Michael D. DeBaecke, Bankruptcy Attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
CounselatAshby & Geddes, P.A.
Wilmington, DE
Practicing bankruptcy in Wilmington since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 12 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael D. DeBaecke?
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Quick answer
Michael D. DeBaecke is a counsel based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ashby & Geddes, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
- Based in
- Wilmington, DE
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy and Litigation matters from Wilmington, DE.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael D. DeBaecke: Michael D. DeBaecke is a counsel based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ashby & Geddes, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on bankruptcy and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Wilmington, Delaware
Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Wilmington, Delaware. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Wilmington, Delaware
Michael takes litigation matters in Wilmington, Delaware. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael D. DeBaecke — bankruptcy lawyer in Wilmington
Michael D. DeBaecke is a counsel based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ashby & Geddes, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Michael DeBaecke concentrates his practice on bankruptcy reorganizations and related litigation, representing a variety of Chapter 11 debtors, trustees, creditors' committees, secured and unsecured creditors, landlords, asset purchasers, contract parties and parties in various bankruptcy litigation matters, including:
•preference and fraudulent transfer actions
•breach of fiduciary duty actions
•breach of contract actions
•lien priority actions
In addition to his busy bankruptcy practice, which extends to courts across the country, Mr. DeBaecke is a former law clerk in the Delaware Court of Chancery and maintains a targeted litigation practice focused primarily on Delaware Court of Chancery corporate litigation and Delaware District Court commercial litigation.
He combines a sensible, practical approach with
thorough knowledge of
applicable law.
-Chambers USA
Chambers USAnotes that Mr. DeBaeckecombines a sensible, practical approachwiththorough knowledge of applicable law. Sources also say that heunderstands the big pictureandgets things done that are in the best interest of the client.
Community Service & Affiliations
Mr. DeBaecke is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and has served on the Delaware Local Bankruptcy Rules Committee. Mr. DeBaecke is a past chair of the new lawyers section of the bankruptcy section of the Delaware State Bar. Mr. DeBaecke has coached fifth and sixth grade boys basketball and his daughters' softball teams and is an avid tennis player.
Publications
Law Firm Dissolutions: When the Music Stops, Does Anyone Need to Account for Any Unfinished Business?[Article]
Delaware Law Review (Vol. 14:1)
September 2013
Michael D. DeBaecke and Victoria A. Guilfoyle
Turning Losses Into Gains: Bankruptcy Battles Over Tax Refunds[Article]
Delaware Business Court Insider
May 25, 2011
Michael D. DeBaecke and Victoria A. Guilfoyle
Recognition
Chambers USA2014 Recognizes Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices[Ranking]
May 23, 2014
Leon R. Barson, Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., Jerry D. Bernstein, Thomas E. Biron, Michael Z. Brownstein, Kevin J. Bruno, et al.
Chambers USA2013 Recognizes Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices[Ranking]
May 24, 2013
Leon R. Barson, Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., Thomas E. Biron, Kevin J. Bruno, Grant E. Buerstetta, Ernest W. Chung, et al.
Chambers USA 2012Recognizes Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices[Ranking]
June 7, 2012
Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., Thomas E. Biron, Kevin J. Bruno, Ernest W. Chung, Scott F. Cooper, Michael D. DeBaecke, et al.
Michael's approach to bankruptcy cases
Michael DeBaecke concentrates his practice on bankruptcy reorganizations and related litigation, representing a variety of Chapter 11 debtors, trustees, creditors' committees, secured and unsecured creditors, landlords, asset purchasers, contract parties and parties in various bankruptcy litigation matters, including: •preference and fraudulent transfer actions •breach of fiduciary duty actions…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy and litigation matters in Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law J.D.
—
St. Joseph's University B.A.
—
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania U.S. Di
1994 · ACTIVE
Delaware
1993 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at — in College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law J.D. and — in St. Joseph's University B.A..
Law school and academic background
Michael completed — in College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law J.D. and — in St. Joseph's University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Delaware is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships American Bankruptcy Institute
membership
Locations
Michael D. DeBaecke's office in Wilmington
Michael's primary office is at 500 Delaware Avenue, 8th Floor, Wilmington, DE, 19899. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ashby & Geddes, P.A.
500 Delaware Avenue, 8th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19899
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. DeBaecke — 4.5/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Wilmington.
4.5
12 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael D. DeBaecke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. DeBaecke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael D. DeBaecke
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Delaware 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Wilmington?
Michael is licensed in Delaware. Matters governed by Delaware law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Michael'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 Wilmington, Dover and Newark in Delaware
Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout Delaware. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Delaware
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Wilmington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
