
Kenneth M Petterson, Bankruptcy Attorney in Traverse City, Michigan
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights · 3.9/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
MemberatSmith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C.
Traverse City, MI
Practicing bankruptcy in Traverse City since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 3.9 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Kenneth M Petterson?
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Quick answer
Kenneth M Petterson is a member based in Traverse City, MI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kenneth has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C.. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Traverse City, MI
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Traverse City, MI.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Kenneth M Petterson: Kenneth M Petterson is a member based in Traverse City, MI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kenneth has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C.. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Kenneth M Petterson
Kenneth concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kenneth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Divorce
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Creditor Rights
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Bankruptcy cases in Traverse City, Michigan
Kenneth takes bankruptcy matters in Traverse City, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Traverse City, Michigan
Kenneth takes business matters in Traverse City, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Traverse City, Michigan
Kenneth takes civil rights matters in Traverse City, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Traverse City, Michigan
Kenneth takes criminal defense matters in Traverse City, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Traverse City, Michigan
Kenneth takes divorce matters in Traverse City, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Kenneth M Petterson — Over 36 years of Michigan bankruptcy experience
Kenneth M Petterson is a member based in Traverse City, MI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kenneth has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C.. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Kenneth M Petterson is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, business law, civil litigation and 9 other areas of law. Kenneth received a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University in 1983, and has been licensed for 36 years. Kenneth practices at Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C. in Traverse City, MI.
Working with Kenneth on a bankruptcy matter
Kenneth M Petterson is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, business law, civil litigation and 9 other areas of law. Kenneth received a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University in 1983, and has been licensed for 36 years. Kenneth practices at Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C. in Traverse City, MI.
Clients Kenneth works with
Kenneth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Traverse City and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Kenneth M Petterson's legal education and bar admissions
University of Detroit School of Law
J.D. · 1989
Western Michigan University
B.S. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Kenneth's state bar admissions
Michigan
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Kenneth studied at J.D. in University of Detroit School of Law and B.S. in Western Michigan University.
Law school and academic background
Kenneth completed J.D. in University of Detroit School of Law and B.S. in Western Michigan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kenneth runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Kenneth M Petterson
Kenneth has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Kenneth's professional memberships and bar associations
Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim (Past-President), American and Federal Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan
membership
Locations
Kenneth M Petterson's office in Traverse City
Kenneth's primary office is at 534 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI, 49686. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Smith & Johnson Attorneys, P.C.
534 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Kenneth M Petterson — 3.9/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Kenneth. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Traverse City.
3.9
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kenneth M Petterson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kenneth M Petterson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kenneth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kenneth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kenneth's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kenneth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Traverse City, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kenneth
Kenneth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kenneth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kenneth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kenneth M Petterson
How much does it cost to hire Kenneth for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kenneth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kenneth offer a free consultation?
Kenneth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kenneth's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Kenneth's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kenneth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kenneth take my case if I'm outside Traverse City?
Kenneth is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kenneth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kenneth?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kenneth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kenneth accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Kenneth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Traverse City, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Kenneth handles bankruptcy matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Michigan
If Kenneth's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Traverse City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





