District of North Dakota Bankruptcy Trustee Directory (2026)
North Dakota operates as a single federal bankruptcy district, headquartered in Fargo, with one courthouse and one bankruptcy judge. The North Dakota bankruptcy trustees are supervised by the United States Trustee’s Office, a division of the Department of Justice.
Whether a debtor files under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the trustee serves as a fiduciary responsible for reviewing financial disclosures, conducting the 341 Meeting of Creditors, identifying non‑exempt assets that belong to the bankruptcy estate, and ensuring compliance with the Bankruptcy Code.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Key Takeaways: North Dakota Bankruptcy Trustees
- District Coverage: The District of North Dakota covers the entire state from a single divisional office in Fargo.
- Chapter 7 (Liquidation): Chapter 7 trustees review schedules, examine financial records, conduct the 341 Meeting, and determine whether any non‑exempt assets should be liquidated for the benefit of creditors.
- Chapter 13 (Reorganization): The standing trustee evaluates plan feasibility, collects and disburses monthly payments to creditors, conducts the 341 Meeting, and attends all hearings, including the confirmation hearing.
- Meeting Format: Most 341 Meetings in North Dakota are via Zoom or telephone. Trustees may require in‑person appearances for identification issues or complex cases.
- Document Deadlines: Debtors must submit tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other requested documents no later than seven days before the 341 Meeting. Failure to comply may result in a continued meeting or dismissal.
The North Dakota Bankruptcy Trustees System
North Dakota’s bankruptcy system consistently reports one of the lowest annual bankruptcy filing totals in the country. With a single courthouse in Fargo and modest consumer caseloads, the U.S. Trustee Program has appointed two Chapter 7 trustees and one standing Chapter 13 trustee that also handles Chapter 12.
This limited trustee structure is not unusual for rural, low‑population districts with low case volume. Below are the most recent filing trends available from the U.S. Courts:
| Year | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
| 2025 | 550 | 64 |
| 2024 | 482 | 58 |
| 2023 | 413 | 63 |
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Trustees for the District of North Dakota
A Chapter 7 trustee is responsible for administering the bankruptcy estate. These duties include conducting the 341 Meeting of Creditors, placing the debtor under oath, questioning the debtor about assets, liabilities, income, transfers, and reviewing all bankruptcy schedules and financial documents.
Under §704(a)(1), the trustee must also identify and liquidate non‑exempt property for the benefit of creditors.
After the bankruptcy petition is filed, the trustee’s office will send you or your attorney a list of required documents. These typically include tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other financial records needed to verify the information disclosed in your schedules.
All requested documents must be submitted 7–10 days before the 341 Meeting pursuant to the trustee’s instructions. Failure to provide documents on time may result in the trustee continuing the meeting or, in more serious cases, seeking dismissal for failure to comply with your duties under Sections 521(a)(3) and (4).
Below are the contact details for the current Chapter 7 trustees.
| Gene W. Doeling, Trustee | Zoom Details/341 Meeting |
| 3429 Interstate Blvd. P.O. Box 9231 Fargo, ND 58106-9231 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9801410397?pwd=N2tzMHRHUExiSGlLRTZnRlVucXA2Zz09 |
| Tel: 701-232-8757 Email: mn20@ecfcbis.com | Meeting ID: 980 141 0397 Passcode: 3977356318 Dedicated Phone No: 1-701-607-6750 |
| Erik A. Ahlgren, Trustee | Zoom Details/341 Meeting |
| 220 W. Washington Ave., Suite 105 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3378447406?pwd=TE1EczJBTS9ic2hJbnFDNGRTa1dDUT09 |
| Tel: 218-998-2775 Email: erik@ahlgrenlawoffice.net | Meeting ID: 337 844 7406 Passcode: 1764038045 Dedicated Phone No: 1-320-409-3411 |
Chapter 13 Standing Trustee
The Chapter 13 trustee administers the plan payments and ensures compliance with the Bankruptcy Code under Sections 1302 and 1326. Their duties include conducting the 341 Meeting of Creditors, placing the debtor under oath, reviewing the proposed Chapter 13 plan for feasibility, and evaluating the debtor’s income, expenses, and financial disclosures.
The trustee also collects monthly plan payments and distributes funds to creditors as required once the plan is confirmed. Below is the contact information for the Chapter 13 trustee, Kyle Carlson.
| Kyle Carlson, Chapter 12 & 13 Trustee | Zoom Details/341 Meeting |
| P.O. Box 519 Barnesville, MN 56514 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6227675216?pwd=blJQZEJhUHNkdjNEMTd0d3ZJUWp1QT09 |
| Tel: 218-354-7356 info@carlsonch13mn.com | Meeting ID: 980 141 0397 Passcode: 3977356318 Dedicated Phone No: 1-701-607-6750 |
Electronic payments may be made through TFS Bill Pay at www.tfsbillpay.com.
Conclusion: Filing for Bankruptcy in North Dakota
Successfully obtaining a discharge in North Dakota requires timely submission of all required documents and full accuracy in financial disclosures. With only two Chapter 7 trustees and one Chapter 13 trustee administering consumer cases statewide, the process is streamlined, but compliance remains essential.
A clear understanding of the trustee’s role and the documentation required will help debtors move through the 341 Meeting and the remainder of the case without delays.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Educational Resources
- For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
- For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
- Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.
Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources
Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:
- A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
- Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
- State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
- 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
Statutory References
- 11 U.S. Code §341 – Meetings of creditors and equity security holders.
- 11 U.S. Code §704 – Duties of trustee.
- 11 U.S. Code §521 – Debtor’s duties.
- 11 U.S. Code §1302 – Trustee.
- 11 U.S. Code §1326 – Payments.
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