Medical debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy, both in chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases.

Here, at LifeBack Law Firm, we make filing bankruptcy as simple as we can. There are not countless worksheets to fill out, we do the drafting for you, and a licensed attorney will be working with you during the bankruptcy process. All the attorneys at LifeBack Law Firm are licensed to practice in Minnesota. Therefore, we can only file bankruptcy cases in Minnesota.

People occasionally tell me they feel bad about not paying their debts when considering bankruptcy. Sometimes, people are even downright distraught and try to apologize for being irresponsible. First things first: you do not have to apologize for taking a problem seriously and considering your options. But it also got me asking myself: is it morally wrong to not pay your debts?

   I like to think of LifeBack Law Firm as an oasis away from the cruelty of the world we live in. Too many people use cruelty and insecurity to hurt other people. It is really sad. When you have a debt problem the last thing you want is for law firm staff to be rude, condescending, or just mean. Unfortunately, we hear all the stories along these lines from clients who first went to another law firm to file bankruptcy only to find out, the lawyer and staff are rude.

Recently, I spoke to a woman who told me she is a client of LifeBack Law Firm. She said she came to us after she spoke to another person and ended up doing some work for the firm herself. She said when she came into one of our office locations she knew she would be ok asking for help with bankruptcy. She knew she was in a safe, non-judgmental place. As a lawyer myself, I find these words from someone like her to be precious. No one feels good about having to file bankruptcy. But what people really don’t want is to work with someone who is unprofessional and judgmental.

Previously, I wrote about different individuals you’ll come across in your bankruptcy.  Here, I want to discuss and provide common terms you’ll come across as well.

   If you find yourself knee deep in debt, you are not alone. Each, year, thousands and thousands of Minnesotans just like you and I end up with overwhelming debt and the need to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Hitting the reset button on your financial life is not as hard as you think. Once you wrap your mind around the “b” word, the actual process of filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is no so difficult to tolerate.

A chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy where you establish a repayment plan that usually lasts 5 years.  Typically, the repayment plan is based on a budget that is created by looking at your net income and then your expenses.  

   LifeBack Law Firm has roots dating back to 1972. Since 1972, LifeBack Law Firm has been protecting Minnesotans from their creditors, and we can protect you too. Don’t you think a law firm that is 50 years old has spent an enormous amount of time perfecting the process of filing bankruptcy so it is as comforting and soothing to the guests as possible? You would be correct. LifeBack Law Firm has been perfecting the process of filing bankruptcy for Minnesotans just like you. Trust me, not all bankruptcy law firms are the same.

The word “bankrupt” come from the Italian words, “banca rotta”, which means “broken bench”. In Italy, money dealers worked from benches or tables. If a dealer ran out of money, his bench was broken in half and he was out of business.  

What is a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy anyway? Will I lose everything I own if I file bankruptcy? Will the bankruptcy law firms in my area treat me with the dignity I deserve? When you are suffering from debt, many things cross your mind. One of them is will I lose all my assets if I file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is referred to as a “fresh start” or “liquidation” bankruptcy where the focus is on the assets you own, wherever situated in the world, on the date you file bankruptcy.

Like any problem, the first step is admitting, I have a debt problem. I am not sick, my finances are sick. Once you get that far, you are well on your way to getting your life back. In St. Cloud, MN, we are a bankruptcy law firm right near where you live. If you are looking for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy lawyer near you or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy lawyer near you, LifeBack Law in St. Cloud is right in your back yard. We are locating at 13 7^th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301. We are located downtown St. Cloud on 7^th avenue south; right across the street from Capitol One Bank and a few doors down from Jets Pizza.

There are many options to try and resolve an abundance of debt.  Many of our clients seek these options before filing bankruptcy and that’s okay, since bankruptcy can be an intimidating process.  So, let’s breakdown your other options.

 I am not against any lawyer opening up a new law office or starting out from scratch. But, I am not a huge fan of having the lawyer start out on me, that’s all. There is something “unprofessional” about a bankruptcy lawyer answering his/her own phone with home noises in the background like dogs or cats or other household things. It just doesn’t feel professional at all. If I were the client, I would want a team of professionals helping me, not a lawyer answering his/her own phone.

It is that time of year, again. Tax filing season is upon us. If you find yourself in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Minnesota, you may be wondering if you are able to keep your tax refunds. The answer to this question is determined by what your specific plan calls for. If your Chapter 13 plan is silent as to tax refunds, presumably you are allowed to retain possession of 100% of your tax refunds. However, if your plan has specific provisions dealing with excess tax refunds, you must comply with them.

If you receive an inheritance before filing bankruptcy, whether it’s cash or physical property, then those items may become part of your bankruptcy.