Attorney Eric Hansen - Attorney

Eric D. Hansen is an experienced Minnesota attorney within a number of varying and nuanced practice areas. He has operated his own solo practice as well as worked at small suburban boutique firms and large diversified downtown law firms. Eric has a wealth of experience in business formation, transactional law, employment law, estate planning, criminal defense law, family law, and litigation, amongst others. He also worked in Northern Minnesota at a nonprofit that provided civil legal services to a diverse population of low-income and indigent clients. In 2021, Eric joined the faculty of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law as an adjunct professor. Eric is a 2014 William Mitchell College of Law graduate. He graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota with honors as a McGuire Scholar where he majored in political science. Eric lives in Saint Paul with his wife Elisabeth and their daughter Ada. He enjoys playing music, motorcycles, and disc golf.

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Articles written by Attorney Eric Hansen

Can a Goodwill Letter Help My Credit Score?

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 2, 2024

If a creditor accepts your goodwill letter, it can help you improve your credit score. But the majority of goodwill letters are unsuccessful. This is especially true if you have a payment history with late or missed payments. Though it’s best not to get your hopes up about a goodwill letter increasing your credit score, it doesn’t hurt to send one.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 21, 2024

It’s likely that your home loan has been sold several times to different parties since you first got it. It’s also likely that the new servicer is not the same as the mortgage lender. Tracking down your mortgage lender and mortgage servicer can be difficult but there are resources you can use to help you uncover this important information. Read more to learn about some of these resources.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated September 18, 2023

Unless and until you tell them otherwise, debt collectors can call you from 8 am to 9 pm local time on any day of the week, including Sunday. The good news is that federal law protects you against harassment and unfair treatment by debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) empowers you to instruct a debt collector not to contact you on Sundays if you consider this an inconvenient time. If a debt collector doesn't honor your request, you can report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for violating the law.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 24, 2023

Small claims court is a judicial setting designed to handle simple legal disputes that are under a specific dollar amount. This amount varies by state. Small claims courts handle civil matters. They don’t hear criminal, immigration, constitutional, child protection, workers’ compensation, appeals, federal, or probate cases. Here are 6 tips to succeed with your small claims case: 1. Learn about the court processes 2. Prepare your case 3. Prepare your witnesses 4. Practice presenting your case 5. Show the court due respect 6. Be prepared to follow up after the court's judgment

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 9, 2023

If things have been difficult for you with your debts, you might find that following a proven debt payoff strategy is just the thing you need to become debt-free. This article covers a few different methods to pay off debt and other things to be mindful of when you’re getting strategic about becoming debt-free.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 1, 2023

There are people out there who have a 300 credit score, though this is fairly rare and a score this low would be the result of many significant negative items in a borrower’s credit history. The good news is that no matter where your score is now, you can work to improve it. This article will cover subprime credit scores and how to improve them.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated July 17, 2023

Debt collection agencies can contact family members or your place of work, but they have to be careful about what they ask about. They can't discuss your debt with any third parties. They’re really only supposed to call third parties if they can’t reach you or don’t have your contact information. These rights are spelled out under the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which also protects you from debt collector harassment.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated July 12, 2023

If you don’t have a credit history, you can still buy a car, but it will be more difficult. Without a credit history, it’s hard for lenders to know how risky you are as a borrower. You may be offered loans with higher interest rates. Some financial institutions specialize in giving loans to borrowers without a credit history, so it's worth shopping around.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated May 15, 2023

Is it better to pay off debt or save money? The answer really comes down to your circumstances and your short- and long-term financial goals. Taking some time to really think about your financial situation can help you see if paying down debt, building up emergency savings, or a little bit of both is best for you and your family. This article will cover how and why to build a safety net, how to prioritize paying your debts, and how to create savings goals that will bring you a sense of financial security.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated May 11, 2023

If you have bad credit it may be more difficult to get a car loan, but it's not impossible. Some lenders will charge higher interest rates, but you can shop around for loans to see which lender will give you the best terms. You can also work to improve your credit so you'll have even better options in the future.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated January 11, 2022

