Call Now for a Consultation with the Minneapolis Bankruptcy
and Student Loan Lawyer(612)349-2728
Minneapolis Bankruptcy & Student Loan Attorney
38 Years Solving Financial Problems in Minneapolis and Bloomington. Free Consultations. Call (612) 349-2728.
About
Michael K. Hoverson
In December 2024, Mr. Hoverson was awarded the Judge Nancy C. Dreher Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award by the Minnesota State Bar Association Bankruptcy Section – a recognition given to attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving clients who cannot otherwise afford representation. He has taught bankruptcy law and debtor/creditor law at Hamline University in St. Paul, and has volunteered through the Volunteer Lawyers Network in Hennepin County for over three decades.
When you call Hoverson Law, you speak with Michael Hoverson directly. There are no associates, no hand-offs, and no surprises. Every client receives the same personal attention regardless of the size or complexity of their case.
Rating
AV Preeminent
Martindale-Hubbell — highest peer-review rating in the legal profession
2024 Recognition
Pro Bono Award
Judge Nancy C. Dreher Award — MN State Bar Association Bankruptcy Section
Academic
Law Professor
Taught bankruptcy & debtor/creditor law at Hamline University School of Law
BBB
A+ Rated
Better Business Bureau accredited business
PRACTICE AREAS
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 is a complete discharge of most unsecured debts – credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and certain other obligations – through a court-supervised process that typically concludes in three to six months. For individuals and small businesses that have no realistic path to repaying accumulated debt, Chapter 7 provides a legal fresh start. Michael Hoverson has guided hundreds of Minnesota clients through Chapter 7 filings, helping them protect exempt assets, stop creditor harassment, end wage garnishments, and discharge debts that were making financial recovery impossible.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 allows individuals with regular income to restructure their debts into a manageable three-to-five year repayment plan under court protection. It is the right tool for people who want to keep their home and catch up on mortgage arrears, protect a vehicle, or pay back certain non-dischargeable debts like taxes over time while stopping creditor collection actions. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 does not require liquidation of non-exempt assets, making it the preferred option for clients with property worth protecting.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 is the restructuring chapter for businesses – and for individuals whose debts exceed the Chapter 13 limits. It allows a business to continue operating while reorganizing its obligations under a court-approved plan. Michael Hoverson represents small and mid-size Minnesota businesses in Chapter 11 proceedings, working to preserve operations, renegotiate contracts and leases, and develop a plan that allows the business to survive and repay creditors over time.
Federal Student Loan Relief
Federal student loan debt is among the most complex and misunderstood areas of consumer law. The administrative remedies available to federal borrowers – income-driven repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Total and Permanent Disability discharge, Borrower Defense to Repayment, and administrative discharge programs – are poorly understood by most attorneys and almost entirely unknown to borrowers themselves. Michael Hoverson has built one of Minnesota’s most specific practices in this area, representing federal student loan borrowers in navigating every available remedy and holding loan servicers accountable when they fail to apply the law correctly.
Private Student Loan Defense
Private student loans do not carry the same protections or discharge options as federal loans, but borrowers have more options than most realize. Michael Hoverson defends private student loan borrowers in collection lawsuits, pursues discharge of non-qualified private student loans in bankruptcy court, and negotiates settlements with private lenders that significantly reduce or eliminate the outstanding balance. A $400,000 student loan discharge obtained for one client – after other attorneys said nothing could be done – reflects the results that specialized knowledge in this area can produce.
You Don't Have to Face This Alone
Debt is overwhelming. The path forward doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re buried in credit card debt, facing wage garnishment, or struggling under the weight of student loans that feel impossible to escape – you have options. Hoverson Law helps real people find real relief, with guidance that’s clear, honest, and judgment-free.
WHY HOVERSON LAW
38 years. One attorney. Every client.
38 Years of Focused Practice
Michael Hoverson has practiced exclusively in bankruptcy and student loan law for his entire career. This is not a side practice or a secondary service — it is the only thing the firm does, which means clients benefit from a depth of knowledge that general practice firms cannot match.
Direct Attorney Access
Every client works with Michael Hoverson personally, from the first consultation through the final resolution. Calls and emails are returned promptly. Clients are never passed to a paralegal or associate for substantive work.
Court-Recognized Pro Bono Service
The 2024 Judge Nancy C. Dreher Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota State Bar Association Bankruptcy Section reflects a career-long commitment to serving clients who need help regardless of their ability to pay.
AV Rated. A+ BBB. NACBA Member
Mr. Hoverson holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys — the leading professional organization for attorneys who represent individuals in bankruptcy.
CLIENT REVIEWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of bankruptcy does Hoverson Law handle?
Hoverson Law handles Chapter 7 bankruptcy for individuals and businesses seeking complete debt discharge, Chapter 13 bankruptcy for individuals restructuring debt through a repayment plan, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses and high-debt individuals seeking reorganization.
Can student loans be discharged in bankruptcy in Minnesota?
In some cases, yes. Federal student loans classified as non-qualified education loans may be dischargeable in bankruptcy. Private student loans that do not meet the definition of a qualified education loan under the tax code can also be discharged. Michael Hoverson has successfully discharged student loan debt for Minnesota borrowers in cases where other attorneys advised that discharge was not possible.
How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Minnesota?
A standard Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Minnesota typically concludes within three to six months from the date of filing. The process involves filing a petition, attending a Meeting of Creditors, and receiving a discharge order from the bankruptcy court.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts entirely through a process that takes three to six months. Chapter 13 restructures debts into a three-to-five year repayment plan and is better suited for individuals who want to keep secured assets such as a home or vehicle, or who have income that exceeds the Chapter 7 means test threshold.
Does Hoverson Law serve clients outside Minneapolis?
Yes. Hoverson Law Offices serves clients throughout Minnesota, with offices in Minneapolis and Bloomington.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom
A conversation costs nothing. Peace of mind is priceless.
Thousands of people just like you have walked out of debt and into a fresh start. The right attorney makes all the difference – one who listens, explains your options in plain language, and fights for your future. Hoverson Law is ready when you are.