Tim Theisen | Maple Grove Bankruptcy & Debt Lawyer

I recently obtained a favorable decision on the issue of second mortgage lien stripping, which was particularly satisfying since it was Judge Dennis O'Brien, who had previously been a staunch opponent of the concept of lien stripping but I was the first to get him to soften his position in light of recent trends in the appellate courts. The case was appealed to US District Court Ann Montgomery, where I prevailed again, and is now on appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, where I hope and expect to get this issue settled in favor of homeowners, once and for all.

In the early 90's, it was largely about yellow pages, now it's all online. Because of my computer background, I was one of the first lawyers to have a website, and have continued to evolve and upgrade it, for instance with video and blogging, which helps on my google search results. People often call me, and tell me that they have spoken to several lawyers on the phone or in person, and that I was the kindest and most informative. I hear this a lot; seems pretty basic but apparently that's what works for me.

It's hard to call friends and tell them that you are looking for a bankruptcy attorney. Ironically, I still do get a substantial portion of my clientele from referrals. But as you peruse the websites and other methods of choosing an attorney, these are the questions you should be looking at, which are all fair questions to ask: Is the attorney experienced? Does the attorney practice primarily in that area of law? (I have been doing bankruptcy since 1992, and it is currently 95% of my practice. Earlier in my career, family law was a greater portion of my practice) Does the attorney have malpractice insurance? (I do) Has the attorney ever had a malpractice claim against them? (I haven't) Has the attorney been disciplined by the Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board? You can look this up, and you will see that I have a clean slate. Does the attorney have particular expertise in your issues? (My background in family law gives me exceptional insight into issues when married or divorced debtors are looking at bankruptcy, and my background as a landlord of numerous properties gives me particular insight for debtors who have been stung with depreciating real estate.) Has the attorney spoken at continuing legal education seminars before other attorneys? (I have spoken on issues of second mortgage lien stripping, as well as the intersection of divorce and bankruptcy issues) Does the attorney facilitate the electronic communication of data, including online data entry for bankruptcy information? Does the lawyer perform an online public record search to ensure all of your assets are being properly listed? (some other lawyers cut costs and corners by not doing this, which can turn out to your detriment if the trustee discovers undisclosed assets) Check online for reviews. Some attorneys don't allow online reviews, such as on www.dexknows.com, because they have had too many negative comments.

Huge. It's one thing to know the law, but it's important to know the individual idiosyncracies and tendencies of the trustees and judges in each case.

Mainly, I can determine whether I can help a person, and 95% of the time I can quote a fee and explain how payment plans work, then follow up with an email with more information. I can explain options, although I can't give advice (i.e. can't tell a person what I think they should do - that's what people hire lawyers for)

A general idea of how much debt you have, types & approximate balances. If you own a house, it's helpful to know the value, mortgage balances, amount you are behind if applicable, etc. And it's very helpful to get a general idea of your income for me to ascertain whether you are over or under the median income, which affects what we will need to review at our first appointment.

First & foremost, & can proudly say after more than 20 years, I have no ethical marks, malpractice lawsuits against me, nor have I ever been sanctioned.

Knowing I can help people, telling them what it will cost, and then getting the job done. People thank me, and I feel I should be thanking them.

I play tennis, I am rated 4.5 and currently the top-ranked over 50 men's player in the USTA Northern Section. I waterski pretty darn well too, and we have a course that I get through at 34 mph. I also am a rock buff, and spend lots of time organizing my collection in iTunes. Oh, and I love my wife & 3 kids.

I play tennis, I am rated 4.5 and currently the top-ranked over 50 men's player in the USTA Northern Section. I waterski pretty darn well too, and we have a course that I get through at 34 mph. I also am a rock buff, and spend lots of time organizing my collection in iTunes. Oh, and I love my wife & 3 kids.