A deed in lieu of foreclosure is a legal agreement where a homeowner/borrower gives the legal title of their home to their lender. In exchange, the lender releases you from your mortgage debt. While you’ll still lose your home as a result of this process, you’ll be relieved of your mortgage debt obligations and responsibilities. Read more to learn about the benefits and consequences of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and to find out if it's a good option for you.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 15, 2021

If you’re struggling to make your car payment on time, you’re probably already feeling stress and frustration. Once you’re behind on payments you’re considered delinquent and your credit score will take a hit. Falling further behind moves you into default on your auto loan, which will come with even more serious consequences.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 12, 2021

A lien is a legal term that means that a creditor has a legal right or valid claim to certain property if a borrower fails to pay their debt. Cars that are financed have liens on them. As long as a lien is on the car, the borrower doesn’t really own the vehicle. This article will discuss what liens are and how car liens work.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 9, 2021

To get an auto loan with a good interest rate and manageable monthly payments that fit your budget, you’ll need a decent credit score. That begs the question, what is a good credit score for buying a car? Generally, you’ll need a FICO credit score that’s 500 or higher, but to get better terms and a better interest rate, you’ll want a credit score that’s higher than 660. This article will explain credit scores and what to do when purchasing a car with bad credit. We’ll also touch on how to improve your credit score and other helpful information on financing your auto loan.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 9, 2021

If you need a car but you don’t want to purchase one outright, leasing may be an attractive option. It gives you flexibility and package options without the maintenance hassle of car ownership. But if you have bad credit, it may be difficult to get approved for a car lease. And if you are approved, it may be more expensive. This article outlines how your credit score plays into the car leasing process, how to increase your chances of being approved for a lease, and other options you have besides leasing.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 8, 2021

Getting pre-approved for an auto loan is often a good idea. It will help you know how much money you can take out and what your monthly payments and interest rate will be. It also gives you power at the car dealership because it’s like being a cash buyer. When you get pre-approved, the lender will run a hard credit check, so only do this when you know you’re likely to qualify for the loan.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 30, 2021

In the Digital Age, it isn't usually very hard for debt collectors to track down the whereabouts of borrowers who have fallen behind on their debts. From DMV and utility company records to social media profiles and credit bureau feedback, debt collectors can almost always access information that helps them to contact borrowers whose debt payments are delinquent.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 29, 2021

If your monthly car payment is too expensive, there are ways to lower it! Start by talking to your lender to see what options they can offer. You may be able to defer your payment if you’re facing a short-term financial difficulty. Otherwise, refinancing your car loan or selling or trading in your vehicle can help lower your payment. If you’re getting a loan to buy a car, try saving up for a bigger down payment, improving your credit score, and shopping around to compare different loans to make sure you get the lowest car payment possible.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 28, 2021

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim, or security interest, that is created when a mechanic does work on a vehicle, and they are not paid as agreed. This lien may allow the worker to keep - and even sell - the vehicle if they aren't repaid. These liens may be applied even if the vehicle hasn't yet been fully paid for.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 28, 2021

If you have an auto loan on a car and you owe more on the loan than the car’s worth, you have negative equity. You can trade in a car with negative equity, but you’ll need to pay off the negative equity or roll it into your new car loan. If your car has negative equity, it’s usually best to wait to trade it in until you’ve addressed it.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 26, 2021

A mechanic’s lien is a legal tool tradespeople use to make sure they get paid for the work they do and the supplies they contribute to projects. They’re common when you book construction workers. If you’re having work done on your home, it’s good to be aware of these liens. If subcontractors or other workers don’t get paid, it can put your property at risk.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 22, 2021

If you’ve lost your job and you’re collecting unemployment, you may still be able to finance a car, but it will be harder to get approved for a loan. Unemployment isn’t a long-term, stable income source, which lenders want to see. They’ll also look at your credit history and score and income sources when you apply for the loan.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 17, 2021

