The Role of the Minnesota Bankruptcy Trustee
The Minnesota bankruptcy trustees play a central role in managing cases filed under Chapters 7 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Because the bankruptcy system involves multiple players, it’s important to distinguish between two key entities: the bankruptcy trustee and the Office of the U.S. Trustee (UST).
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
The Minnesota Bankruptcy Trustee
This is a private individual appointed to oversee your specific case. Their responsibilities vary depending on the chapter filed:
- In Chapter 7, they review your petition and financial disclosures, conduct the 341 Meeting of Creditors, and manage the liquidation of non-exempt assets.
- In Chapter 13, they administer your repayment plan, collecting and distributing payments to creditors.
Office of the U.S. Trustee (UST)
Unlike the case-specific trustee, the UST is a federal agency within the Department of Justice. It serves as a system-wide watchdog, supervising private trustees to ensure compliance with bankruptcy laws. The UST also investigates and prosecutes bankruptcy fraud, helping maintain the integrity of the process.
The 341 Meeting of Creditors
One of the trustee’s core responsibilities is conducting the Section 341 Meeting of Creditors, a mandatory step in every bankruptcy case. This meeting usually takes place a few weeks after your petition is filed. During the session, you’ll meet with the trustee and answer questions under oath about your finances, assets, and debts.
While creditors are allowed to attend and ask questions, they rarely do. The trustee also ensures that your case complies with federal bankruptcy procedures and oversees the administration of your bankruptcy estate.
The trustee’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the bankruptcy estate. This includes reviewing your financial disclosures and identifying any non-exempt assets, meaning those not protected under bankruptcy law. If such assets exist, the trustee may liquidate them to repay your creditors.
It’s important to remember that the trustee does not represent you personally. Only your bankruptcy attorney serves as your advocate and is committed to protecting your best interests throughout the process. So keep that in mind when communicating with the bankruptcy trustee’s office and the U.S. Trustee’s Office.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee functions primarily as a financial administrator, collecting your monthly plan payments and distributing them to creditors based on the court-approved repayment schedule. Beyond this logistical role, trustees also have investigative authority.
They can examine your financial history for signs of fraud or improper transactions, such as preferential payments to family members made shortly before filing. If misconduct is suspected, the trustee may initiate legal action to recover assets and uphold the integrity of the bankruptcy estate. In serious cases, they may refer the matter to the U.S. Trustee for potential criminal prosecution.
The trustee’s specific duties vary significantly depending on the chapter of bankruptcy filed:
| Chapter | Trustee’s Primary Function |
| Chapter 7 (Liquidation) | Oversight and Liquidation: Reviews the petition, conducts the 341 Meeting, and sells non-exempt assets to repay creditors. |
| Chapter 13 (Reorganization) | Payment Processing: Same role as the Chapter 7 trustee plus, manages the court-approved repayment plan by collecting monthly payments from the debtor and distributing them to creditors. |
Below is the list of Minnesota Bankruptcy Trustees in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.
Chapter 7 Trustees
Erik A. Ahlgren
Suite 105, Wells Fargo Center
220 W. Washington Ave.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
E-mail: erik@ahlgrenlaw.net
Phone: (218) 998-2775
Michael S. Dietz
1529 Hwy 14 East
Suite 241
Rochester, MN 55904
E-mail: mdietztee@outlook.com
Phone: (507) 577-1554
Gene W. Doeling
3429 Interstate Blvd.
P.O. Box 9231
Fargo, ND 58106 -9231
E-mail: gene@kaler-doeling.com
Phone: (701) 232-8757
Mary Jo A. Jensen-Carter
1257 Gun Club Road
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
E-mail: maryjo@buckleyjensen.com
Phone: (651)486-7475
Nauni Jo Manty
150 South Fifth Street
Suite 3125
Minneapolis, MN 55402
E-mail: nauni@mantylaw.com
Phone: (612) 465-0990
Joseph R. Stermer
102 N. Parkway Drive
P.O Box 514
Montevideo, MN 56265
E-mail: rstermer@stermerlaw.com
Phone: (320) 269-6491
Patti J. Sullivan
1595 Selby Avenue
Suite 205
St. Paul, MN 55104
E-mail: patti@pattisullivan.com
Phone: (651) 699-4825
Chapter 13 Trustees
Gregory A. Burrell
100 South Fifth Street
Suite 480
Minneapolis, MN 55402
E-mail: general@ch13mn.com
Phone: (612) 338-7591
Kyle L. Carlson
55 2nd Avenue SW
PO Box 519
Barnesville, MN 56514
E-mail: info@carlsonch13mn.com
Phone: (218) 354-7356
Information on the Minnesota Bankruptcy Court System can be found via this link.
The Professor’s Take: Understanding the role of Minnesota bankruptcy trustees is essential for navigating your case with confidence. Whether you’re filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, knowing who oversees your case and how they operate can help you prepare for key steps like the 341 Meeting.
If you have questions about your bankruptcy trustee’s responsibilities or how they may affect your case, consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the published author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge Publishing) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish for an international university.
Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.
You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.
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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.