Payday and Money Tree
Payday loans and services like Money Tree are widely available for Seattle residents. Often, they are seen as a quick way to gain financial relief in times of need. However, relying on these services can lead to mounting debt and severe stress. If you are struggling to repay payday loans or similar short-term loans, it might be time for you to consider other options, including bankruptcy.
Don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Seattle bankruptcy attorneys if this sounds like you. We can explain all your options and help you regain financial stability.
What Are Payday Loans?Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans typically designed to be paid back by your next payday. Companies usually market these as quick fixes when you are hit with unexpected expenses. However, they do come with significant risks.
- High Interest Rates: Payday loans can have annual percentage rates (APRs) as high as 400% or more.
- Short Repayment Terms: These loans are usually due by your next payday, which can make repaying them much more difficult.
- Rollovers and Fees: If you can’t pay the loans by the deadline, you may have to roll it over or even take out a new loan, which can lead to even more fees and interest.
When you turn to these loans, you will find that they can quickly spiral into a cycle of debt that is hard to get out of. Money Tree is one of the more popular payday loan providers you will find in Seattle.
When Payday Loans in Washington State Lead to BankruptcyIf you’re struggling to repay these loans in Seattle, bankruptcy might be a solution you can use to eliminate or reduce your debts. Bankruptcy provides a legal process that can help you discharge certain debts, including payday loans, giving you a fresh financial start.
Here are the two most common forms of bankruptcy in Washington State:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: This lets you discharge most of your unsecured debts. If you’re eligible, you can even get rid of your payday and Money Tree debt entirely.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: This involves coming up with a repayment plan you will use to pay your debts off over three to five years. While payday loans aren’t eliminated during this process, you may be able to consolidate them into the repayment plan to help you avoid the never-ending cycle of debt you keep finding yourself in.
If you are considering bankruptcy in King County, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you unable to pay your loans off in time?
- Are your payday loans piling up due to fees and high interest rates?
- Have you borrowed from multiple payday lenders just to make ends meet?
- Is your financial situation getting worse despite borrowing from payday loan services?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, bankruptcy might be just what you need to find relief and get out of the payday loan cycle. Don’t hesitate to consult an experienced attorney in King County for help in reviewing all your options.
The Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy in SeattleFiling for bankruptcy has several benefits when you are completely overwhelmed by payday loans or Money Tree debts.
- Total Debt Elimination: Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge your payday loan debts.
- Repayment Options With Chapter 13: Your payday loans can be included in your repayment plan, so you can pay them off over time without the threat of additional fees and interest looming over your head.
- Protection From Creditors: When you file for bankruptcy, all collection efforts stop, including those from payday lenders and collection agencies. This gives you the time you need to regain control over your finances.
- RCW 31.45.073: Payday loans in Washington can’t exceed $700 per loan. This statute also states that the loan needs to be repaid within 45 days or less.
- RCW 31.45.090: This sets the interest rates and fees for payday loans. Lenders can charge a maximum fee of $15 per $100 loan. For example, a $500 loan would incur a $75 fee.
- RCW 31.45.073: The maximum interest rate on payday loans in Washington is capped at 391% APR.
- RCW 31.45.100: Payday lenders can’t extend the loan due date more than three times in twelve months.
- RCW 31.45: You are entitled to a cooling-off period between loans. This means 24 hours must pass before you can take out a new payday loan if you have already taken out a loan from the same lender in the past seven days.
Yes, payday loan companies can attempt to garnish wages if you fail to repay your debt. Filing for bankruptcy can stop wage garnishments and other collection efforts.
Yes. If you are considering bankruptcy to eliminate payday loan debt, it is highly recommended that you consult a Seattle bankruptcy attorney. They can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Payday loans don’t typically show up as a negative item on your credit report unless you default.
Yes, payday lenders, including Money Tree, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as outlined in RCW 31.45.030. Otherwise, the lender is operating illegally, which you can report for further investigation (RCW 31.45.120).
According to RCW 31.45.085, payday lenders must provide clear, written disclosures. These should include the cost of the loan, including all fees and interest, the due date, and the consequences of missed or late payments.
Additionally, under RCW 31.45.100, payday loan providers can’t deceive or mislead you. This ensures that all terms are communicated clearly, and the fees are more transparent.
Why You Need a Seattle Bankruptcy Attorney on Your Side
A Seattle bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate the complexities of bankruptcy law in Washington, meet eligibility requirements, protect your assets, and guide you through the filing process.
With expertise like what you can find in our office, we can help you discharge payday loan debts, prevent wage garnishments, and stop aggressive collection tactics. All of this increases your chance at success and the fresh financial start you need.