The top-rated bankruptcy lawyer in Williston, North Dakota is Misty Nehring Law, rated 4.7 stars across 77 reviews. Other highly rated options include Nehring Law Office, Lowe Law Group, Sand Law, PLLC. This directory lists 19 bankruptcy lawyers serving Williston.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misty Nehring Law | 3 4th St E Ste. 205 | (701) 571-1111 |
| 2 | Nehring Law Office | 113 E Broadway Suite 1 | (701) 577-5555 |
| 3 | Lowe Law Group | 120 26th St E Suite 200 | (701) 401-1044 |
| 4 | Sand Law, PLLC | 125 Main St #215 | (701) 609-1510 |
| 5 | Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers | 125 Main St Ste 216 | (701) 419-0037 |
| 6 | Chapman Law Firm P.C. | 417 1st Ave E | (701) 572-3966 |
| 7 | The Advocates Injury Attorneys | 1411 W Dakota Pkwy Unit 203, Suite A | (701) 503-4466 |
| 8 | Pippin Law Firm | 111 E Broadway | (701) 572-5544 |
| 9 | Corcoran Law PLLP | 125 Main St #415 | (701) 204-0660 |
| 10 | Furuseth Olson & Evert P.C. | 107 Main St | (701) 552-7738 |
Misty Nehring Law serves the Williston, North Dakota area as a bankruptcy lawyer. The firm provides legal guidance for individuals and businesses facing financial distress, including debt reorganization and liquidation proceedings. These services aim to help clients navigate complex federal bankruptcy codes and achieve a fresh financial start. Typical matters handled include Chapter 7 debt discharge and Chapter 13 repayment plan cases.
Nehring Law Office provides bankruptcy legal services to individuals and businesses in Williston, North Dakota. The firm assists clients with chapter filings, debt discharge proceedings, and creditor negotiations to resolve financial obligations. It offers ongoing case management to guide clients through legal deadlines, court appearances, and required documentation. Regular consultation sessions help clarify repayment options and exemptions under applicable law. The office services single-family homes, apartments, retail properties, and restaurants facing bankruptcy-related issues.
Lowe Law Group serves homeowners, business owners, and individuals in Williston facing financial distress through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. The firm provides guidance on debt relief options, including discharge eligibility, asset exemptions, and repayment plan structuring. The team helps clients navigate the complexities of automatic stay protections and court filings. Lowe Law Group extends its bankruptcy law services to clients throughout neighboring Minot, North Dakota.
Sand Law, PLLC offers focused guidance on personal and business bankruptcy in Williston, North Dakota. Its practice assists clients with Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans. The firm addresses the full bankruptcy process, including court filings, creditor negotiations, and debt discharge strategy. It understands the economic challenges facing local residents and agricultural operations. The practice also helps individuals confronting winter utility debt or seasonal income shortfalls that make regular payments difficult.
Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers serves Williston and surrounding communities in western North Dakota, handling bankruptcy cases for individuals and small businesses. The firm assists clients who are facing overwhelming debt and need guidance through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings. Its attorneys evaluate each financial situation to determine the most suitable legal path for discharge or reorganization. When managing a typical case, the firm reviews all assets and liabilities thoroughly before preparing court documents and representing the client through necessary hearings and creditor meetings.
Chapman Law Firm P.C. in Williston, ND, distinguishes between one-time filings, such as discharging specific debts, and ongoing services like reviewing options for clients facing evolving financial situations. This bankruptcy lawyer provides coverage for individuals and businesses navigating Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 proceedings in the local area. General counsel addresses automatic stays, reaffirmation agreements, and related court requirements. Overall, this firm offers services on both a one-time and as-needed basis, depending on each client’s particular circumstances.
In the cold winter months, Williston businesses and individuals often face financial strain from seasonal slowdowns or unexpected costs. The Advocates Injury Attorneys helps locals navigate Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings to address mounting debts and protect assets. Their team evaluates each client’s financial standing to determine the most suitable approach for a fresh start. A detailed initial consultation reviews income, expenses, and liabilities before recommending the next steps.
Pippin Law Firm offers legal services focused on bankruptcy and debt relief solutions for clients in Williston, North Dakota. It helps individuals and small businesses evaluate their financial circumstances and file for protections under federal bankruptcy laws. The firm guides clients through the necessary paperwork and court procedures to achieve a fresh start financially. For those facing imminent creditor actions such as wage garnishment or home foreclosure, the firm assists with filing for an automatic stay to halt collection efforts during the winter months when seasonal work slows.
Corcoran Law PLLP provides legal guidance for individuals and businesses navigating financial restructuring and insolvency proceedings. The firm specializes in Bankruptcy Lawyer services, assisting clients with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings in Williston, ND. It helps debtors understand their rights and options for discharging debts or creating manageable repayment plans. The firm also represents commercial clients in need of debt relief strategies. Its services are available to offices, warehouses, and food service operations seeking to address their financial challenges.
Furuseth Olson & Evert P.C. provides residential bankruptcy services to clients in Williston, North Dakota, helping individuals manage personal debts and achieve financial fresh starts. The firm also extends its coverage to commercial clients, assisting businesses with restructuring and debt relief options throughout the Williston area and surrounding region. Their practice addresses common financial challenges faced by local residents and business owners alike. Clients may return for follow-up consultations or seek repeat service between regular periodic visits for ongoing debt management needs.
What Does a a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Williston Cost?
The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in North Dakota varies based on the chapter filed and case complexity. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, attorney fees in Williston typically fall between $1,200 and $2,500, with the court filing fee of $338 paid separately. Chapter 13 cases involve higher attorney fees, generally ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, because the attorney must prepare a repayment plan and attend multiple court hearings over several years. Many attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements for Chapter 7 cases, covering all necessary filings and court appearances, while Chapter 13 fees are often paid through the plan itself.
