Sam V. Calvert Attorney At Law

10/13/2025

There are several kinds of bankruptcy, but the ones individuals use most often are chapter 7 and chapter 13. In chapter 13 we can do a lot of useful things. For instance, if you are behind on a house payment or a car payment we can use chapter 13 to catch up the missed payments over time. If you financed your car more than two and a half years ago we can have you pay the value of the car if that is less than the full amount you owe. Generally speaking you do not give up any assets when you file chapter 13 (unless you want to!) but if that asset is not "exempt" you may have to pay the current value of that asset.

However, one of the great benefits of chapter 13 is that it places all of your unsecured debt into a pool. ("unsecured debt" is, for instance, most credit cards and medical bills). You do not have to pay your unsecured debts in full in a chapter 13. Instead, you have to pay your "surplus monthly income" to the trustee, and the trustee splits that amount up between all of your creditors.

For example, say you are $8,000.00 behind on your house payment, and have another $20,000.00 of credit card debt. Let's also say that when we do your budget you have $400.00 per month of "surplus". Your chapter 13 plan would therefore have you pay your regular house payment becoming due after the case is filed plus $400.00 per month for 36 months, for a total of $14,00.00.* The trustee would pay the $8,000.00 catch up payment to the mortgage company, and after trustee fees and attorneys fees are paid the unsecured creditors would split what's left.

Each case is a little different, which is why I am happy to meet with you at no charge to discuss your options. Feel free to call me at 320-252-4473.

* Many assumptions in this example, including that you are below "median income" -- $74,083 for a household of one, $94,966 for a household of two. This amount is adjusted periodically.

Sam Calvert is a "debt relief agency" and helps people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

06/19/2025

For family farmers who are struggling to pay off their debts, chapter 12 bankruptcy allows you to remain in operation while reorganizing your business.

Learn what’s needed to qualify and get advice from an expert at http://samcalvert.com/chapter-12/

Attorney, practicing bankruptcy law, real estate and other matters. Located in St. Cloud, Minnesota

06/09/2025

Not legal advice! I went to a FixIt clinic last week in Waite Park and Lee kindly showed me what I was doing wrong with my food processor. They are looking for volunteers. Here is a contact card. I saw one woman hemming pants for someone and I am sure they need other skills, too.

05/19/2025

Sam Calvert offers free first visits to those facing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Get guidance from an expert to find debt relief that fits your circumstances.

Learn more: https://samcalvert.com/chapter-7/

05/08/2025

As we welcome May, let’s celebrate the drive and passion that fuel everything we do. This month, take a moment to reconnect with what inspires you — because when your heart is in it, your work truly shines. 🌟

What’s keeping you motivated this May? Let us know in the comments!

05/05/2025

Selling a property "as is" means you're offering it in its current condition, without agreeing to make repairs. However, this doesn't absolve you of all legal obligations.​

With that said, we’ve compiled some key points and tips for sellers to consider. Swipe through to learn ↩️

If you're unsure about your legal obligations when selling, our team is here to help. Reach out with questions. We’re ready to guide you through every step.

04/26/2025

I thought I would post this real story from the Quincy Illinois Herald Whig newspaper of April 23 2025. See if you can spot the logic flaw in what this man did: MONTICELLO, Mo. — A LaGrange man is set to be sentenced July 17 after a jury found him guilty of one count of stealing from a financial institution.

Jason E. Day, 50, was convicted of the charge on April 18 after a two-day trial in Lewis County Circuit Court. The jury recommended a five-year sentence to the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Day was arrested Jan. 8, 2024, after he reportedly walked into the Town and Country Bank in LaGrange and demanded money from a teller.

In a probable cause statement filed after Day's arrest, LaGrange Police Chief Aaron Johnson said he was sitting at his desk on Jan. 8, 2024, when he was notified of a panic alarm at the Town & Country Bank, 110 S. Main. He said two security cameras at the police station show areas near the bank, and when he looked at the front parking lot camera he saw Day walking toward the police department with what appeared to be money sticking out of his left jacket pocket.

Johnson said he went to the secure window looking into the lobby and saw Day sitting in a chair.

"I asked him what was going on. He said, 'I figured I should come here before it got bad,'" he said.

Johnson said Day told him he "changed his mind," and confirmed he did not have a weapon.

In a written statement to police, Day reportedly wrote, "I walk in the bank ask for the money they gave it to me. Then I decided to walk over to the police department and turn myself in."

A teller with the bank told police she believed Day was coming back in to open an account. She said Day told her he changed his mind and didn't want an account.

"I just want all of your money," Day reportedly told her.

She responded "Excuse me," and Day responded, "Just give me all your money."

She told police Day shoved his hands in his pocket and she thought he might have a gun, though she didn't see one.

Police said she emptied the cash drawer and asked if he wanted coins, and he said no. He reportedly shoved the money in his pockets and left.

Johnson said $9,918 was found on Day.

Day continues to be held in the Lewis County Jail.

Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney Chelsea Fellinger thanked the bank employees who testified during the trial. Fellinger also thanked the LaGrange Police Department for its efforts, along with the Lewis County Sheriff's Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Canton Police Department.

04/24/2025

Business bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end of your company. You have options—and Sam Calvert can help you find the right one for your situation.

Get in touch today:

Contact Sam V. Calvert Attorney at Law via phone, email, form, text 320-252-4473. See open hours.

03/26/2025

Disinheriting someone from your estate plan is a deeply personal and often challenging decision. But this choice can sometimes be necessary, and in those cases, it’s crucial to take the appropriate legal steps to prevent misunderstandings and legal disputes.

Swipe for some key considerations to help ensure your wishes are honored and your intentions are clear ↩️

Our team is here to provide guidance and support as you navigate these complex decisions. Reach out with any estate planning questions.

03/20/2025

Nothing to do with real estate or bankruptcy, but I found this picture that I took near the Rue Pascal in Paris many years ago.

03/18/2025

Bankruptcy is a complicated and often frightening aspect of financial law. Luckily, you have options.

By partnering with an established bankruptcy lawyer like Sam Calvert, you may be able to navigate your financial hurdles while keeping your livelihood, credit, and reputation intact.

Schedule a free consultation to explore your options today:
https://samcalvert.com/contact-us/