The top-rated bankruptcy lawyer in Minot, North Dakota is Maverick Law Group, rated 4.9 stars across 126 reviews. Other highly rated options include Sand Law, PLLC, Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., Gulke Law. This directory lists 20 bankruptcy lawyers serving Minot.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maverick Law Group | 2151 36th Ave SW B | (701) 852-5224 |
| 2 | Sand Law, PLLC | 24 Main St N Suite J | (701) 609-1510 |
| 3 | Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. | 2525 Elk Drive | (701) 696-4204 |
| 4 | Gulke Law | 1602 4th Ave NW Suite A | (701) 353-5855 |
| 5 | Burckhard Law, PLLC | 7 3rd St SE Suite 110 | (701) 838-5599 |
| 6 | Thomas & Thomas Law Firm | 114 Main St S | (701) 852-1602 |
| 7 | Beall Law Office, PLLC | 320 16th St NW | (701) 838-8766 |
| 8 | Neigum Stanley Law Office | 108 E Burdick Expy # 2 | (701) 838-2600 |
| 9 | Francis Law Office | 1602 4th Ave NW | (701) 837-8500 |
| 10 | Humphrey Law Office, P.C. | 1344 Main St S | (701) 852-5777 |
Maverick Law Group serves Minot and Ward County as a bankruptcy law practice. The firm assists individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys provide legal guidance through the complexities of federal bankruptcy proceedings, including the means test and automatic stay protections. They prepare and file required petitions, schedules, and discharge paperwork. The practice also facilitates 341 meetings of creditors and negotiates reaffirmation agreements. Its specific services include Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 debt repayment plan cases.
Sand Law, PLLC offers legal guidance for individuals and businesses navigating Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. The firm handles filings, creditor negotiations, and debt discharge processes for clients facing financial hardship in Minot, North Dakota. In addition, Sand Law provides ongoing case management and compliance support to ensure clients meet court requirements. The bankruptcy lawyer services residential homeowners, tenants dealing with eviction, apartment complexes, retail storefronts, and local restaurants encountering financial restructuring needs.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. serves individuals and small businesses in Minot, North Dakota, who are facing financial difficulty. The firm handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, providing guidance through the legal process to help clients manage debt. It works with homeowners to protect property from foreclosure and assists businesses in restructuring obligations. The firm also covers residents and companies in the surrounding Ward County area, including the community of Burlington.
Serving Minot and the surrounding communities in north-central North Dakota, Gulke Law handles personal and business bankruptcy filings under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The firm also addresses related debt relief and creditor negotiations to help clients manage financial burdens. For each case, it reviews the client’s income, assets, and liabilities to determine the appropriate legal strategy. It then prepares and files the necessary court documents while representing the client through the entire discharge process.
Burckhard Law, PLLC assists clients in Minot, North Dakota, with bankruptcy filings as a single-project legal service rather than a recurring retainer arrangement, covering Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans for individuals and small businesses. This local practice focuses on helping residents and companies navigate debt relief options within the federal bankruptcy system. Services operate on a one-time representation basis, concluded upon case discharge or plan confirmation.
As winter approaches in Minot, many residents face the financial strain of heating bills and seasonal work slowdowns. Thomas & Thomas Law Firm provides bankruptcy assistance to individuals and families in the area seeking relief from overwhelming debt. The attorneys here handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, helping clients understand how each option may halt creditor harassment and protect certain assets. They offer clear explanations of the legal process during a confidential initial consultation. A thorough review of your financial situation will be conducted at this first meeting.
Beall Law Office, PLLC provides legal services focused on debt relief and financial restructuring for clients in Minot, ND. This practice specifically handles bankruptcy filings, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, assisting individuals and businesses with managing overwhelming debt. The firm guides clients through complex legal procedures to achieve a fresh financial start. It serves a range of commercial sectors, including local offices, warehouses, and food service establishments.
Neigum Stanley Law Office provides bankruptcy representation to residential clients in Minot, North Dakota, assisting with debt relief and financial restructuring. The firm also serves commercial clients facing business insolvency or creditor challenges within the local area. Their practice covers straightforward consumer filings and more complex cases involving reorganization or liquidation proceedings. Clients can schedule follow-up consultations between regular visits to address changing financial circumstances or to complete required court documentation.
Francis Law Office is a bankruptcy law firm based in Minot, North Dakota, known for guiding individuals and small businesses through debt relief options. The firm’s services focus on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, providing straightforward legal counsel for those facing overwhelming financial challenges in the region. Clients receive professional assistance designed to address unique financial circumstances and protect their assets. For additional support, the office can negotiate directly with creditors to help structure alternative repayment plans outside of formal bankruptcy proceedings.
Humphrey Law Office, P.C. provides bankruptcy legal services for individuals and businesses in Minot, ND. Its practice includes filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 relief, guiding clients through the process of debt discharge and repayment planning. The firm handles creditor negotiations and asset exemption filings. This representation is particularly valuable for those facing an imminent foreclosure, wage garnishment, or the financial strain of seasonal underemployment in the local economy.
What Does a a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Minot Cost?
The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Minot, North Dakota varies by case complexity and chapter. For a standard Chapter 7 case, attorney fees generally fall between $1,200 and $2,500, with the court filing fee of $338 added separately. Chapter 13 cases involve higher attorney fees, typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, because they require ongoing plan administration and court appearances over three to five years. Many attorneys offer payment plans, allowing you to pay Chapter 7 fees in installments before filing, while Chapter 13 fees can sometimes be incorporated into the repayment plan itself. Some low-income residents may qualify for reduced-fee or pro bono services through organizations like Legal Services of North Dakota.
