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Stop All Lawsuits and Repossession Actions
Debt collectors file lawsuits at an alarming rate nationwide, which account for 25% of all civil cases, and Washington State is no exception. Some King County creditors even take it too far, suing over a few hundred dollars. In these cases, the cost of filing the lawsuit and serving the debtor is nearly as much as the debt itself. In Renton, it costs $240 just to file a case in Superior Court, plus $120 for a process server. That's $360 before they've even stepped foot in a courtroom, no less paid for their attorney.
Our team has spent 30 years helping Washington State residents protect their wages, assets, and vehicles from aggressive creditors and frivolous lawsuits. If you're facing a lawsuit, don't wait until the court date arrives. Schedule a free consultation today with our Renton lawyers to explore your options for stopping lawsuits and other collection actions.
What Happens If I Can't Pay My Bills In Renton?If you fall behind on bills in Renton, creditors will take legal action to collect, depending on the type of debt. Credit card companies and lenders may charge late fees, increase interest rates, and send your account to collections. Medical providers may report unpaid bills to Washington State credit bureaus, damaging your credit score. Utility companies in Renton, including Puget Sound Energy and the City of Renton Utilities, may shut off services for non-payment. If you have a mortgage, your lender can start foreclosure proceedings under RCW 61.24, and repossession is legal under RCW 62A.9A-609 if you miss car loan payments. Debt collectors can also file lawsuits and garnish wages (RCW 6.27), freeze bank accounts, or place liens on property once they get a court-issued judgment.
Why Do I Need To Speak To A Renton Debt Relief Attorney?Debt problems don't just go away on their own. Ignoring them can lead to lawsuits, wage garnishments, repossessions, and even foreclosure. If you're struggling with debt in Renton, working with our experienced bankruptcy attorneys will help you regain control.
How Our Renton Debt Relief Attorneys Can Help YouOur Renton-based bankruptcy law firm has been helping our neighbors find financial relief for over 30 years. Washington State law offers several legal options to manage or eliminate debt:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (11 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.): Gives a fresh start by discharging unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (11 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq.): Involves creating a structured repayment plan to keep your assets while reorganizing your debts
- Debt Settlement And Negotiation: Involves working directly with creditors to reduce what you owe without filing for bankruptcy
If medical debt, credit card balances, or overdue loans are keeping you up at night, let's talk. We serve clients across Renton, from The Landing shopping center to the Highlands neighborhood. Call us today and take the first step toward financial stability.
Can I Stop All Lawsuits and Repossession Actions? And Other FAQs AnsweredQ: Can I stop a legal action like a lawsuit or repossession?
A: Yes. Once you file for bankruptcy, a stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 takes effect automatically. The automatic stay legally stops all collection lawsuits, including credit card debt cases, medical debt lawsuits, and payday loan claims. The automatic stay also immediately stops collection activities like repossession and foreclosure. If a lawsuit has already led to a judgment, bankruptcy may still be able to eliminate the underlying debt. Our team will assess your case and take action to protect you.
Q: Can I file for bankruptcy if I've already lost a lawsuit?
A: Yes. Even if a creditor has won a lawsuit against you and obtained a judgment, filing for bankruptcy can eliminate the debt behind the judgment. Bankruptcy will eliminate most types of debt, such as credit card balances, personal loans, and unpaid medical bills. However, certain types of judgments, damages, and criminal penalties are not dischargeable under law.
Q: What happens if I ignore a lawsuit or repossession notice?
A: Ignoring a lawsuit or repossession notice can lead to default judgments, wage garnishments, or property loss. If you've been served with legal papers, you must act quickly. Filing for bankruptcy will stop the lawsuit. Contact us as soon as possible so we can help protect your rights and prevent further legal action against you.
Q: How do I know which type of bankruptcy is best for stopping legal action?
A: Chapter 7 bankruptcy is best if you want to wipe out unsecured debt like credit cards and medical bills quickly. However, if you need to catch up on mortgage or car payments and keep your property, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a stronger option for you. Every case is different, and we'll help you determine the right path based on your financial situation and legal needs.
Q: What if I already have a judgment against me in Renton?
A: A judgment simply means the court has ruled that you owe a debt, but filing for bankruptcy can still eliminate the debt behind the judgment unless it falls into an exception (such as fraud or DUI-related claims). Once the courts discharge the debt, creditors can no longer enforce the judgment. We'll assess your situation to determine whether bankruptcy will clear your judgment debt.
Q: What if I co-signed a loan and filed for bankruptcy?
A: If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Renton, the courts will discharge your liability for the debt, but your co-signer will still be responsible for repayment. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the co-signer may be protected under the co-debtor stay in 11 U.S.C. § 1301, meaning creditors cannot go after them while you're in the repayment plan. If protecting your co-signer is a priority, we can help you choose the right bankruptcy option.
Contact Our Renton Debt Defense Team At Our King County Law Offices Now
If you're struggling with debt, our Renton bankruptcy team has real legal solutions. With over 30 years of experience serving Washington State, we know how to use the law to protect your finances. Don't wait for your financial situation to get worse. There is relief. Call our Renton attorneys now to schedule a consultation.
