Cheap Minnesota Bankruptcy Attorney & Money Saving Tips

Minnesota bankruptcy attorney’s fees generally range from about $2,200 to $5,000 for a Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy depending on the complexity of your matter.

Here are some ways to save money and get a cheap bankruptcy attorney.

Bankruptcy Alternatives Can Save You Money

Is bankruptcy your only option? Unfortunately, many people are pushed into bankruptcy without being told there are other options available. For our experience, we have reduced debts by over 50% for people who qualified for bankruptcy but preferred to settle with creditors. Among attorneys, this negotiation process is called a “workout.”

A Minnesota bankruptcy attorney is in a unique position to negotiate down your debts because creditors (people to whom you owe money) know that the attorney has the power to file bankruptcies. Creditors know they may get little or nothing if someone actually files for bankruptcy, so they may be willing to negotiate a significant reduction in the debt in exchange for payment.

In other words, a Minnesota bankruptcy attorney may be able to help you get out of your debts cheaper than a bankruptcy would cost especially when considering the consequences that a bankruptcy can have on your credit report score and ability to get loans in the future.

When you select a Minnesota bankruptcy attorney, pick one who doesn’t push you into bankruptcy. Pick one who explains all of your options and lets you decide which option is best for your unique circumstances.

Bulk Discount: Cheaper Minnesota Bankruptcy Attorney

If you and your spouse are both filing for bankruptcy, some Minnesota bankruptcy lawyers will give you a discount. This discount may also be available if you come with a friend or family member at the same time. The idea is that the Minnesota bankruptcy lawyer can offer the services cheaper because the attorney will probably spend less time communicating with both of you than the attorney would spend with two separate clients.

Warning: Don’t File Your Own Bankruptcy to Save Money

The federal bankruptcy law is very confusing. It simply isn’t worth trying to file bankruptcy and paying the filing fees, only to find out that you did something wrong so your debts were not discharged. It generally costs more to hire an attorney to clean up an improperly filed bankruptcy than do it right the first time.

Bankruptcy law is so confusing that even licensed Minnesota attorneys who practice in other areas will not do bankruptcies. There are too many potential pitfalls. The laws and process of filing a bankruptcy are simply too confusing for lawyers not familiar with a bankruptcy practice.

Frankly, I have never heard of a person who filed for bankruptcy on their own without having problems that led to the need to hire a bankruptcy attorney. Often, the attorney must charge more to clean up the first mess and file the bankruptcy properly.

Warning: Don’t Buy Bankruptcy Books

For most people, bankruptcy books are a waste of time because the best advice for your situation will be from a free meeting with a local bankruptcy attorney. Most bankruptcy attorneys will meet with potential clients for free, so why waste your time and money on bankruptcy books when you can get advice from a licensed attorney for less?

Warning: Don’t Rely on Free Bankruptcy Articles Online

People often report that internet articles cause more confusion and stress that alleviate concerns. Online articles often have conflicting, inaccurate, and erroneous information for a variety of reasons:

• State laws vary. Laws and bankruptcy practices vary by state. Bankruptcy involves state and federal law. Although the Bankruptcy Code is a federal law, state laws address issues like which assets are exempt from bankruptcy (can be kept by someone using a state’s bankruptcy exemptions) and state property laws. For example, a resident of Blaine, Minnesota, should not rely on an article online written by the best bankruptcy attorney in Dayton, Ohio—the state laws are different.
• Bankruptcy laws change. State legislatures update their laws on a regular basis. State and federal law are continually updated by court cases interpreting state and federal statutes. Thus, bankruptcy advice for someone in Lexington, Kentucky, may be entirely erroneous for someone in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
• Each person is unique. Circumstances vary. Each person has a different situation. A bankruptcy attorney will analyze what types of retirement, investment, and bank accounts you own, the impact of property jointly owned with a spouse or family member (e.g. home or cabin), the different legal treatment for business debts versus personal debts, and the practical consequences on your life if you file bankruptcy without first doing some bankruptcy planning.

Warning: Don’t Fall Prey to Online Bankruptcy Scams

There are plenty of companies online who want to make money by taking advantage of people in debt. They will try to sell you programs, illegitimate services, and scams. Stick to getting your advice from the only people who are lawfully authorized to give you legal advice: attorneys.

There is no reason to spend money anywhere else when you can get a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who will analyze your particular situation and advise you regarding your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy.