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More about our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers and what they will do for you

Very few people living in Seattle have an in-depth knowledge of bankruptcy, and there is a lot of misinformation about this process. This makes sense, because most people have never given bankruptcy a second thought. But it also means that many Washington residents believe that filing for bankruptcy is far worse than it actually is.

The negative connotations surround bankruptcy often come from the creditors who do not want you to realize that this powerful tool was created by the federal government as a means of escaping crippling debt. There is a point where anyone's bills can surpass their ability to pay them, which ultimately means getting caught up in a never ending cycle of growing debt. Not only does this put a drain on the nation's economy, but it prevents someone from maintaining a role as an active player in our consumer-based culture.

Bankruptcy is your chance to hit the financial reset button, stop harassing phone calls from creditors, and begin rebuilding your credit. If you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you probably have questions about how the process works. The following information outlines this relatively simple process, and you can get further information by contacting one of our Seattle bankruptcy attorneys today.

Petitioning the court for bankruptcy - understanding the process

Not only are most people uninformed about filing for bankruptcy in Washington State, many are also grossly unaware of their legal rights relative to their finances. Creditors and debt collectors hate our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers because they know that once you talk to us, you will easily see the benefits of taking the next step. But before you can take the next step, you have to take the first step...

  • Schedule a free consultation with one of our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers. This may sound like the easiest part of the whole process, but taking the first step is often the most difficult. Simply contact our office for a free consultation, and you will quickly discover how bankruptcy is a powerful tool designed to help you. If your creditors are telling you anything different, they are not being honest. Your Washington bankruptcy lawyer will want you to supply them with information about your income, taxes, bills, lawsuits, and foreclosure papers. Your attorney will thoroughly analyze your situation and let you know if bankruptcy makes sense, given your financial situation. Sometimes bankruptcy is not the answer. No matter what, our bankruptcy lawyers in Seattle will give you an honest answer based on fact.
  • Making your decision. If filing for bankruptcy is right for you, and you decide to pursue this action, your lawyer will immediately begin preparing your case. You can start forwarding any harassing calls from debt collectors to our office so that we can let them know you've retained professional legal counsel.
  • Follow-up appointments with your King County bankruptcy attorney. While bankruptcy cases are usually straightforward, there is plenty of paperwork that must be completed. We will prepare all of these legal documents so that you can simply visit our law office, go over the details, and do whatever else is necessary.
  • Signing the papers. Once all of the paperwork is prepared, you simply meet with your bankruptcy lawyer in Seattle to sign. If you're unsure about anything, we will take the time to make sure you are fully aware of every detail.
  • Filing your bankruptcy case. Bankruptcy cases in our district are handled by the US District Court, which is where your attorney will file your case. If creditors are still trying to contact you in any way, they now have to stop entirely. From this point forward, it is illegal for them to send you any bills, call you at home or work, sue you in court, or attempt to garnish your wages. Filing for bankruptcy in Washington State even stops foreclosures, the IRS, and the repossession of your vehicle.
  • Meeting with creditors. Usually about 30 to 45 days after you file for bankruptcy in the State of Washington there will be a Meeting of Creditors. Your Seattle bankruptcy attorney will be at your side during this meeting, and ensure that you are fully prepared for whatever questions they may ask.
  • Discharging your debt. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, debt is usually discharged about three months after your Meeting with Creditors. Throughout this period, you are fully protected by the court. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, the trustee will tell you what needs to be done to have your consolidated debt payment plan finalized. As long as you make your monthly payments throughout the three to five year plan, your remaining debt will subsequently be discharged.
  • When everything is done. If you have any trouble with creditors, our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers will fight back on your behalf by sending them letters or documents that will make them leave you alone.
Why choose our Washington State bankruptcy legal team to help you with debt relief?

We take bankruptcy cases very seriously, because we've seen firsthand how the devious and unscrupulous practices of debt collection agencies can damage a person's finances and send their stress through the roof. We fight against these uncaring corporate practices because we understand that bankruptcy laws exist to help people with financial problems, and should never be misrepresented in an effort to make someone feel like a failure in life.

Bankruptcy is also surprisingly affordable, and our lawyers offer flat fee rates so that you never have to worry about extra costs as the process unfolds. Depending on your situation, we may even be able to set up a payment plan.

Our law office has handled hundreds of bankruptcy cases. We are proud that we've been able to help so many people put an end to harassment from creditors and get a fresh start with their finances. Most people contact our legal team when their financial situation is at its worst, but you don't have to wait until you've hit rock bottom.

Contact our office for a free consultation with a Seattle bankruptcy lawyer who will fight to provide you with the maximum financial relief allowed by law.

Seattle is a thriving metropolis in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly three quarters of a million residents. Located in King County, which includes the cities of Shoreline, Burien, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, and Des Moines, just to name a few, Seattle is home to a number of major companies and professional sports teams.

If you're interested in more information about the great City of Seattle, visit their homepage and learn more about the local government. If you live in Seattle, your bankruptcy case will be filed at the United State District Court for the Western District of Washington, which is in downtown Seattle. Your Meeting of Creditors will be held at the Seattle U.S District Courthouse.

We love Seattle and the people who call it home. Our Seattle bankruptcy lawyers are eager to help you determine the best way to seek lasting debt relief, so contact our office today and take the first step toward financial freedom.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Erin Lane is the best attorney I have met by far! I came to her during a very difficult time in my life. I was needing to file a bankruptcy. She was very kind, non-intimidating, and well-understood. She actually came across like a good friend. To this day I still remember and appreciate her (no-stressing approach) I deem Erin qualified for any position having to do with her knowledge in these types of legal matters! Keith D Wilson
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