Get Your Bankruptcy Done Right The First Time

Last updated on June 2, 2025

Need a fresh financial start? Bankruptcy can help you get out from under your bills, stop creditors from taking money out of your paycheck and bank account, and stop the foreclosure of your home.

At Ed Shaw Law, our local attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience handling bankruptcies in the Brainerd area, and have developed a strong local reputation for handling bankruptcies competently and with compassion. We understand that many causes of debt are out of your control — from medical expenses to caring for elderly family members — and will help you file bankruptcy as efficiently as possible.

Get Back In Control

Our lawyers will start by helping you figure out whether you should file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, then guide you through each step of the process.

We can handle emergency and short notice filings, which will stop foreclosure sales and will stop creditors from taking money out of your paycheck and bank accounts right away. In some cases, you can remove a second mortgage on your home. If your creditors are violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, we can also take action to protect your rights and stop illegal harassing behavior.

We also fix troubled bankruptcies. If for any reason you have started a bankruptcy with another Minnesota attorney or a “do it yourself” legal service, and things have gone wrong, we can help. Ed Shaw Law has stepped into many troubled bankruptcy situations and set things back on the right course.

Types Of Bankruptcy

Most personal bankruptcies fall into two categories: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Even though each type works a little differently, we will help you choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation. Below is a quick look at what is available:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Also called “liquidation” bankruptcy. It clears out most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. It is quick and often lets you keep your property, especially if you do not have many assets.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Known as the “repayment plan” option. It helps you catch up on missed payments for your house, car or taxes while keeping your property. You make manageable payments over 3 to 5 years.
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Mostly used by businesses, but may be used by individuals with large debts and assets. It is a more complex process focused on reorganizing debt.
• Chapter 12 Bankruptcy: Designed specifically for farmers and fishers. It offers unique protections and repayment options that better match the income cycle of agricultural work.

Remember, you are not alone. Our legal team helps ensure you understand your choices and get started on the right path. We will walk you through the pros and cons of each and explain how they apply to your personal situation.

Why You Should Not Go Through Bankruptcy Alone

Filing for bankruptcy without help may seem like a money-saver, but it can cost you more in the long run. One incorrect form, a missed deadline or a misunderstanding of the rules could get your case thrown out or cause you to lose property that could have been protected.

We have handled plenty of “rescues” for clients who tried to do it alone or used a one-size-fits-all online service. Most times, we are able to fix it, but it is better to get it right from the start.

With us, you get local, hands-on help from attorneys who know the courts and trustees in the Brainerd area. We will take care of the forms, deal with creditors and help you move forward with less stress and fewer mistakes.

We Are Here To Answer Your Bankruptcy Questions

Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision, and many people facing debt problems naturally have questions. Below, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive. After reading, you can contact Ed Shaw Law to get answers to any additional questions during a free consultation.

Why work with an attorney instead of a debt settlement company?

There are numerous reasons to work with a reputable attorney rather than a debt settlement company, and we will only list two of them here. The first reason is that while there are some honest and transparent debt settlement companies, there are also many scammers, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference. Working with a fraudulent company could cause you to lose more money while making your debt problems worse.

Second, your creditors typically aren’t obligated to negotiate with a debt settlement company, so there are no guarantees they will agree to a settlement offer. If you begin the bankruptcy process, you have legal rights and protections that make creditors much more likely to negotiate.

Do I get to keep any assets if I file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is often called “liquidation bankruptcy” because debtors may need to give up assets in order to partially repay creditors. This sounds scary, but the reality is that you won’t lose all or even most of your assets. Bankruptcy laws and courts recognize that taking away all of a person’s assets is not only cruel; it also sets them up for future money problems that could result in another bankruptcy.

You may lose some luxury items and may need to get current on payments to keep other possessions, but you certainly won’t lose everything. In fact, it’s possible that you won’t lose anything at all.

How will I know if bankruptcy is the right option for me?

The best way to understand your options is to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney like those at our firm. While bankruptcy is a powerful legal tool, it is not appropriate for everyone. We examine the amount and types of debt you have, and we only recommend bankruptcy if we believe that it is the most appropriate form of debt relief for you.

Does filing for bankruptcy mean that I’m irresponsible or untrustworthy?

This may seem like an odd question to put into writing, and most people won’t ask it out loud. However, you may be thinking it, which is why it is important to clarify that the answer is a resounding No!

The majority of Americans have debt – it is simply how our economy works. Debt can become unmanageable for many reasons that have nothing to do with how responsible someone is. The leading driver of consumer bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical debt, often stemming from a serious health problem or unforeseen emergency.

Finally, seeking legal debt relief and trying to get a fresh financial start is a sign of responsibility and trustworthiness. You are facing your problems rather than avoiding them. In short, you don’t need to feel shame or guilt about filing for bankruptcy. It was designed to help people facing the same difficult circumstances you currently find yourself in.

Get A Free Consultation To Start Moving Forward

We’re here to ease your financial concerns, not add to them. We offer free initial consultations at our Brainerd office or over the phone, and affordable flat fees. Call us at 800-507-0352 or send us an email to schedule a meeting with a bankruptcy attorney.