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Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt builds so fast that you don't even notice sometimes. That's because credit card companies often use fine print to hide high APRs, hidden fees, and rollovers. Worst of all, once they trap you in debt, it's almost impossible to get out of it.
Fortunately, though, there is help to get out of credit card debt for our neighbors across King County. Legal debt relief programs can help you reduce or dismiss your credit card debt for good. Further, Washington State laws like the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) and Washington Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16) protect you from illicit practices hidden in the fine print.
Our attorneys in Bellevue will help you access legal debt relief and get you out of credit card debt for good. Further, we'll protect you from any illicit collection practices and safeguard your rights. Contact our Bellevue law office now and schedule a free consultation with our skilled lawyers.
What Are My Legal Options To Get Out Of Credit Card Debt In Washington State?Residents of Bellevue can get out of credit card debt for good, thanks to several legal options. Whether you're trying to reduce what you owe, stop collection calls, or protect your assets, our Bellevue credit card attorneys can help. Here are some of the credit card debt relief options we will explore:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Title 11, U.S. Code, Chapter 7): Wipes out most unsecured credit card debt if you meet income requirements through a means test.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Title 11, U.S. Code, Chapter 13): Lets you reorganize debt into a court-approved three-to-five-year payment plan without losing property.
- Debt Settlement (Negotiated, Not Court-Based): You or a lawyer negotiate with creditors to reduce the total balance owed.
- Debt Management Plan (RCW 18.28): Washington Debt Adjusters is a nonprofit agency that works with creditors to lower your interest rates or consolidate your payments into a monthly plan.
Whether you choose bankruptcy, settlement, or structured repayment, our King County debt relief attorneys will help you overcome credit card debt for good.
What Do I Do If A Credit Card Company Is Suing Me In Bellevue, WA?If a credit card company is suing you in Bellevue, Washington State, time is not on your side. You will need to act fast. Here's what to do:
- Read The Summons And Complaint Carefully: A process server will serve the lawsuit by hand or mail and include a Summons and Complaint. These documents will tell you who is suing you, how much they claim you owe, and how long you have to respond (typically 20 days from the date of service).
- Check For Errors: Credit card lawsuits often include mistakes. Look for wrong amounts, identity confusion, or outdated debts. Washington State's statute of limitations for credit card debt is 6 years from the last payment or acknowledgment of the debt (RCW 4.16.040).
- File A Written Answer With The Court: Don't skip this. You must submit a formal written response to the court to avoid a default judgment. File your Answer at:
King County District Court: East Division
1309 114th Ave SE, Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
Then serve a copy to the creditor's attorney. - Consult Our Local Bellevue Consumer Defense Attorneys: Speak to a Bellevue attorney who handles debt defense in Bellevue. Our team can review your case, draft your response, and potentially negotiate a dismissal or settlement. You may qualify for defenses like lack of documentation, mistaken identity, or violations of the FDCPA.
Our attorneys live and work right here in Bellevue, in the heart of King County. We've helped clients all across the city, including those living in Bridle Trails, Somerset, Newport Hills, Eastgate, Lake Hills, and West Bellevue. We know the roads around Factoria Mall, the process at the Bellevue District Courthouse, and the kind of financial pressure many face working in or around Downtown Bellevue, Overlake, and the BelRed corridor. Whether you're near Bellevue College, walking trails at Kelsey Creek Park, or working at a tech company off NE 8th Street, we're close by and ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Your Credit Card Relief Options In Bellevue, WAQ: Can a Washington court garnish my wages over unpaid credit card debt?
A: Absolutely. If a creditor gets a judgment against you in King County Superior Court, they are legally able to garnish up to 25% of your net wages under RCW 6.27.150 and RCW 6.27.140(1)(b). Bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 362 or fast legal settlement can stop that garnishment immediately.
Q: Can credit card companies take money directly from my bank account?
A: Not without a court order. Under RCW 6.27.005 through 6.27.290, they must first sue you and win a judgment. Then, they can serve a writ of garnishment to your bank and legally freeze your funds.
Q: Can I be arrested in Bellevue for not paying credit card debt?
A: No. Credit card debt is civil, not criminal, so you can't be arrested just for owing money. However, if you ignore a court summons or skip a debtor's exam ordered under RCW 6.32, the court could issue a bench warrant for failure to appear.
Q: Can I be sued for old credit card debt in Washington State?
A: Yes. However, in Washington State, there's a six-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.040 starting from the date of your last payment or charge. If the debt is older than that, we may be able to file a motion to dismiss based on time-barred claims.
Q: Can I be sued over a credit card I co-signed for?
A: In Washington State, if you co-signed or are listed as a joint account holder, you're fully liable for the debt. Creditors are allowed to collect the full balance from you even if you never used the card, as stated in the Washington State contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code.
Q: Can I settle credit card debt if I'm already being garnished?
A: Yes. We can negotiate a post-judgment settlement and, in some cases, file a motion to quash the garnishment under RCW 6.27.160 or eliminate it entirely through bankruptcy protection under 11 U.S.C. § 362(a).
Q: What if a debt collector threatens me with legal action but hasn't filed anything?
A: They may be bluffing. Under the Washington State Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250(16)) and the federal FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692e(5)), it's illegal for collectors to threaten lawsuits they don't intend to file. We can call their bluff or prepare to fight back.
Q: How long will a credit card judgment last in Washington State?
A: Ten years under RCW 6.17.020, and courts can renew it for another ten. That means a judgment can follow you for up to 20 years unless you settle it, discharge it in bankruptcy, or challenge its renewal.
Consult For Free With Our Bellevue Credit Debt Relief Attorneys
You can legally get out of credit card debt in King County. Call our Bellevue law office now for a free, confidential consultation. Let's protect your income, stop the harassment, and build a plan to end your credit card debt for good.
