The MN Bankruptcy Blog | Learn the Bankruptcy Process & More

Wesley Scott

I love being a Minnesota bankruptcy attorney because it allows me to give people hope that, together, we can get their lives back. People call us because of business failure (many businesses fail, that is a fact of life), income drop (bad economy or otherwise), divorce (happens to many), medical problems (how can you help that?), and bad financial decisions (we have all made them!). I understand the financial pressures my clients face because I experienced many of these same pressures growing up. I know that most of my clients end up in debt through no fault of their own. I became a bankruptcy attorney to give these people the help and support they need in this time of trouble.

How Do I Reduce My Minimum Payment to Creditors?

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 30

If your financial situation is spinning out of control and you are no longer able to make your full monthly payments on time, something needs to happen. Or, perhaps you are already in a debt management program and aren’t able to keep up with your already lowered monthly payments. There are two things that can be done.

The Role of a Chapter 13 Trustee in Your Bankruptcy Case

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 28

A chapter 13 trustee will be assigned to your case when you file for bankruptcy. Think of the chapter 13 trustee’s role in your bankruptcy case similar to the role an account manager plays. This individual is appointed by the court and will manage your case from the beginning, through your entire repayment plan, at which time you will receive a discharge.

How To Keep Your Car When Filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 26

Two of the most common bankruptcy myths lead people to believe that you will lose everything you own and you will never be able to own anything in the future. Both of these are false. Most people who file bankruptcy don’t lose anything and in the future you can buy, own and possess whatever you can afford to make payments on. One of those necessary and often treasured possessions debtors fear losing is their vehicle – their mode of transportation.

Stipulations for Receiving a Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy Discharge

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 21

A discharge is a legal term used during bankruptcy and refers to the elimination of your liability from your debts. If you file Chapter 7 your discharge will be granted immediately upon case closing or if you file Chapter 13, your discharge occurs after you complete your repayment period.

Getting Access To Credit After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 19

Over the last three weeks I wrote about the ability of Chapter 7 debtors to access credit after receiving a bankruptcy discharge. Now, let’s look at the ability of Chapter 13 debtors to access credit - and because of the length of time Chapter 13 debtors are “in” their bankruptcy, I’ll deviate a little from the title of this blog and look at the ability to access credit during the time a Chapter 13 debtor is “in” her bankruptcy, as well as access to credit after the Chapter 13 discharge is entered.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 18

To initiate the chapter 7 bankruptcy process you must file a petition. Along with this petition you must file the following:

Schedule of assets & liabilities
Schedule of current income and expenditures
Statement of financial affairs
Schedule of executor contracts and unexpired leases
Copy of the most recent tax year tax return or transcript

Previous unfiled tax returns
Tax returns filed during the bankruptcy case

Certificate of credit counseling (copy of debt repayment plan completed during credit counseling)
Evidence of payment from employers received 60 days before filing
Statement of monthly net income (plus any anticipated increase in income or expenses after filing)
Record of any interest in federal or state qualified education or tuition accounts
Schedule of exempt property

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The Benefits of Utilizing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 17

Using a Bankruptcy Attorney to help you File a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy will be one of the best decisions you make, apart from your initial decision to get your life and finances back on track by filing bankruptcy. The bankruptcy code, court procedures and filing forms are saturated with legal jargon that will complicate the overall bankruptcy process if you don’t have the assistance from a legal professional.

How a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Alleviate Your Stress

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 16

Your stress will begin to diminish the day you decide to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Taking action against your debts will take some of the pressure off – but taking action to abolish your debt completely will have you sleeping peacefully at night.

3 Of The Most Common Bankruptcy Misconceptions in Minnesota

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 10

Filing for bankruptcy can give you a chance to start over financially. Knowing the correct information about this process and its potential results is absolutely necessary when considering whether or not to file. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding, which means it is surrounded by legal jargon. This can make sorting through the massive amounts of bankruptcy related information complicated.

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Finding Debt Consolidation Solutions for Your Financial Situation

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 9

Debt consolidation consists of combining all of your unsecured debt payments into one. This may involve taking out a loan, entering into a debt consolidation program or Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Now, what are unsecured debt payments?

How To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Monticello, MN

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 8

If you live in or near Monticello, MN, and you are suffering from overwhelming debt, what is the first thing you need to do? That is what our guests really want to know. They ask me all the time- Wes, what is the first step I need to take? If you are like me, you like to do a little research before you set up an appointment to meet with someone right? Like what are the answers to some of my commonly asked questions?

A Personal Account of the Minnesota Bankruptcy Process

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 7

The Minnesota Bankruptcy Process isn’t as scary, threatening or intimidating as many believe. In fact, if you have an attorney on your side, these fears will likely be non-existent. It also helps to know that you are not alone. Many people visit bankruptcy attorneys every year – to seek advice, comfort and often assistance through the bankruptcy process. Here is an example of a young couple’s financial struggle and journey to debt freedom, it represents a common set of circumstances we see fairly frequently.

Find The Best Bankruptcy Lawyers In Anoka, MN

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 5

If you’re desperately seeking the Best Bankruptcy Lawyers in Anoka, Minnesota, you have two options:

Option 1: drop everything—work, family, household chores—and dedicate your days to researching the hundreds of Bankruptcy Attorneys in Anoka. Call each office and set up potentially expensive consultation appointments with the most likely candidates. Then, take a chance on one of them and hope that they file your bankruptcy correctly and quickly.

The 5 Main Reasons Minnesotan's File Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy

Posted by Wesley Scott on June 1

Let’s be clear, there are numerous causes of bankruptcy. Many times, there is no single reason that pushes someone to push the reset button on their life. We have been practicing bankruptcy law in Minnesota since 1972, we have seen a thing or two about what causes people to need to push the reset button and get their lives back.

Need to Get Out of Debt Fast? Consider All Your Options

Posted by Wesley Scott on May 25

Let’s say you have $50,000 in credit card debt and your situation has gotten to the point where you can’t keep up with your payments. Something has to be done in order for you to take care of your family, get your life back in control and so on.

What Bankruptcy Costs in Duluth, Minnesota

Posted by Wesley Scott on May 22

Is the cost of filing for bankruptcy keeping you from getting your life back? If you are struggling with debt and think you can’t afford to file bankruptcy in Duluth, Minnesota, the truth is, you can’t afford not to!