Bankruptcy Attorneys Representing St. Peter, MN
Filing for chapter 7, and chapter 13, or chapter 12 bankruptcy can bring up a lot of confusion and uncertainty, but you don’t have to figure out the complicated legal system on your own. Behm Law Group, Ltd. has the skills and experience to help you through the process of filing for bankruptcy in St. Peter, MN so that you can get real relief from overwhelming debt and abusive creditors.
Over the last 20 years, Stephen Behm and Isabelle Lewis-Behm have had opportunities to work with people in St. Peter analyzing their financial difficulties and presenting various options to resolve or ameliorate them. Both are enthusiastic about their work as bankruptcy attorneys, and Stephen especially enjoys explaining common misconceptions about bankruptcy to his clients. He has helped hundreds of people file chapter 7, chapter , and chapter 12 bankruptcies. On multiple occasions, Stephen has also assisted other St. Peter area attorneys, with whom he still collaborates on cases and refers clients.
Common Reasons New Ulm Residents File Bankruptcy
Medical Debt
Unexpected medical emergencies and ongoing healthcare costs can quickly overwhelm even financially stable families. Medical bills are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy filings in Minnesota and can be discharged in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Job Loss or Income Reduction
Losing employment or experiencing a significant reduction in income can make it impossible to keep up with existing debt obligations. Bankruptcy provides a fresh start when circumstances beyond your control have affected your ability to pay.
Divorce
Divorce often leads to financial strain as households split assets while maintaining similar debt levels. The division of property, legal fees, and transition to single-income living can make bankruptcy necessary for a fresh financial start.
Foreclosure Prevention
If you’re facing foreclosure on your St. Peter home, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop the foreclosure process and allow you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over time while keeping your home.
Credit Card Debt
High-interest credit card debt can spiral out of control, especially when minimum payments barely cover interest charges. Bankruptcy can eliminate these unsecured debts and provide relief from overwhelming balances.
Business Debt
Small business owners in St. Peter who have personally guaranteed business debts may find themselves personally liable when a business struggles. Bankruptcy can provide relief from both business and personal obligations.
The Bankruptcy Process: What to Expect
1
Initial Consultation
During your free initial consultation with Behm Law Group, we’ll review your financial situation, discuss your goals, and explain which bankruptcy chapter best suits your needs. We’ll answer all your questions and provide honest guidance about your options.
2
Credit Counseling Requirement
Before filing bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This can typically be completed online within a few hours. We’ll provide you with information on approved providers.
3
Preparing Your Bankruptcy Petition
We’ll work with you to gather all necessary financial documentation, including income records, tax returns, property valuations, debt information, and expense records. Our team handles all the paperwork and ensures everything is filed correctly with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
4
Filing Your Case
Once your petition is complete, we file it electronically with the bankruptcy court. This filing immediately triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, repossessions, and wage garnishments.
5
The 341 Meeting of Creditors
Approximately 4-6 weeks after filing, you’ll attend a Meeting of Creditors (also called a 341 meeting). This is a brief meeting where the bankruptcy trustee asks questions about your financial situation under oath. We’ll prepare you thoroughly for this meeting and attend with you.
6
Debtor Education Course
After filing but before receiving your discharge, you must complete a debtor education course. Like credit counseling, this can be completed online through an approved provider.
7
Receiving Your Discharge
In Chapter 7, you typically receive your discharge 60-90 days after the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13, you receive your discharge after completing your 3-5 year repayment plan. The discharge eliminates your legal obligation to pay discharged debts.
8
Life After Bankruptcy
After receiving your discharge, it’s important to focus on rebuilding your financial health. This includes creating a realistic budget, monitoring your credit reports, and gradually reestablishing credit through responsible use of credit cards or loans. Our team can provide guidance on strategies to improve your financial standing and avoid future debt problems. Bankruptcy offers a fresh start, but proactive planning ensures long-term stability.
Why Choose Behm Law Group for Your St. Peter Bankruptcy?
Exclusively Focused on Bankruptcy Law
Unlike general practice attorneys, we focus exclusively on bankruptcy law. This specialization means we have deep expertise in all aspects of Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 12 bankruptcy cases.
Local Knowledge and Relationships
As longtime area residents, we have extensive experience working with local bankruptcy trustees, creditors, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This local knowledge benefits our clients throughout the bankruptcy process.
Personalized Attention
We treat every client as an individual with unique circumstances. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or support staff, throughout your case.
Transparent, Affordable Fees
We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We also provide flexible payment plans to make quality bankruptcy representation accessible to those who need it.
Comprehensive Service Area
While our office is conveniently located in downtown Mankato, we serve clients throughout southern Minnesota including St. Peter, Waseca, Fairmont, Austin, Albert Lea, Blue Earth, Madison, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Worthington, Luverne, Granite Falls, Ivanhoe, Windom, Jackson, Pipestone, and communities along the South Dakota border.
Proven Track Record of Successful Outcomes
Behm Law Group has a long history of helping clients in St. Peter achieve favorable bankruptcy results. Whether it’s discharging overwhelming debts, reorganizing finances under Chapter 13, or protecting family assets, our attorneys use over 25 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of local bankruptcy procedures to guide clients smoothly through the process and provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in St. Peter
Will I Lose Everything If I File Bankruptcy?
No. Minnesota has generous bankruptcy exemptions that protect most property. The vast majority of our clients keep their homes, vehicles, household goods, retirement accounts, and other essential property.
Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment?
Yes. Filing bankruptcy immediately stops wage garnishments through the automatic stay. Any wages garnished within 90 days before filing may potentially be recovered.
Will My Employer Find Out About My Bankruptcy?
Your employer will only be notified if they’re a creditor or if wages are being garnished. Otherwise, bankruptcy filings are public record but not typically monitored by employers.
Can I Keep My Car If I File Bankruptcy?
In most cases, yes. If you’re current on your car loan and the vehicle’s equity is protected by exemptions, you can keep your car by continuing to make payments. In Chapter 13, you may even be able to reduce your car loan balance or interest rate.
How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on My Credit Report?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains for 7 years from the filing date.
Can I File Bankruptcy on Some Debts But Not Others?
You must list all debts when filing bankruptcy, but you can choose to voluntarily repay certain debts after receiving your discharge. You can also reaffirm secured debts like car loans or mortgages to keep the property.
What Debts Cannot Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Certain debts are non-dischargeable, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, debts incurred through fraud, criminal restitution, and debts not listed in your bankruptcy petition.
How Often Can I File Bankruptcy?
The timing between bankruptcy filings depends on the chapters involved. Generally, you must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 filings, 4 years between a Chapter 7 and a subsequent Chapter 13, and 2 years between Chapter 13 filings.
Contact Our Bankruptcy Attorneys in St. Peter, MN Today
If you are considering filing for chapter 7, chapter 13 or chapter 12 bankruptcy in the St. Peter, MN area, Behm Law Group, Ltd. will assist you in weighing your options and filing your bankruptcy case. With our help, you can stop stressing about creditors, take control of your financial future, and get back to living your life without the burden of overwhelming debt.
