How much does it cost to hire John for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does John offer a free consultation?

John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in Minnesota typically take?

Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can John take my case if I'm outside St Paul?

John is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is John accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

John Peter Van Valkenburg, Bankruptcy Attorney

Quick answer

John Peter Van Valkenburg is a member based in St. Paul, MN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Elder Law. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gerten and Van Valkenburg, PA. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: St. Paul, MN
Experience: over 38 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Elder Law

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Elder Law matters from St. Paul, MN.
Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in St Paul

John concentrates on bankruptcy, business, elder law, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in St Paul, Minnesota

John takes bankruptcy matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Business cases in St Paul, Minnesota

John takes business matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in St Paul, Minnesota

John takes elder law matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in St Paul, Minnesota

John takes family law matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

General cases in St Paul, Minnesota

John takes general matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

John Peter Van Valkenburg, bankruptcy attorney serving St Paul

John Peter Van Valkenburg is a member based in St. Paul, MN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Elder Law. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gerten and Van Valkenburg, PA. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from St Paul, Minnesota and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.

John Peter Van Valkenburg is a lawyer practicing family law, probate law, bankruptcy law and 11 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 1982, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Gerten and Van Valkenburg, PA in St. Paul, MN.

John's approach to bankruptcy cases

John Peter Van Valkenburg is a lawyer practicing family law, probate law, bankruptcy law and 11 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 1982, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Gerten and Van Valkenburg, PA in St. Paul, MN.

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and elder law matters in St Paul and the surrounding Minnesota area.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 1988
University of Minnesota
B.A. History · 1982

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1988 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. History in University of Minnesota.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. History in University of Minnesota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

John's legal honors and published work

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

John Peter Van Valkenburg's office in St. Paul

John's primary office is at 303 E. Little Canada Rd., St. Paul, MN, 55117-1331. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gerten and Van Valkenburg, PA

303 E. Little Canada Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55117-1331

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John Peter Van Valkenburg — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in St Paul.

4.3

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Peter Van Valkenburg claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Peter Van Valkenburg — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in St Paul, Minnesota

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Peter Van Valkenburg

How much does it cost to hire John for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside St Paul?
John is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Minnesota residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like John Peter Van Valkenburg. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment In Minnesota?
I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and my wages are getting garnished because of an unpaid credit card. I’m thinking about filing for bankruptcy to stop the garnishment. Will my ban
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Minnesota
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving St Paul, Minneapolis and Edina in Minnesota

John handles bankruptcy matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

John Peter Van Valkenburg, Bankruptcy Attorney in St Paul, Minnesota

Quick answer