For many Americans, monthly Social Security benefits are not just retirement income — they are the money that keeps the mortgage paid, the lights on, and groceries in the refrigerator. That is why clients are often shocked to learn that even though Social Security...
As published in the January 2026 edition of Bench & Bar (Minnesota Bar association magazine) For 35 years, I practiced law the way I played sports: solo, competitive, and—if I’m being honest—slightly allergic to the concept of “partners.” As a consumer bankruptcy...
For many Americans, a car isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It gets you to work, picks up your kids, and keeps daily life moving. But recently, more and more people are finding that their car payments are becoming harder to keep up with. If you’re feeling that...
If you’ve ever worried about “getting something wrong” in a bankruptcy case, a recent U.S. Supreme Court argument shows just how high the stakes can be—and why the law may be shifting in a more practical, fair direction. ⚖️ The Case in Plain English The case involves...
The easy way to qualify financially for chapter 7 bankruptcy (i.e. without doing the means test) is by being under the median income. The census bureau has determined that the median income for these household sizes has increased as follows, effective cases filed on...
If the recent economic headlines feel discouraging, you’re not imagining it. A growing number of reports suggest that many Americans are struggling financially—even as the broader economy sends mixed signals. Recent reporting indicates that more Americans are relying...
Many people assume that a legal separation is a simpler, less dramatic alternative to divorce. In practice, the opposite is often true. A legal separation can actually be more complicated because it often creates uncertainty about what will happen next. The reason is...
How Do I Protect My Tax Refund in Bankruptcy? Every year around tax season, one question comes up again and again from clients considering bankruptcy: “If I file bankruptcy, will I lose my tax refund?” The short answer is: probably not. In many cases, people are able...
In 2024, Minnesota became one of the first states in the nation to make personal finance coursework a mandatory requirement for high school graduation — a major step toward teaching young people how to manage money, avoid overwhelming debt, and build financial...
The United States Trustee Program (USTP) has just announced that it will resume audits of consumer bankruptcy cases beginning February 20, 2026. This move affects individuals filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and marks a change from the temporary suspension...