “THE best” bankruptcy attorney and noted returning for additional services years later, confirming the firm’s consistent quality. Clients specifically mention that his honesty about what to expect before filing — and his reasonable fees — make a stressful process manageable. One review raised communication concerns with paralegals on a subsequent matter, worth discussing directly at intake to establish expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy for Oakland County debtors?

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy that discharges most unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — typically within three to six months. Non-exempt assets can be liquidated to pay creditors, though Michigan’s exemptions protect a residence, vehicle, household goods, and retirement accounts up to generous limits. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan lasting three to five years, used when debtors have regular income and want to keep property they might lose in Chapter 7, or when they do not qualify for Chapter 7 under the means test. An attorney can run the means test and help Royal Oak clients choose the right chapter.

How does Michigan’s bankruptcy means test work, and who qualifies for Chapter 7 in Oakland County?

The means test compares the debtor’s average monthly income over the prior six months to Michigan’s median income for a household of the same size. If income is below the median, the debtor automatically qualifies for Chapter 7. If above, an additional calculation determines whether disposable income — after allowed deductions — is sufficient to fund a Chapter 13 plan. As of 2024, Michigan’s median annual income for a family of four is approximately $98,000 (U.S. Trustee Program data). A bankruptcy attorney performs this calculation before filing to confirm eligibility.

Does filing for bankruptcy in Royal Oak stop collection calls and wage garnishments immediately?

Yes. Filing a bankruptcy petition triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which immediately halts virtually all collection actions — phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, and most foreclosure proceedings. The stay is effective the moment the petition is filed, regardless of whether creditors have been formally notified. Creditors who continue collection activity after being notified of the filing can be held in contempt of the bankruptcy court. For Royal Oak residents facing wage garnishment or imminent foreclosure, the timing of the filing can be critical.