Predatory lenders get borrowers to agree to unfair or abusive loan terms. You can avoid getting into this situation by knowing common predatory practices and learning how to spot them when you’re shopping for a loan. If you or a loved one has been a victim of predatory lending, you can get an attorney to help you understand your options.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated November 12, 2021

A co-signer is a third-party who guarantees the debt of another person. Friends and family members often co-sign loans for loved ones with poor credit or no credit history. Co-signers can be held accountable for these debts, so it is important to think carefully before agreeing to become a co-signer.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 31, 2021

Many people represent themselves successfully because small claims courts are more accessible and simpler by design. The court proceedings are meant to be a reasonably fast and relatively inexpensive way to resolve disputes.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 24, 2021

If you recently got a part-time job or you make less than your monthly benefit amount, then you still may be eligible for benefits. After you’ve properly celebrated your new opportunity, make sure you check in with your state unemployment office’s eligibility requirements. You’ll want to see if you have to report getting a job. Read more to learn about how unemployment insurance benefits can supplement part time wages to keep your finances on track.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 24, 2021

Each state has its own unemployment insurance system, rules, regulations, and procedures. But regardless of what state you live in, not everybody who loses their job is eligible for unemployment compensation. You can usually appeal the disqualification. If you win the appeal, you will receive unemployment benefits, but this doesn’t always happen. This article will help you better understand how unemployment benefits work, who qualifies for compensation, and what might disqualify you.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 8, 2021

Sometimes things happen that are outside of our control and we get behind on loan payments. If you’ve made a late car payment or if you’ve missed one entirely, you might be concerned about the bank sending someone to repossess your property and wondering if you should be keeping an eye out for the repo man. You can set your mind at ease by learning about the repossession process, what rights you have, and how to prevent the situation entirely. This article will address repossessions and repo agents, the laws they must follow, and how they can track you down if you try to hide your car.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 6, 2021

A mortgage and a deed of trust are both legal documents that create a lien on the real property, but they are structured differently. Also, deeds of trust are only available in some states. This article will explain what a deed of trust is, how it works, and how the foreclosure process works if you have a deed of trust versus a mortgage.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 5, 2021

When you settle a debt with a creditor, you pay less than what you owe. The remaining amount is forgiven debt — also called canceled debt — which is often counted as taxable income. Debt settlement can make your tax returns more complicated or increase the taxes you owe. This article will discuss debt settlement and how forgiven debt affects your taxes. Understanding the tax implications of canceled debt will help you be better prepared to negotiate debt forgiveness with your creditors. It’ll also help you understand how to prepare your tax returns correctly.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 1, 2021

The Credit Repair Organizations Act is a federal law that was passed in 1996 in reaction to deceptive practices from companies that were preying on unsuspecting consumers. The CROA was designed to protect consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices by credit repair organizations. This article will discuss how consumers are legally protected from credit repair organizations and what to consider if you’re thinking of using a credit repair organization to fix your bad credit.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 1, 2021

If you’ve fallen behind on your auto loan payments you may be setting yourself up for repossession. The lender has the right to seize the car without a court order and sometimes without any prior notice to the borrower if the borrower fails to make payments for their auto loan. This article will discuss what repossession is, how it works, and how it affects your credit history and your credit score. We’ll also touch on what rights you have as a borrower and how you can prevent repossession.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated September 27, 2021

Improving your credit score substantially takes time and effort, but you can noticeably boost your credit score in under 30 days with four simple strategies. Taking some time to focus on your credit history and personal finances can set you up for excellent continued financial well-being. A higher credit score will open doors to better interest rates, more favorable loan terms on auto loans or personal loans, and higher credit limits on new or existing credit accounts. This article will discuss four simple ways to improve your credit score in the next month.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated September 24, 2021

Repossession happens when lenders or collection agencies use their right to seize your property to pay a debt, but borrowers have rights, too. Repossession laws and consumer protections keep lenders and their repossession companies and agents from acting improperly when seizing a vehicle. This article will describe the repossession process, how lenders operate, and how repossession affects borrowers. Learning more about this process can help you avoid repossession, its negative effects on your credit, and all the stress that comes along with it.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated September 22, 2021

