Bankruptcy Attorneys Representing Marshall, MN
Filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 12 bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with mounting debt, creditor harassment, or the threat of foreclosure. Having a trusted Marshall, MN bankruptcy attorney on your side can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
For more than 20 years, Behm Law Group, Ltd. has helped individuals, families, and small business owners in Marshall, MN find relief from overwhelming debt and aggressive creditor collection practices. Our firm focuses exclusively on bankruptcy law and brings extensive experience handling Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 12 cases, allowing us to provide clear guidance and practical solutions tailored to your situation.
If financial stress is holding you back, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Behm Law Group today to schedule your free bankruptcy consultation and learn how we can help you take the first step toward lasting financial stability.
Common Reasons Marshall 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 Marshall 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 Marshall 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 consultation with Behm Law Group, we review your financial situation, discuss your goals, and explain which bankruptcy chapter best fits your needs. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive clear, honest guidance about your options.
2
Credit Counseling Requirement
Before filing for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This requirement is typically completed online in just a few hours, and we will provide you with a list of approved providers.
3
Preparing Your Bankruptcy Petition
We work closely with you to gather required financial documents, including income information, tax returns, property values, debts, and monthly expenses. Our team prepares and reviews all paperwork to ensure your petition is filed accurately with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
4
Filing Your Case
Once your petition is complete, we file your case electronically with the bankruptcy court. This immediately triggers the automatic stay, stopping most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, repossessions, and wage garnishments.
5
The 341 Meeting of Creditors
About 4–6 weeks after filing, you will attend a Meeting of Creditors, commonly called a 341 meeting. The bankruptcy trustee will ask questions about your financial information, and we will fully prepare you and attend the meeting with you.
6
Debtor Education Course
After filing your case and before receiving a discharge, you must complete a debtor education course through an approved provider. Like credit counseling, this course is typically completed online.
7
Receiving Your Discharge
In Chapter 7 cases, a discharge is usually granted 60–90 days after the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13 cases, the discharge is entered after successful completion of the 3–5 year repayment plan, eliminating qualifying debts.
8
Case Closure and Ongoing Support
Once your discharge is entered, your case is formally closed by the court. Our support continues beyond closure, as we remain available to answer questions and provide guidance on rebuilding credit and maintaining long-term financial stability.
Why Choose Behm Law Group for Your Marshall 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 southwestern Minnesota residents with connections to the Marshall community, 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 Mankato, MN. We clients throughout southern and southwestern Minnesota including Marshall, Waseca, Fairmont, Austin, Albert Lea, Blue Earth, St. Peter, Madison, Redwood Falls, Worthington, Luverne, Granite Falls, Ivanhoe, Windom, Jackson, Pipestone, and communities along the South Dakota border.
Guidance Beyond the Filing
Our support doesn’t end when your case is filed. We help you understand what to expect after bankruptcy, answer questions as they arise, and offer practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence and rebuild your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Marshall
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 Serving Marshall, MN Today
At the Behm Law Group, Ltd., we are dedicated to helping our clients find the right solution to getting out of debt. We offer free bankruptcy consultations for those who are struggling with bankruptcy and have questions regarding the filing process. These meetings can be held at the Lyon County Courthouse or on the Southwest Minnesota State University campus or even in your home depending on your preference.
When filing for chapter 7, chapter 13, or chapter 12 bankruptcy, you’ll want a professional by your side. Behm Law Group, Ltd. has the experience, knowledge, and resources to ensure your filing is done correctly and that no questions are left unanswered. Our bankruptcy attorneys will ensure your interests are taken care of and help to ensure the best outcome possible. Filing for bankruptcy is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call Behm Law Group today!
