In our 30 years of combined experience in bankruptcy law, we have seen the most responsible people get buried under an avalanche of debt in just weeks. It happens that fast sometimes. You get hit with an unexpected expense, or costs start rising while your income stays flat, and you are deep in debt before you know it.
Out-of-control debt isn't simply a product of financial irresponsibility. Many times, it is the product of predatory creditors who take advantage of vulnerable people and trap them into a cycle of debt. Other times, it is because an unexpected crisis hits, like a chronic illness that puts the household breadwinner out of work. That is why it is so important you speak to one of our Seattle attorneys if you are facing debt. Sometimes, it's not all legitimate.
Our attorneys got into bankruptcy law because they saw how quickly financial hardship can take over one’s life. We've helped our neighbors across Washington state access legal debt relief, and we can do the same for you. Here's how:
You do not have to face debt alone. Our Seattle-based lawyers specialize in legal debt relief. Call our legal team now for a free consultation, and we'll review your case and assess what we can do.
King County Bankruptcy Law Firm Offering Personalized Debt SolutionsEvery person's financial circumstances are different. That is why our Seattle-based debt relief attorneys help you find personalized solutions to your debt. We'll help you explore all your legal debt relief options, including:
Then, our King County bankruptcy lawyers will determine which options are most suitable for your unique situation and advise on what to do next.
Find Out If You Qualify For Bankruptcy Relief In Washington StateIf you are considering bankruptcy, you will first have to meet the legal requirements based on Washington state and federal laws. Here are the eligibility requirements for filing for personal bankruptcy in Seattle:
Qualifications For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In Seattle:
Qualifications For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy In Seattle:
If you're drowning in debt and looking for a new beginning, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be your most suitable option. This type of bankruptcy, often called "liquidation bankruptcy," gets rid of most of your unsecured debts. Under Washington state law, certain assets are protected through exemptions, meaning you may be able to keep your home, car, and personal belongings. Our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers can walk you through the eligibility requirements, including the means test, to see if you qualify.
When you should consider Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
For those who have a steady income but need help making debt more manageable, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a powerful tool. Instead of eliminating debt immediately,it allows you to create a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. During that time, you can catch up on past-due mortgage payments, car loans, or tax debts while stopping foreclosure and repossession. Our King County bankruptcy attorneys can help determine if this structured approach fits your financial situation under Washington state law.
When to Consider Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
Struggling with credit card debt? You're not alone. Seattle residents have $6,500 in credit debt on average. With high costs of living, high interest rates, and high fees, it can feel impossible to catch up. Fortunately, there are real legal solutions that can help you take control. Our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers can guide you through options that fit your financial situation.
On top of the financial strain, the aggressive debt collection tactics of credit card companies can be incredibly overwhelming. The last thing you need is non-stop calls about payments you can't afford. Federal law, specifically the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), protects you from abusive collection tactics. Washington state's statute of limitations may even render old debt unenforceable in some cases. With the right legal strategy, you can put an end to the harassment, challenge unfair collections, and take the first steps toward financial recovery.
Can a Foreclosure Attorney Help You Keep Your Home In King County?A King County foreclosure lawyer specializes in protecting homeowners from losing their property. If you're facing foreclosure in the area, our skilled attorneys will explore legal strategies like loan modifications, bankruptcy filings, and foreclosure defense to help you stay in your home. Washington state has specific laws requiring lenders to follow strict procedures before foreclosure, and our Seattle-based legal team ensures they follow the law while fighting to keep you in your house.
Medical Debt Piling Up? Here Are Your Legal Options in SeattleMedical debt can accumulate quickly after an emergency, surgery, or ongoing treatment, especially if insurance coverage is lacking (which is true in most cases). Unfortunately, hospitals like Harborview Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center often send unpaid bills to collections, further damaging your credit. If you're dealing with piling medical debt, our Seattle attorneys will explore all your relief options, including:
Our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers will help you understand your legal options and take action before creditors take legal steps against you.
Seattle Bankruptcy Lawyers Can Help You Break Free From Payday LoansPayday loans may offer quick cash with no credit check, but high interest rates and fees often trap you in a cycle of debt. What seems like a simple solution can quickly turn into a financial burden. Companies like MoneyTree keep people locked in this cycle, making it nearly impossible to get ahead. The stress of dealing with multiple debts, overdraft fees, and watching your paycheck disappear only escalates the problem. Many people struggle for months or even years, unable to break free. Our King County bankruptcy lawyers know how to stop the cycle and get you out of payday loan debt for good.