These cost figures are general estimates based on common practice in the region. Actual fees depend on the specific details of your financial situation, the complexity of your assets, and the attorney you choose. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Minot to obtain a precise fee quote tailored to your circumstances.
About bankruptcy lawyers in Minot
When financial obligations become overwhelming, residents of Minot, North Dakota often consider bankruptcy as a legal path to regain control. Bankruptcy practice in the state typically involves three primary chapters under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 7, known as liquidation, discharges most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills in exchange for non-exempt assets being sold by a trustee. Chapter 13, or reorganization, allows individuals with regular income to propose a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on secured debts like mortgages or car loans while keeping their property. Chapter 11, though commonly used by businesses, is available for individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 limits (currently $2,750,000 in unsecured and secured debts combined as of 2024). Chapter 7 suits those with limited income and few assets, while Chapter 13 works for wage earners who want to protect non-exempt property or catch up on arrears.
North Dakota law provides specific exemptions that determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. Unlike many states, North Dakota requires residents to use state exemptions rather than federal exemptions. The state homestead exemption protects up to $100,000 of equity in your primary residence, increased from $80,000 in recent years. For vehicles, you can exempt up to $3,200 of equity in one motor vehicle. The wildcard exemption allows you to protect up to $7,500 of any personal property, which can be applied to assets not covered by other exemptions. Additional exemptions include $10,000 in household goods and furnishings, $1,000 in books and musical instruments, and $7,500 in tools of the trade. These exemptions are codified in North Dakota Century Code Title 28, Chapter 28-22, and they update periodically, so consulting current statutes is essential.
The means test determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in North Dakota. This test compares your average monthly income over the six months before filing to the median income for a household of your size in the state. As of 2024, the median income for a single-earner household in North Dakota is approximately $61,000, for a two-person household about $79,000, for a three-person household around $93,000, and for a four-person household near $108,000. If your income falls below these medians, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must calculate your disposable income after subtracting allowed expenses under IRS standards. If your disposable income over five years exceeds $7,700, you generally cannot file Chapter 7 and must use Chapter 13. The calculation involves detailed forms and supporting documents like pay stubs and tax returns.
Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, an immediate court order that stops most creditor collection actions. This means no more phone calls, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, or repossession attempts. In Minot, the process from filing to discharge typically takes three to six months for Chapter 7, while Chapter 13 plans last three to five years. Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved agency, which costs around $10 to $50. After filing, you must complete a debtor education course before receiving your discharge, costing a similar amount. The bankruptcy court in Minot is part of the North Dakota District, with hearings often held in the federal courthouse at 102 1st Street Northwest. You will attend one meeting of creditors, usually about 30 days after filing, where the trustee reviews your paperwork and asks questions.
Costs for bankruptcy in North Dakota include court filing fees and attorney fees. The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313, as of 2024. Attorney fees in Minot typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 for a straightforward Chapter 7 case and $3,000 to $5,000 for a Chapter 13 case, depending on complexity. Many lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay fees in installments before filing. Some attorneys require full payment before filing Chapter 7, while Chapter 13 fees can often be paid through the repayment plan. For those with very low income, pro bono resources exist through organizations like Legal Services of North Dakota, which provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals. The North Dakota State Bar Association also offers a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys offering reduced rates.
Life after bankruptcy involves rebuilding credit and understanding long-term effects. A Chapter 7 discharge stays on your credit report for ten years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge remains for seven years. Despite this, many people find their credit score improves within one to two years after discharge because they eliminate high debt balances. Strategies for rebuilding include obtaining a secured credit card, making all payments on time, and keeping credit utilization low. Not all debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy. Student loans generally survive unless you prove undue hardship in an adversary proceeding, which is difficult. Most tax debts are not dischargeable, especially income taxes less than three years old or those where you filed a fraudulent return. Child support and alimony obligations cannot be discharged, nor can debts for personal injury caused by drunk driving. A bankruptcy attorney in Minot can help you understand which of your specific debts may be eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What local exemptions apply when filing for bankruptcy in Minot, North Dakota?
North Dakota requires residents to use state exemptions, not federal ones. The homestead exemption protects up to $100,000 of equity in your primary residence. You can also exempt up to $3,200 in vehicle equity, $7,500 in a wildcard for any personal property, and $10,000 in household goods. These amounts are set by North Dakota Century Code Title 28, Chapter 28-22 and may adjust periodically.
How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost in Minot, North Dakota?
Attorney fees in Minot typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 for a Chapter 7 case and $3,000 to $5,000 for a Chapter 13 case. Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Many lawyers offer payment plans, and some allow Chapter 13 fees to be paid through the repayment plan. Low-income individuals may qualify for pro bono assistance through Legal Services of North Dakota.
What is the timeline for a bankruptcy case in North Dakota?
After filing, an automatic stay stops creditor actions immediately. A meeting of creditors occurs about 30 days later, where the trustee reviews your case. For Chapter 7, the discharge typically arrives three to six months after filing. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan lasts three to five years, and the discharge comes after completing all plan payments. You must complete credit counseling before filing and debtor education after filing.