Bankruptcy Attorneys Representing Redwood Falls, MN
If you’re facing financial challenges and considering bankruptcy, the experienced attorneys at Behm Law Group Ltd. in Redwood Falls, MN, can guide you through the process with confidence. Stephen and Isabelle Behm are dedicated to helping you navigate Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 12 bankruptcies, ensuring you understand your options and take the best path forward.
They have deep knowledge of the local area and its processes, including where Chapter 13 bankruptcy hearings are held—at the Redwood County Courthouse—and they’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal services. Whether you live in Redwood Falls or surrounding areas like Mankato, Pipestone, Olivia, or Granite Falls, Behm Law Group is here to help.
Don’t let financial stress control your future. Contact Behm Law Group Ltd. today to schedule a consultation and start working towards a fresh financial start.
Common Reasons Redwood Falls 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 Redwood Falls 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 Redwood Falls 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
At Behm Law Group, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your financial challenges and determine which bankruptcy chapter best fits your situation. We’ll take the time to explain the process and answer any questions you have, ensuring you understand your options. We’re committed to helping you, whether you choose to proceed with a bankruptcy filing or simply need clarity on your next steps. No obligation, no pressure, just honest advice.
2
Credit Counseling Requirement
Before you can file for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling session with an approved provider. This is a mandatory step and can usually be done online within a few hours. During the session, you’ll receive guidance on managing your finances and alternative debt relief options. We’ll provide a list of approved agencies to help you fulfill this requirement quickly and easily.
3
Preparing Your Bankruptcy Petition
Our team will assist you in gathering all necessary documents for your bankruptcy filing, including income verification, tax returns, debt information, and a detailed list of your expenses. We handle all the paperwork and ensure that every form is filled out accurately and in compliance with the court’s requirements, so you can focus on moving forward with your case.
4
Filing Your Case
Once your petition is complete, we file it with the bankruptcy court electronically. The moment it’s filed, the automatic stay goes into effect. This legal protection halts creditor collection actions, stops lawsuits, prevents foreclosures, repossessions, and ends wage garnishments, giving you immediate relief from financial pressures.
5
The 341 Meeting of Creditors
About 4-6 weeks after filing, you’ll attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors, which is a brief, formal meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. They’ll ask you questions about your financial situation to verify the information in your petition. We’ll fully prepare you for the meeting and attend with you, ensuring you feel confident and supported during this step in the process.
6
Debtor Education Course
Before your bankruptcy discharge, you’ll need to complete a debtor education course. This is different from the initial credit counseling and focuses on financial management to help you avoid future debt problems. The course can be taken online, and we’ll provide you with a list of approved providers to make it easy to fulfill this requirement.
7
Receiving Your Discharge
After your case progresses, you’ll receive a discharge of your debts. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, this typically happens 60-90 days after the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13, the discharge occurs after you’ve successfully completed your repayment plan, which can last 3-5 years. Once granted, the discharge eliminates your legal obligation to repay the debts that were included in the bankruptcy.
8
Life After Bankruptcy
After your discharge, it’s important to take steps to rebuild your financial health. Creating a budget, reviewing your credit reports regularly, and gradually rebuilding credit through responsible borrowing will help you regain financial stability. Our team can provide guidance on the best strategies for improving your credit and staying debt-free, ensuring you have the tools for long-term financial success.
Why Choose Behm Law Group for Your Redwood Falls 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 experienced practitioners in the Redwood Falls area, we have extensive knowledge of the Redwood County courthouse where Chapter 13 hearings are conducted. We work regularly 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
We serve clients throughout southwestern Minnesota including Redwood Falls, Mankato, Waseca, Fairmont, Austin, Albert Lea, Blue Earth, St. Peter, Madison, Marshall, Worthington, Luverne, Granite Falls, Ivanhoe, Windom, Jackson, Pipestone, Olivia, and communities along the South Dakota border.
Proven Track Record of Successful Outcomes
Behm Law Group has helped many clients in Redwood Falls achieve successful bankruptcy results. Whether it’s discharging overwhelming debts, reorganizing finances under Chapter 13, or protecting family assets, our attorneys leverage over 25 years of experience and detailed local knowledge to guide clients through the process efficiently and with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Redwood Falls
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 currently 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 Redwood Falls, MN Today
There’s no need to live with overwhelming debt and abusive creditor collection calls. Let us do what we do best: help you start your financial journey anew through filing for bankruptcy.
We at Behm Law Group, Ltd. assist people and businesses seeking to file chapter 7, chapter 13 and chapter 12 bankruptcy from all over southwestern Minnesota including, but not limited to, Redwood Falls, Mankato, Waseca, Fairmont, Austin, Albert Lea, Blue Earth, St. Peter, Madison, Marshall, Worthington, Luverne, Granite Falls, Ivanhoe, Windom, Jackson, Pipestone, Olivia, and along the South Dakota border.
If you are considering bankruptcy, allow us to be the attorneys who help you through this difficult time. Filing for bankruptcy isn’t easy, but we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free, private consultation and find the debt relief you deserve.