Having an accurate credit history and a positive credit score can open doors for you and allow you to get credit like personal loans, credit cards, or a mortgage on more favorable terms and at lower interest rates. It can also help you rent a decent apartment or refinance any existing loans. This is why it’s important to know what goes on your credit report, how you can dispute and remove inaccurate information, and how your credit score is calculated. This article will discuss how to repair your credit yourself for free and what to look for in a credit repair company if you are considering hiring one.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated September 13, 2021

If you have bad credit and are thinking of hiring a credit repair company to help improve your credit, this article is for you. Knowing how credit repair companies work and what your rights are will help you weed out legitimate credit repair companies and specialists from scammers. Also, it is helpful to remember that you can do any of the credit repair services a credit repair company does on your own, for free. But, if you don’t feel comfortable doing your own credit repair and prefer to hire an individual specialist or a company, do your homework first. Read on to learn more.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 30, 2021

This article will explore what it means to be laid off, how it differs from other types of job loss, what rights you have, and what to do if you lose your job because of a layoff. By taking the proper steps after a layoff, you can make it to the other side without too many financial hardships or serious negative effects.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 23, 2021

Having good credit is an important factor in your financial well-being. It is not the only factor, but it is valuable to have a good understanding of what credit is, how it’s determined, what steps you can take to increase your score, and how it affects other areas of your life. Whether you have good credit or poor credit, there are ways to improve your credit score. If you have bad credit, don’t stress out about it. Read this article to learn more about how credit works and to learn several ways to start rebuilding yours.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 23, 2021

If you've recently lost your job and are wondering how being unemployed will affect your credit, it's important to remember that your FICO credit score doesn’t directly depend on your income, your employment status, or whether or not you’ve applied for unemployment insurance. Your credit score is based entirely on your payment history, amount of debt, length of credit history, new credit applications, and the types of credit you have. This article will outline some primary topics about unemployment and credit so that you can be more informed and make educated decisions that affect you, your family, and your financial well-being.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 23, 2021

Your credit score is a critical piece of information that helps determine your eligibility for credit such as a personal loan, auto loan, or new credit card. It is affected by several factors, but whether you have good or bad credit, you can usually improve your credit score by following these seven easy steps.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated August 16, 2021

The land of Lincoln and home of the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the Obamas, and…unsavory and unscrupulous debt collectors? Yes, unfortunately for residents of the Prairie State, Illinois also happens to have a lot of debt collectors that have flourished due to favorable state laws. A debt collection agency in Illinois can sometimes be as cold as a Chicago winter.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated July 30, 2021

A sheriff’s sale is a public auction typically held by the sheriff’s office where people purchase foreclosed properties. An example of a foreclosed property is a single-family home that the homeowner failed to make several monthly mortgage payments on. As a result, the mortgage lender, or the bank, takes legal possession of the house. The bank then sells the house at a sheriff’s sale to try to recoup what the homeowner owed on the mortgage.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated July 30, 2021

Unemployment Insurance Benefits are a temporary measure, so if you’re receiving unemployment compensation, you do have to look for work. Each state has different work search requirements and rules about how to verify that you're looking for work, but this article will give you a general overview of the work search requirement and what might be expected.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated July 26, 2021

People fall behind on their mortgages for reasons beyond their control. What is in your control, though, is how you react and what you’re doing about the situation. There are steps you can take and resources that can help you get back on track financially. This article will cover what help is available for homeowners who are falling behind on their mortgage payments.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated May 11, 2023

A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Idaho regulates wage garnishments.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 31, 2021

A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Delaware regulates wage garnishments.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 31, 2021

A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Hawaii regulates wage garnishments.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated December 14, 2021

A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how North Dakota regulates wage garnishments.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen.
Updated October 21, 2021

A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how New Mexico regulates wage garnishments.