Payment plans are common in this practice area, with many lawyers allowing clients to pay fees in installments before the case is filed. Some attorneys also offer reduced fees for clients who qualify as low-income, and pro bono assistance is available through Legal Services of North Dakota for those meeting income guidelines. The court may permit filing fee installment payments for Chapter 7 cases, though the fee must be paid in full before discharge. These figures are general estimates and do not constitute legal advice; you should consult a qualified attorney for specific fee information related to your situation.
About bankruptcy lawyers in Williston
Bankruptcy law in Williston, North Dakota, provides a legal pathway for individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt to obtain a fresh financial start. The primary forms of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7, which involves liquidation of non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and Chapter 13, which allows debtors to reorganize their debts through a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years. Chapter 11 is typically reserved for businesses or individuals with debt exceeding Chapter 13 limits, offering more complex reorganization. Chapter 7 is often suitable for those with limited income and few assets, as it discharges most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who can afford to pay a portion of their debts over time, often helping them keep a home or vehicle from foreclosure or repossession. Chapter 11, while more costly and time-consuming, allows businesses or high-income individuals to restructure debts while continuing operations.
North Dakota law permits debtors to choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions when filing for bankruptcy. The state homestead exemption protects up to $100,000 of equity in a primary residence, which is significantly higher than the federal exemption of $27,900. For vehicles, North Dakota allows a $3,200 exemption for one motor vehicle, while the federal exemption is $4,450. The state also offers a wildcard exemption of $7,500 that can be applied to any property of the debtor's choosing, which is more generous than the federal wildcard of $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption. Additional state-specific exemptions include $10,000 in personal property of any kind, $7,500 in household goods and furnishings, and $1,000 in books and musical instruments. These exemptions are codified in North Dakota Century Code Title 28, Chapter 28-22, and careful selection between state and federal exemptions can determine which assets a debtor retains.
The means test is a critical calculation that determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For cases filed in North Dakota, the median income for a single earner is approximately $60,000, while a family of four earns roughly $95,000, adjusted periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program. To qualify for Chapter 7, a debtor's current monthly income, averaged over the six months before filing, must be below the state median for their household size. If income exceeds the median, the debtor must complete a detailed calculation of allowable expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and taxes, to determine disposable income. If disposable income over five years exceeds a threshold of about $12,850, the debtor is presumed to have the ability to pay creditors and may be required to file Chapter 13 instead. The means test is complex and requires accurate documentation of all income sources and expenses, making professional guidance essential for most filers.
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops most collection actions, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and lawsuits. This protection begins the moment the petition is filed and continues until the case is closed or the court lifts the stay. The timeline from filing to discharge is typically three to six months for Chapter 7, while Chapter 13 plans last three to five years before discharge. Before filing, debtors must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved agency within 180 days before the petition. After filing, but before discharge, debtors must complete a debtor education course on financial management. Failure to complete either course can result in dismissal of the case. The discharge order, which releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts, is usually entered 60 to 90 days after the meeting of creditors, also known as the 341 meeting.
The costs of filing bankruptcy in North Dakota include court filing fees of $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, as of 2025. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 cases in Williston typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. Chapter 13 attorney fees are generally higher, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, because these cases require ongoing plan administration and court appearances over several years. Many attorneys offer payment plans that allow clients to pay fees in installments before filing, though the court filing fee must be paid in full or with court-approved installment payments. For individuals with very low income, pro bono resources are available through Legal Services of North Dakota, which provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Some attorneys also offer flat-fee structures that include all required filings and court appearances, providing cost certainty for clients.
Life after bankruptcy requires patience and strategic financial planning. A Chapter 7 discharge remains on a credit report for ten years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for seven years. Despite this, many debtors can begin rebuilding credit immediately by obtaining secured credit cards, becoming an authorized user on a responsible person's account, or taking out small credit-builder loans. Paying all post-bankruptcy bills on time is essential, as payment history accounts for 35 percent of a credit score. Certain debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, recent income taxes (less than three years old), child support, alimony, and debts arising from fraud or willful injury. Property taxes and some government fines also generally survive. To ensure a complete discharge, debtors must list all creditors and debts in their petition, and any debt not listed may not be discharged. A successful bankruptcy provides a legal foundation for a fresh start, but it does not erase the need for responsible financial habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do North Dakota's homestead exemption laws affect my bankruptcy case in Williston?
North Dakota law protects up to $100,000 of equity in your primary residence under the state homestead exemption, which is much higher than the federal exemption of $27,900. If your home equity exceeds $100,000, the bankruptcy trustee may sell the property to pay creditors, though you would receive the exempt amount. You must have lived in the home for at least 1,215 days before filing to claim this exemption, and you cannot use the federal homestead exemption if you choose state exemptions. Consulting with a local attorney ensures you understand how to maximize protection for your Williston home.
What are the typical costs for hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Williston, North Dakota?
Attorney fees for a Chapter 7 case in Williston generally range from $1,200 to $2,500, plus the $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, typically $3,000 to $5,000, because these cases require ongoing plan administration over three to five years. Many attorneys offer payment plans allowing you to pay fees in installments before filing, and the court may allow you to pay the filing fee in up to four installments. These are general estimates, and actual costs depend on case complexity; this is not legal advice.
How long does the bankruptcy process take from filing to discharge in North Dakota?
For a Chapter 7 case in North Dakota, the process typically takes three to six months from filing to discharge. You must complete a credit counseling course before filing and a debtor education course after filing, both from approved agencies. A meeting of creditors, called the 341 meeting, occurs about 30 to 45 days after filing, and the discharge order usually follows 60 to 90 days later. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years, with discharge occurring after all plan payments are completed.