Bankruptcy in Hennepin County

Hennepin County is the most populous county in Minnesota and home to Minneapolis. It is the center of the Twin Cities metro area and handles the largest volume of bankruptcy filings in the state.

Key Information

Federal District

District of Minnesota (Minneapolis Division)
All bankruptcy cases from Hennepin County are filed in this district.

Nearest Courthouse

300 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
341 meetings and court hearings are typically held at this location.

Minnesota Exemptions in Hennepin County

Minnesota offers strong bankruptcy exemptions. Homestead: $450,000 ($1,125,000 for agricultural property). Vehicle: $5,000 ($50,000 if modified for disability). Personal property: $10,800 aggregate. Wages: 75% of disposable earnings exempt. Retirement accounts fully exempt. Minnesota requires use of state exemptions -- federal exemptions are not available.

Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.

Filing Bankruptcy in Hennepin County

The Process

  1. Credit counseling -- Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
  2. File your petition -- The petition is filed with the District of Minnesota (Minneapolis Division). The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
  3. 341 meeting -- About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at 300 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
  4. Debtor education -- Complete a second financial course before discharge ($10-25).
  5. Discharge -- Chapter 7: approximately 60 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing 3-5 year plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bankruptcy court handles Hennepin County cases?

Hennepin County cases are filed in the District of Minnesota, Minneapolis Division. The courthouse is at 300 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415. This court handles the majority of Minnesota bankruptcy filings.

What is the homestead exemption in Hennepin County?

Minnesota's homestead exemption protects up to $450,000 in equity for non-agricultural property. For agricultural property (80 acres or less), the exemption is $1,125,000. Most Hennepin County homeowners use the $450,000 standard exemption.

Can I keep my car if I file bankruptcy in Hennepin County?

Minnesota's vehicle exemption protects up to $5,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. If your car is worth less than $5,000 or your loan balance brings your equity below $5,000, you can keep it in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you can keep your car while catching up on payments.

Check Your Eligibility

Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.

Free Discharge Screener

Other Minneapolis Area Counties

Open Bankruptcy Project Network