Hartland Attorney Doug Dern Explains Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy at National Real-Estate Investors Network Meeting

Seasoned bankruptcy attorney Doug Dern, founder of the Law Office of Doug Dern, offers timely insights for real-estate investors in the National Real Estate Investors Network. With nearly two decades of experience in Michigan bankruptcy law, Dern provides a clear, practical breakdown of when an investor may choose Chapter 7 liquidation versus Chapter 13 reorganization.

“In real-estate investing you must consider not just your assets and debt but your long-term strategy,” says Dern. “Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy. Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy. Sometimes you don’t qualify for Chapter 7 but still get protection under Chapter 13.”

Real-estate investors may face unique issues: high equity in properties, ongoing rentals, secured debt, or business income. Dern explains that filing Chapter 7 may wipe out unsecured debt and provide a clean start, whereas Chapter 13 allows investors with steady income to reorganize and preserve assets while catching up on arrears.

His presentation to the network focused on scenarios like: retaining rental properties, keeping investment assets, restructuring secured debt, and selecting the proper bankruptcy strategy to safeguard investor interests.

Doug Dern’s one-lawyer boutique offers personal attention, direct access, and flexible scheduling for busy investor clients. For members of the National Real Estate Investors Network looking to evaluate your bankruptcy options—particularly in scenarios involving real‐estate holdings—connect with Doug Dern for a free consultation. Visit https://chapter13lawyermichigan.com/ to learn more.

Contact:

Law Office of Doug Dern
11636 Highland Rd. #107
Hartland, MI 48353
Phone: (248) 882-0838
Email: law4less@aol.com