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After you file for bankruptcy, you may find that you are able to get approved for credit more easily than you were before. This is because bankruptcy can help you get out from under a large amount of debt, which can make it easier to manage your finances and pay your bills on time. By using credi...

The bankruptcy means test is a tool used to determine whether a person is eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  The means test compares the person's income to the average income for similar people in their state. If the person's income is below the average income, they are generally eligib...

Yes!  If you want to keep your car almost all cars are protected by exemptions  (which protect you so your creditors cannot take your belongings).  You will need to keep your payments current and make sure to keep insurance on the vehicle as required by your lender. Speak with a bankruptcy attor...

In Washington State because of the generous laws protecting your home almost all homes are protected and your bankruptcy attorney will ensure that you qualify for this protection under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  If your payments are not current then you may be able to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy,...

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney will depend on a number of factors, including the attorney's hourly rate, the complexity of your case, and where you live. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $750.00 to $900.00 for a bankruptcy attorney. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee fo...

If you and your spouse are considering filing for bankruptcy and divorce in Washington, the parallel processes can be tricky as much as they can be detrimental to your unique situation. Several factors must be taken into consideration. Timing is important and can affect the complexity, costs, and...

Debt can accumulate quickly, and before you know it, you are beyond any ability to manage it. Debt impacts your credit history as much as it does your quality of life. Creditors and third-party collection agencies can cause serious stress. Fortunately, even when you think a solution does not exis...

Student loans are great because they help so many people further their education in Washington and beyond. Upon graduation, though, they must pay back their loans. If they do not get well-paying jobs, then paying off the loans can be difficult. When a financial situation becomes difficult and bankruptcy seems like the only option, many debtors wonder if they can include student loans in their bankruptcy filing. Much confusion exists because student loans can be federal or private – the former typically cannot be discharged while the latter might be dischargeable.

There are times when individuals or married couples accumulate a lot of debt and find it hard to pay it off or otherwise manage it. These individuals or couples may fear filing for bankruptcy because they worry about their home, their vehicles, other assets, credit cards, and credit scores––all of which can be impacted by bankruptcy. Fortunately, you can safeguard your home, vehicles, and other assets and get a handle on your debt by filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Washington.

In general, most types of unsecured debts, such as credit card debts and medical bills, can be discharged in bankruptcy. However, not all debts can be discharged in bankruptcy...

If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, there are a few steps you need to take: Find a bankruptcy lawyer: It is a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy to help you through the process. Your lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the steps ...

There are several different types of bankruptcy, but the most common types for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as a fresh start bankruptcy where much of the person's debts will be elimated, which means they don't have to pay them anymore. Chapter 13 ba...

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people who are having trouble paying their debts. Before someone can file for bankruptcy, they have to take a class to learn about managing their money. Once the person has filed for bankruptcy, a court order called an "automatic stay" will go into effec...

Bankruptcy is a legal process that can help people who are having trouble paying their debts get a fresh start. If someone owes more money than they can pay.  There are two main types of bankruptcy that people can file: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also known as the "Fresh S...

Crooks impersonating the IRS either by phone, email or in person cost people their time and money. The IRS urges people to stay vigilant against schemes and scams and avoid becoming a victim. Here are some important tips for taxpayers to keep in mind to avoid scams: How the IRS initiates contac...

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You will still be able to buy a house after bankruptcy

The Department of Justice and the Department of Education have issued new guidance that may make it easier for certain borrowers to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy. The new guidance, which was released in November 2022, clarifies the factors that courts should consider when evaluating...

The questions the Trustee asks are the same questions we will discuss at your consultation.  They may include: 1.  State your name 2.  Did you sign the documents filed with the court? 3.  Did you list all of your assets and debts? 4.  Do you owe any alimony or child support? 5.  Have you fil...

If you are one of the many Americans who has seen their credit score lowered because of medical debt you may soon see some of it wiped off of your credit report!  Effective July 1, three of the nation's largest credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – will stop including p...