Our Seattle Legal Experts Stop RepossessionsA car repossession doesn't mean your vehicle is gone forever. If you're struggling with auto loan payments, you have legal options to stopit or even reclaim your vehicle. The right legal approach can help you keep your car, even after repossession. Count on a Seattle bankruptcy attorney to help you take the proper steps to get your vehicle back.
Are Creditors Harassing You? Know Your Rights Under Washington State LawCreditor harassment is illegal, but that doesn't stop debt collectors from using aggressive tactics. Washington state law and federal protections under the FDCPA make it clear that creditors cannot intimidate, threaten, or deceive you into making payments. Contact us if you experience any of the following:
Our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers can put a stop to it. We can send cease-and-desist letters, file lawsuits for damages, and help you find the most suitable legal solution to resolve your debts while protecting you from harassment.
How To Legally Stop Lawsuits And Debt Collection In King CountyIf you are facing credit lawsuits and debt collection, you may feel like you just need a minute to catch your breath and figure things out. Our attorneys will help you do just that. Here's how we'll help you stop debt collection actions in King County:
Our Seattle-based attorneys will be with you every step of the way, providing legal support to help you make informed decisions about your debt.
Your Bankruptcy Questions Answered By Our Experienced Seattle AttorneysIn our 30 years of handling Washington state bankruptcy cases, we understand that knowledge is power. The more you know your legal options and rights, the more capable you are of making smart decisions for your financial future. Our Seattle attorneys specializing in bankruptcy work closely with our clients to make sure they know all their options. We're always available to answer your queries and update you about your case. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions answered by our Seattle debt relief lawyers.
Legal Debt Relief FAQsA: Yes, because filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which temporarily halts foreclosure proceedings and gives you time to explore legal options to save your home.
A: Bankruptcy can help you keep your vehicle by restructuring your loan in Chapter 13 or discharging the debt if you surrender the car in Chapter 7.
A: Some older tax debts may be dischargeable in bankruptcy if they meet specific federal requirements, such as being at least three years old and properly filed.
A: If you file for Chapter 7, your co-signer might still have to repay the debt. However, Chapter 13 protects co-signers as long as you include the payments in your repayment plan.
A: Yes, the automatic stay stops most creditor lawsuits immediately, preventing further legal action while your case is processed.
A: The process begins by gathering financial records, completing a state-approved credit counseling course, and filing a bankruptcy petition with the court.
A: Yes, but there are time restrictions between filings. By law, you must wait eight years between Chapter 7 filings and two years between Chapter 13 cases.
A: Yes, payday loans are generally unsecured debts, which the courts can discharge in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
A: Yes, medical debt is considered unsecured, which courts can discharge during Chapter 7 or as part of a repayment plan under Chapter 13.
A: You can start rebuilding your credit by making consistent payments, getting a secured credit card, and reviewing your credit report regularly.
If you still have questions, contact our King County law offices to get answers from our knowledgeable attorneys specializing in debt relief through bankruptcy.
Seattle isn't getting any more affordable. From skyrocketing rent in Capitol Hill to the price of a simple latte at your favorite Pike Place café, everything keeps going up. Groceries at the Ballard Farmers Market? More expensive. A night out in Belltown? It's easily twice what it used to be. Even gas in Queen Anne makes you wonder if it's worth the drive to Alki Beach to catch a sunset. It's no secret that Seattle's cost of living is climbing fast, making it harder to keep up even if you have a steady paycheck.
When everyday costs keep rising, debt can spiral out of control. You could put a few extra expenses on a credit card, or those monthly payments on your car loan became overwhelming after you paid for parking downtown. Medical bills from an unexpected ER visit at Harborview, student loans, or just trying to afford rent in South Lake Union? All of it adds up. Before you know it, you're juggling multiple minimum payments, struggling to cover essentials, and feeling trapped in a cycle of debt with no apparent way out.
Seattle is full of things to do, from catching a show at The Paramount to taking a ferry out to Bainbridge Island, but when debt takes over, it's hard to enjoy our gorgeous city. The stress of mounting bills can make even a casual trip to the Museum of Pop Culture or a summer evening at Gas Works Park feel out of reach. If you're feeling overwhelmed by debt, know that there are options.
Legal debt relief can give you a fresh start and help you regain control so you can get back to enjoying everything Seattle has to offer without the constant worry of financial strain. Our attorneys specialize in Washington state bankruptcy law, so contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We'll explore all your legal debt relief options and help you clear a path to a better financial future.
