Effective collections representation for businesses and individuals seeking to
recover unpaid debts throughout Southern Minnesota.
When customers, clients or business partners fail to pay what they owe, it affects your bottom line and your ability to operate. Pursuing collections on your own can be time-consuming, frustrating and often ineffective. An experienced collections attorney can help you recover the money you are owed more efficiently and with better results.
At Birkholz Law, we represent creditors in collections matters throughout Southern Minnesota. We handle collections for businesses, landlords, contractors, medical providers and individuals. Our attorneys understand Minnesota’s collections laws and use effective legal strategies to recover outstanding debts.
We take a practical approach to collections. We evaluate each claim to determine the most cost-effective method of recovery, whether that involves demand letters, negotiation, payment plans or litigation. Our goal is to maximize your recovery while minimizing your legal costs.
Our collections process begins with a thorough review of your claim, including the underlying agreement, invoices, communications and any prior collection efforts. We evaluate the debtor’s ability to pay and recommend the most effective strategy for recovery.
In many cases, a formal demand letter from an attorney is enough to prompt payment. Debtors who have ignored your calls and invoices often take notice when they receive correspondence from a law firm. Our demand letters are professional, firm and clearly communicate the consequences of continued non-payment.
When demand letters and negotiation are not sufficient, we file lawsuits to obtain judgments against debtors. Once we have a judgment, we use Minnesota’s enforcement tools including wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens and debtor examinations to collect the money owed to you.
We also handle post-judgment collections for clients who have existing judgments but have been unable to collect. Minnesota judgments are valid for ten years and can be renewed, giving creditors a long window to pursue collection. Our attorneys know how to find assets and use legal tools to enforce judgments effectively.
The statute of limitations depends on the type of debt. Written contracts have a six-year limitation period. Oral contracts have a six-year limitation period as well. Open accounts (such as credit card debts) have a six-year limitation period. It is important to act promptly because the limitations period begins running from the date of the last payment or the date the debt became due.
If a debtor currently lacks assets, a judgment remains valid for ten years and can be renewed. Circumstances change over time. Debtors may acquire new assets, obtain employment or receive inheritances. Having a judgment in place ensures you can collect when assets become available.
We offer flexible fee arrangements for collections matters, including contingency fees for larger claims and flat fees for straightforward collections. We will discuss the costs upfront so you can make an informed decision about whether to pursue collection.
If your contract or agreement includes a provision for attorney’s fees, you may be able to recover those fees as part of your judgment. Minnesota law also allows recovery of statutory costs in most civil cases. We will review your agreement and advise you on the potential for fee recovery.
Contact Birkholz Law to discuss your collections matter with an
experienced attorney. We will evaluate your claim and
recommend the most effective strategy for recovery.
Award-winning law firm serving Southern Minnesota for over 50 years. Dedicated to protecting your freedom, rights and family.

121 St. Andrews Court Mankato, MN 56001

209 Armstrong Blvd South St. James, MN 56081
Albert Lea · Austin · Blue Earth · Faribault · Fairmont · Jackson · Lake Crystal · Luverne · Mankato · Marshall · New Ulm · North Mankato · Northfield · Owatonna · Pipestone · Redwood Falls · St. James · St. Peter · Waseca · Windom · Worthington
Copyright 2026 Birkholz & Associates | Privacy Policy | Minneapolis Web Design