Payday And Money Tree
Payday loans can save the day when you're in a tough spot. However, easy access to fast cash means sky-high interest rates, hidden fees, and fine print that can trap you in an unending cycle of debt before you even realize it.
If a payday lender has trapped you into a cycle of debt, our Everett-based bankruptcy attorneys are here to help. We'll walk you through your legal debt relief options, explain how to break free from the payday loan trap, and help you get your finances together. Call our Everett-based law offices today for a free, no-pressure consultation.
What Does Washington Law Say About Payday Loans?Washington State strictly regulates payday loans under RCW 31.45, known as the Washington State Payday Lending Act. Here is what the law says:
- Loan Limits: Washington law puts clear limits on payday loans to help protect borrowers. Lenders can't give you more than $700 (or 30% of your monthly income, whichever is less) (RCW 31.45.073).
- Interest and Fees: Lenders can charge a maximum of 15% on the first $500 and 10% on amounts above $500 (RCW 31.45.073(3)).
- Repayment Plans: Borrowers are entitled to a 90-day installment plan for loans up to $400 and 180 days for larger loans (RCW 31.45.084).
- Loan Rollovers: Rollovers and multiple renewals are prohibited to prevent endless debt cycles (RCW 31.45.073(4)).
- Collections and Legal Action: Lenders can't threaten criminal charges for nonpayment, but they can take civil action (RCW 31.45.110).
Ready to explore your legal options? Contact our Everett attorneys, and we'll help you figure out the most suitable solution for your payday debt.
Everett Attorneys Stop The Payday Loan CycleIf payday loans have taken over your finances, you're not alone. We've worked with people across Everett who started with a small loan and ended up caught in a cycle of high fees, rollovers, and mounting pressure. We've seen it too many times, so we know how to help you get out of it. Our Everett debt relief lawyers will:
- Stop Harassment And Collections: Our attorneys step in and make sure payday lenders follow the rules. That means no more threatening calls, no more pressure.
- Challenge Illegal Loan Terms: Many payday lenders violate RCW 31.45, and we can challenge unfair fees, rollovers, and excessive interest rates.
- Negotiate Debt Settlements: Our Everett attorneys work with lenders to reduce the amount you owe, setting up manageable repayment terms.
- Fight Wage Garnishment: If a lender is trying to take your paycheck, we can fight back in Snohomish County Superior Court to protect your income.
- Explore Bankruptcy Options: If payday loans have pushed you too far, we can help discharge or restructure your debt through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
You don't have to keep struggling with payday loan debt. Whether you live near Silver Lake, work in downtown Everett, or are facing a lawsuit at the Everett Division Courthouse, we're here to help. Call today for a free consultation.
What Are My Legal Options To Get Out Of Payday Loan Debt in Washington State?Fortunately, Washington State law RCW 31.45 provides protections and options to escape the debt cycle, allowing you to:
- Request A Payment Plan: You may be eligible for a 90-day extended payment plan.
- Dispute Unfair Fees And Interest Rates: Lenders cannot charge more than 15% on the first $500 and 10% on the rest.
- Stop Automatic Withdrawals: You can revoke a lender's access to your bank account to prevent repeated overdrafts.
- Negotiate A Settlement: Our Snohomish County debt defense attorneys can work with lenders to reduce your balance and stop collections.
- File For Bankruptcy: You can use Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy to eliminate or restructure payday loan debt.
If you're dealing with payday loan debt in Everett, we can help you take back control. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Are My Rights In Washington State If A Payday Lender Harasses Me?Washington law limits payday lenders from using aggressive collection tactics. If payday lenders or debt collectors are harassing you, you have legal protections under RCW 31.45 and the Washington Collection Agency Act RCW 19.16, including:
- No Threats or Harassment: Lenders cannot threaten jail, violence, or legal action they don't intend to take.
- Limited Contact: They cannot call at unreasonable hours or contact your employer about your debt.
- No Wage Garnishment Without a Court Order: Lenders must sue you in Snohomish County Superior Court before garnishing wages.
- Report Violations: You can report illegal collection practices to the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
- Hire an Attorney: We can stop harassment, dispute illegal charges, and protect your rights.
If payday lenders in Everett are harassing you, whether you're near Evergreen Way or Mukilteo Boulevard, we're ready to fight for you. Call us today for a free case review.
Common FAQs About Payday Loan Relief Answered By Our Snohomish County Law FirmA: Yes, courts can discharge payday loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but if the lender claims fraud under Title 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2), they might fight it. We'll help you handle it.
A: Yes, but only if they first sue you and get a court judgment under RCW 6.27.005. We can help you fight back if a lender is threatening illegal garnishment.
A: You can revoke authorization in writing under Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.10) and notify your bank. If the lender continues withdrawals, we can take legal action.
A: No, under RCW 31.45.073, lenders cannot charge rollover fees or extend payday loans beyond the original term. If courts charge you with illegal fees, you may have legal recourse.
A: Legitimate payday lenders must be licensed under RCW 31.45 and follow state interest rate caps. You can verify a lender's status with the Washington State DFI.
Our Everett Attorneys Help You Find Legal Payday Debt Relief
Payday lenders take advantage of our Everett neighbors when they are at their lowest. Our attorneys don't let them get away with it. Call our law offices today, and let us help you fight back. Your consultation is free.