Bankruptcy Attorneys Representing Worthington, MN
Filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 12 bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Behm Law Group, Ltd., our experienced Worthington, MN bankruptcy attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, making it as smooth, clear, and stress-free as possible so you can move toward a fresh financial start.
With over 25 years of combined legal experience, Stephen Behm and Isabelle Lewis-Behm have deep roots in the Worthington community. Stephen’s role as a judge for the Minnesota Mock Trial Program at the Nobles County Justice Center has strengthened their ties to the local legal community, and their experience with local courts benefits clients throughout the bankruptcy process.
If you’re facing overwhelming debt, creditor harassment, or financial uncertainty, expert legal guidance can make all the difference. Contact Behm Law Group today for your free bankruptcy consultation and take the first step toward regaining control of your financial future in Worthington, MN.
Common Reasons Worthington 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 Worthington 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 Worthington 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
We begin with a confidential bankruptcy consultation at our nearby office or a convenient meeting location serving Worthington and surrounding areas. During this meeting, we carefully review your financial situation, discuss your goals, and evaluate your debt concerns. Our attorneys explain your available bankruptcy options and help determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the best solution for your needs. We also answer your questions and clearly outline the next steps.
2
Credit Counseling Requirement
Before filing for bankruptcy, federal law requires you to complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This course is typically completed online and usually takes about one to two hours. It reviews your income, debts, and overall financial situation while exploring possible alternatives to bankruptcy. We will provide a list of approved providers, guide you through the process, and ensure the requirement is completed correctly before your case is filed.
3
Preparing Your Bankruptcy Petition
Our legal team works closely with you to gather and prepare all required bankruptcy documentation. This includes income statements, tax returns, asset information, debt details, and monthly living expenses. Accuracy is critical, as errors can delay your case. We carefully review all information, prepare your bankruptcy petition, and ensure everything is properly organized and ready for submission to the United States Bankruptcy Court.
4
Filing Your Case
Once your bankruptcy petition is officially filed, your case begins immediately. Filing triggers the automatic stay, which stops most creditor actions such as collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosures, and repossessions. This legal protection provides immediate relief and peace of mind while your case proceeds through the bankruptcy court and required steps are completed.
5
The 341 Meeting of Creditors
Approximately four to six weeks after filing, you will attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors. This is a short meeting where a bankruptcy trustee reviews your case and asks basic questions about your finances under oath. Creditors may attend but rarely do. We prepare you in advance and attend with you to ensure the process goes smoothly.
6
Debtor Education Course
Before your case can be completed, you must take a second required course known as debtor education. This course focuses on financial management and budgeting skills to help you avoid future debt problems. Like credit counseling, it is completed online through an approved provider. We make sure you complete and file the certificate properly.
7
Receiving Your Discharge
In Chapter 7 cases, most clients receive their discharge about 60 days after the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13 cases, discharge occurs after successful completion of the repayment plan. A discharge legally eliminates qualifying debts, releasing you from personal responsibility and preventing creditors from attempting to collect those debts in the future.
8
Life After Bankruptcy
After bankruptcy, you can begin rebuilding your financial stability. This includes creating a realistic budget, managing expenses, and gradually restoring your credit. Responsible use of credit and consistent payments can improve your financial standing over time. We remain available to provide guidance and strategies to help you move forward with confidence and avoid future debt issues.
Why Choose Behm Law Group for Your Worthington 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. Bankruptcy attorneys Stephen Behm and Isabelle Lewis-Behm understand the intricacies of filing for chapter 7, chapter 13, and chapter 12 bankruptcies and have practiced law for over 25 years.
Local Knowledge and Relationships
As experienced practitioners in southern Minnesota, we have extensive experience working with local bankruptcy trustees, creditors, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Stephen’s role as a judge for the Minnesota Mock Trial Program at the Nobles County Justice Center has strengthened his relationships with Worthington area attorneys and his familiarity with the local legal community. 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, MN . We serve clients throughout southern Minnesota including Worthington, Waseca, Fairmont, Austin, Albert Lea, Blue Earth, St. Peter, Madison, Marshall, Redwood Falls, 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 history of helping clients achieve favorable bankruptcy results, whether it’s discharging unsecured debts, reorganizing finances under Chapter 13, or protecting family assets. Our attorneys leverage their extensive experience to navigate complex cases efficiently, giving clients peace of mind during a challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Worthington
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 for Help Today
Filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 12 bankruptcy can provide meaningful relief from overwhelming debt and constant creditor pressure. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys guide you through every step of the process, reducing confusion and stress while helping you regain financial control and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a fresh financial start.
