When looking for relief from creditors or overwhelming debt, you are at many times either presented with a debt consolidation program or filing for consumer bankruptcy.

One of the most important protections available to individuals who file for bankruptcy is the automatic stay. As the name suggests, it automatically goes into effect the moment a consumer bankruptcy case is filed, without the need for a court order.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but for many individuals and families in Minnesota, they bring a wave of financial stress that overshadows the season. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, mounting bills, or relentless creditor calls, you’re not alone and you don’t need to carry that burden into the new year. At LifeBack Law Firm, we help clients get relief from their creditors every day, and the holiday season is often one of the smartest times to take action.

While preparing to file for bankruptcy, many people become stressed about listing the exact amounts they owe to each creditor. Worrying about finding the most recent statements, tracking down interest updates, or making sure every balance is accurate to the penny is very normal! However, here’s the good news: the specific amounts you list in your bankruptcy petition do not control the outcome of your case & they don’t have to be perfect. What matters is that you list every creditor you owe—not that the balances are flawless.

Filing for bankruptcy is a major financial decision, and preparing properly can make the process smoother and more effective. Whether you’re considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Minnesota, taking the right steps before you file can protect your assets, improve your outcomes, and prevent costly mistakes. Here are the key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

After all the fanfare that comes with preparing your case to file, then preparing for the 341 Hearing – the 60 days that come after can feel eerily calm. After weeks of preparation, it is very normal to feel strange when suddenly everything goes quiet. While it may seem like nothing is happening, this is an integral part of the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process where many important case events take place!

Filing for bankruptcy can feel like a major setback, but for many Minnesotans, it’s actually a fresh financial start. One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is whether they’ll be able to rent an apartment after bankruptcy. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is yes.

Many married couples in Minnesota are surprised to learn that bankruptcy does not have to be filed jointly. In fact, filing bankruptcy separately from your spouse can be a smart legal strategy in the right circumstances. Understanding when and why to file alone can help protect assets, reduce stress, and set your family up for a stronger financial future.

This time of year, our office usually spends a lot of time talking about serious topics; deadlines, paperwork, and the stress that often comes with financial uncertainty. However, just like the court system slows down a bit around the holidays, we think it’s important to pause, breathe, and enjoy the season!

If you’ve filed for bankruptcy and suddenly find yourself locked out of your mortgage or car loan online account, you are experiencing something completely normal. Nothing has gone wrong with your case. In fact, lenders routinely shut down online access during a bankruptcy, and their reasons have everything to do with federal law, not your personal situation.

When filing for bankruptcy, one of the first steps is determining your household size. This number matters because help your attorney determine if your case will be a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. There are many qualifications that help guide practitioners to file the right case for you! 

When people hear the word bankruptcy, they often think of failure, loss, or financial ruin. In reality, bankruptcy can actually be a powerful and positive step toward a fresh start. It’s not the end of the world, and is a straightforward way to resolve a debt problem. 

It can come as a surprise to some clients that a bankruptcy trustee requests additional bank statements after their case has already been filed. It can feel like something went wrong, but it is actually a very normal part of the process! The trustee’s job is to verify the financial information in your petition and ensure that everything is accurate, complete, and consistent with the Bankruptcy Code. Bank statements are one of the most reliable tools they have to do that. 

When preparing to file for bankruptcy with LifeBack, our team will walk you through the ins & outs of completing your petition. This includes detailed information about your financial history, including any property or money you have given away or transferred in the last few years. These transactions matter because of something called fraudulent transfers – which is a very daunting name for a very common occurrence in bankruptcy! Understanding what they are and why they must be disclosed can help protect your case and make sure that you receive the fresh start that a bankruptcy case can offer you.

Facing a sheriff sale can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. When you’re days or weeks away from losing your home, it may feel like you’re out of options. However, filing for bankruptcy can offer immediate protection and a chance to regain control of your financial situation. Understanding how this process works can help you decide whether it’s the right step for you.

Dealing with wage garnishment can feel overwhelming. When a creditor begins taking money directly from your paycheck, it becomes difficult to keep up with everyday expenses, let alone catch up on past-due bills. Fortunately, bankruptcy offers a powerful tool for stopping garnishment in Minnesota: the automatic stay.