Thinking about Bankruptcy?There are many reasons people need to file bankruptcy. The reason is usually not that someone is irresponsible or abusing the system. It is far more likely that someone has gotten into trouble in one of three areas: losing a job, going through a divorce or suffering a major illness. Bankruptcy in this country has been around since the US constitution was past - even before. It is a respected and traditional way for honest, unfortunate people to get a fresh start when something unexpected happens and they have no way to meet their financial obligations.
Bankruptcy takes place in the federal court system, which has a special set of courts for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy case is started by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. As soon as this petition is filed all debt collections must stop immediately. Bankruptcy stops evictions, foreclosures, repossessions, nasty phone calls, utility cut offs, garnishments, lawsuits - any attempt to collect a debt.
You must fill out a rather large set of documents to go with your petition, detailing your property, your list of creditors, details about your income and expenses and whether you have favored any creditors recently, especially if they are “insiders.” The documents you attach to your petition are intended to give the court an idea of what your financial condition has been in the past few years, what it is now and what it will be like in the foreseeable future. You don’t have to make predictions about the future. You just have to disclose if you know your income is going up in the near term.
You will also have to attend a hearing called a meeting of creditors about a month after you file your case. Creditors usually do not attend this hearing. You will meet a trustee who has the power to administer your case and collect evidence to make sure you are following the laws. A bankruptcy judge makes the final decisions in the case, though most cases never get before a bankruptcy judge. The meeting of creditors is the only hearing you are likely to have to attend. You will have to provide the trustee with pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to help verify the documents you filed with the court.
There are two kinds of bankruptcies for most consumers. Chapter 7 is the easier and cheaper form of bankruptcy. Most Chapter 7s only last three to four months. If creditors get any money from the Chapter 7 process, it is from selling some of the debtor’s property and distributing the money among them. Most people who file Chapter 7 do not lose any property because the law protects basic necessities (and then some) from creditors through legal “exemptions” in the bankruptcy laws. In Washington, a debtor can choose between state and federal exemptions, and the result is a pretty generous level of protection, allowing most debtors to get a financial fresh start while keeping all or most of their personal property.
Because Chapter 7 is fairly easy, it is reserved for lower-income people who have no ability to pay at least some percentage of their debt with their income. Bankruptcy law establishes a means test to show a debtor is not abusing the process. The means test only looks at your last six months of income. If that income was higher that the state average income for the debtor’s household size, then the debtor goes through a means test. This test deducts expenses from the monthly income - some expenses are actual expenses such as mortgage payments, child care, and health insurance. Some are expenses defined by the IRS tax repayment code. If the test shows income available to pay unsecured debts - those debts not backed up by property like mortgages or car loans - then there is a presumption of abuse and a Chapter 7 could be converted to Chapter 13 or dismissed.
In a Chapter 13, the debtor proposes a plan to pay debt off for three to five years. You can pay a car loan, back taxes, and back child support and get caught up on a mortgage in this repayment plan. You can also pay unsecured debt, such as credit cards or medical debt, at a percentage you can afford. The amount you pay general unsecured debt, which is last in line to get paid in a Chapter 13 plan, depends on what the means test shows you can afford. You can argue that you have special circumstances and cannot pay the amount indicated in the means test. Sometimes, your last six months’ income and expenses will be quite different from what your situation will be over the next five years.
If you are making payments on a car, house, or some other property, you can keep the property if you are able to make payments. When a creditor loans you money for an expensive item, often they will have a “lien” on this property. The lien gives them the right to take back the property in the event payment is not made. A mortgage company can foreclose or a car company can repossess the car. The general rule is that liens survive the bankruptcy even if the money debt is wiped out. There are some liens that can be removed by a bankruptcy court order, but first mortgages are not among them.
In a Chapter 7, a debtor can keep making payments on a car or a house and keep the property. In a Chapter 13, these debts consolidated with the plan. There are ways to lower the amount paid on a car or other property based on the property’s value. Second mortgages can sometimes be stripped in a Chapter 13, but not a Chapter 7. The bankruptcy code does not offer a way of lowering principal balance on a first mortgage, but a Chapter 13 will stop a foreclosure and allow a debtor to get caught up on a first mortgage over five years.
If you’re considering bankruptcy, the experienced Seattle, WA bankruptcy attorneys at Washington State Attorneys want to help you. Call us today to learn how bankruptcy may be able to get rid of your debt and give you peace of mind.
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