Bankruptcy Resources

Summary of bankruptcy services

VLN provides services statewide on a variety of bankruptcy-related issues. Bankruptcies are a discharge or re-organization of debt handled in federal court. Clients must reside in Minnesota to receive services.

Full representation or extensive services may be available for: 

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Student loans
  • Bankruptcy Adversary Proceedings   
  • Letters to Creditors

For clients who want advice only, or to speak to someone right away: 

  • Virtual Bankruptcy advice clinic

VLN provides very limited services for:

  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy

VLN provides no services for:

  • Business bankruptcies

Once you have submitted at least one complete credit report, you will be placed on the waiting list. Our volunteer attorneys pick their next client from that list. Because our attorneys and clients are from all over the state, the list cannot go in order, but our volunteer attorneys try to take the oldest case that is near them.

The law requires people filing for bankruptcy to take this short course that gives you information about bankruptcy. The course is available online and over the phone. You will be given a certificate when you complete the course, and this certificate is a required part of your bankruptcy filing. Because the certificate expires in 180 days, we suggest waiting until you have been assigned an attorney to take the course.

The Trustee is an attorney who is assigned to look over your case after it is filed. The Trustee is looking to see if your creditors will be paid anything from your assets, or if you get to keep everything. About 30 days after your case is filed, you and your attorney are required to meet with the Trustee assigned to your case—this is called “The 341 Meeting.” Any disagreements you may have with the Trustee will be resolved by the Judge assigned to your case.

I have enclosed a list of documents for you to gather for your bankruptcy. Start getting together all the things on the list that fit your situation. For example, if you rent, you will not have documents like a home mortgage or deed. 

1. How to get your free credit reports

2. Completing VLN’s technology worksheet

3. List all your property and expenses

4. Paperwork to gather for your attorney

5. How to complete the two required educational courses

6. Post-Bankruptcy – steps to clear your record of discharged judgments

*Includes: Instructions (form BKY100); Application for discharge of judgement (form BKY101); Affidavit of service of the application for discharge of judgment (form BKY104).