Did you know there are legal solutions available to you if you are dealing with lawsuits and repossession actions in Olympia, Washington?
Whether you live in Thurston County or elsewhere in Washington State, filing for bankruptcy is just one way you can stop lawsuits, creditor harassment, and repossession actions against you.
Hiring a skilled Olympia bankruptcy attorney is a great first step when you are otherwise feeling lost and helpless. They can walk you through the process from start to finish and ensure you reach a favorable outcome.
Filing for Bankruptcy in OlympiaFiling for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be the solution you need to stop lawsuits and repossessions.
Chapter 7 BankruptcyThe automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362), a federal law provision that begins as soon as you file for bankruptcy, immediately stops most creditor actions, including lawsuits and repossessions.
It can provide much-needed relief as you find ways to resolve your financial situation without the added pressure of legal battles looming over you.
Key Features of the Automatic StayWhile this statute (RCW 11.40.010) addresses the legalities of judgment liens in Washington, it also plays a big role in how liens can be handled in bankruptcy cases. When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay can help remove or reduce the effect of judgment liens on your property.
Washington State Laws and BankruptcyWashington has specific laws that can impact your bankruptcy case. Understanding how these laws can help ensures that you are aware of your rights and protections.
Washington State Bankruptcy ExemptionsWhen you file for bankruptcy in Olympia, you can exempt some of your property from liquidation.
Filing for bankruptcy strengthens your protections under the laws by stopping collection efforts, including lawsuits and repossessions, for the duration of your bankruptcy case.
Your Olympia bankruptcy attorney will prove to be a big asset as you wade through the ins and outs of the process.
Washington State Foreclosure Laws (Protection Against Home Repossession)To apply for your homestead exemption in Olympia, there is no special application. The exemption is automatic as long as you meet all the legal requirements.
However, if your creditors are trying to seize your home or file a lawsuit, you might need to formally claim the exemption in Thurston County bankruptcy court or respond to your creditor’s actions.
Your bankruptcy attorney can help ensure that your exemptions are all correctly applied and that you are fully protected.
Most of your debts are discharged once you file for bankruptcy. This means creditors can no longer sue you to collect on those debts. However, there are some exceptions to this.
Filing for bankruptcy in these cases is one of the more effective ways to stop lawsuits and repossession actions in Olympia, Washington. As soon as you file, the automatic stay goes into effect, which stops all of these actions from happening.
It’s recommended that you consult a bankruptcy attorney in Thurston County who can guide you through the process and help protect your assets.
Olympia bankruptcy attorneys provide invaluable assistance with overwhelming debt. We know Washington State laws and can guide you through all of the complexities. Count on us to protect your assets, end creditor harassment, and stop foreclosure and repossession actions.
By offering advice based on your situation and advocating for your financial well-being, our attorneys can help you regain control of your finances and offer you a path to the fresh start you need.
Like any attempt to collect a debt, repossessions stop the instant a bankruptcy case is filed. The only repossession a typical debtor needs to worry about is a car repossession. Creditors can take a car right off the street if the borrower is behind on their payments. However, creditors usually wait until the loan is at least two months delinquent to come get the car. Creditors can not breach the peace or break into a locked garage to take the car but otherwise they can take the car wherever they can find them. After the car is taken, it is stored for a couple weeks at a car lot and sold at auction. A debtor can get the car back if the bankruptcy is filed before the car is sold. However, a Chapter 7 will only delay the process for as little as a month if the payments are not made. A Chapter 13 gives the debtor an opportunity to get caught up over five years without having to come up with the entire default all at once.
If you are having trouble making a car loan it is best not to wait until the last minute to file bankruptcy to protect the car. You will need to pay attorneys fees, take a credit counseling class and pay part of the filing fee before you file the case. You will also need time to meet with your attorney and get the necessary documents together. You can see a repossession coming and it’s best to stop the process before it becomes an emergency. Cars can be damaged when being repossessed and the belongings inside them can be lost. Being left suddenly without a car can be a real hardship. If you are falling behind on bills and bankruptcy is inevitable, it’s better to make car payments and fall behind on credit card debts while getting ready for bankruptcy. If you are about to file bankruptcy and you think your car is about to be repossessed, keep it somewhere where the creditor can not find it.
If you are making payments on an appliance, jewelry, electronics, furniture, etc., the creditor can’t just come into your house to take the property back. They must go through an expensive lawsuit to get an order allowing the sheriff to recover the property. It is extremely rare for them to do so and they will usually try to garnish wages or bank accounts instead.