Residents of Lynnwood and the rest of Snohomish County are now facing a future that involves rising costs. Going forward, this will have a major impact on personal finances, as 14% of Washington State residents are already in delinquent debt. There are no indications this will stop quickly either, as the entire country and nearby nations enter a period of major economic uncertainty. This can mean some Lynnwood residents unexpectedly find themselves in the middle of a financial crisis due to circumstances beyond their control.
When these new challenges happen, it’s natural for people to be unfamiliar with how to solve them and seek out debt relief. Our financial lawyers in Lynnwood are here to help during these difficult times. We’ve assisted residents all over Washington State for over 30 years, helping them come to terms with their debt and overcome it. Our bankruptcy attorneys in Lynnwood can provide both legal and financial guidance so people can recover.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that bankruptcy or debt relief lawyers will only help the wealthier people of Lynnwood. Our team provides free consultations to everyone, evaluating debt circumstances and recommending the best response to deal with it. We possess the knowledge, experience, and empathy, and we are committed to helping people regain financial stability.
What Are My Debt Relief Options?Every person is unique, so it follows that the financial problems they have will be, too. It doesn’t matter what economic class you’re in; everyone is vulnerable to finding themselves in a debt crisis. Our Snohomish County debt attorneys discuss your situation, assess it, and explore the possible ways to deal with it, like:
Our bankruptcy attorneys have the knowledge and experience to analyze your problem, address it, and implement a plan that solves it.
Is Bankruptcy In Washington State Right For You?While most people have heard the word “bankruptcy” used, not everyone knows how to file for it. People must qualify for bankruptcy filing, which has financial and legal requirements at the state and federal levels.
The two most common types of bankruptcy for people require:
Lynnwood Chapter 7 Bankruptcy RequirementsBankruptcy is a form of financial protection that discharges some or all of the debt a person faces. If your debt can no longer be managed, sometimes the only way out is to “reset” everything and start over. Filing for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a way to do this but with consequences.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is also sometimes thought of as “liquidation bankruptcy” because some view it as taking a “scorched earth” approach to discharge unsecured debt, which are loans with no collateral.
The liquidation process can be extremely aggressive; however, Washington State law has legal measures to offset this. Some exemptions, for example, can be made for critical belongings, such as a home, car, or other important assets. Our Snohomish County bankruptcy attorneys can review requirements with you and run a means test to see if you are eligible for a Chapter 7 filing.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Could Be Your Solution If
Some who are struggling with debt have retained a job with a fixed monthly salary or have access to some other recurring form of income. People in this situation may choose to file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, which is a different, albeit slower, alternative. This is sometimes called the “wager earner’s plan,” as it requires a monthly income but offers more flexibility in exchange.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from Chapter 7 because it doesn’t liquidate assets. This method structures a payment plan, normally with a duration between 3-5 years. This isn’t meant to discharge debt the way a Chapter 7 filing would, but it provides time for people to reduce their debt to manageable levels. Like the Chapter 7 filing, this can stop other financial actions, like foreclosure or repossession, taken against you. Our Snohomish County bankruptcy attorneys can evaluate your situation to see if you meet Chapter 13 bankruptcy requirements under Washington State law.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy May Be Right For You If:
Washington State and the rest of the country are now experiencing a period of enormous economic instability. Whether you’re just a young group of friends looking to sample craft beer at Peace of Mind Brewing or a couple in their twilight years enjoying life at Lynnwood Senior Center, everyone is potentially vulnerable to a financial crisis brought on by this new period of disruptive economic uncertainty.
However, that doesn’t mean the only thing to do is panic. Snohomish County can still offer new opportunities for residents, whether you live in Lynnwood itself or Sultan. People can retrain themselves with new skills at Everett Community College or improve their financial management skills with coaching from Workforce Snohomish.
It’s important to remain calm when facing a problem and use your time to review the situation and create a plan. Think about the options available in Washington State. Take stock of your priorities and goals in the Pacific Northwest and see where they fall in relation to current circumstances. And never forget that the struggle to overcome debts is not something you have to do alone. Our Lynnwood financial attorneys are here to help and are ready to explain anything you might be wondering about.
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Lynnwood Bankruptcy LawyersOur bankruptcy attorneys have helped people throughout Washington State for over 30 years. In that time, they’ve answered many questions, some of the most common being:
A: A bankruptcy filing causes an automatic stay. This prevents other financial proceedings, giving you more time to manage your issue.
A: What happens depends on your bankruptcy filing. A Chapter 13 filing may protect a car if it’s included in your payment plan. A Chapter 7 filing may require the sale of the vehicle, with the proceeds used for debt repayment.
A: It might. Some older tax debts may be discharged through a bankruptcy filing, but this depends on the type of tax debt you have and your circumstances with the IRS.
A: There are different consequences for a co-signer depending on the filing. A co-signer may be protected by a payment plan under a Chapter 13 filing. However, a co-signer may be liable for debt under a Chapter 7 filing.
A: Bankruptcy filings in Snohomish County result in an automatic stay, which pauses other financial procedures while the case is being evaluated.
A: You must collect the required financial documents, attend and pass a state-approved credit counseling course, and file the bankruptcy petition with the court.
A: No, but there is a period of a few years before you can file again. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed every eight years, whereas a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be filed every two years.
A: Payday loans are classed as unsecured debts, so Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy filings can discharge them.
A: This is also a type of unsecured debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge it, and Chapter 13 filings may work them into a payment plan.
A: Your credit rating will need to be rebuilt. It’s advisable to monitor your spending and take advantage of alternative payment methods, like a secured credit card.
Lynnwood residents are far from unique in their struggles with repaying credit card debt. America, in general, is experiencing increasing debt, including credit cards. The turbulent financial period we’re in won’t make this easier. Economic factors like inflation, rising interest rates, and fee hikes can easily spike credit card debt to unmanageable levels. However, legal strategies exist to help people get control back. Our Lynnwood bankruptcy attorneys can help you navigate these challenges.
They’re also available to help when others interfere with your debt situation. Third parties, like debt collection agencies, may be hired by creditors to recover unpaid debts. Collection agents, although their tactics may be unethical, sometimes use aggressive or even threatening methods, but they’re not permitted to do so. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects your rights, even when you carry debt. Some Washington State statutes of limitations may also render older debts unenforceable. Lynnwood bankruptcy lawyers can provide you with protection, enabling you to better manage your debt.
Snohomish County Foreclosure Attorneys Keep Your Home In Your HandsFor most Lynnwood residents, one of the most significant and important investments in their lives is their own home. That’s why it’s no surprise one of their greatest nightmares is having that home taken by someone else. The sad reality, however, is that foreclosures do exactly this and are completely legal. But Snohomish County foreclosure lawyers can challenge this.
Legal responses, such as filing for bankruptcy or requesting loan modifications, can delay foreclosures and save your home. Washington State also has laws in place that define the specific procedures lenders must follow when foreclosing. Our team of Lynnwood financial attorneys can protect both your rights and your home.
Getting Rid Of Medical Debts In LynnwoodWhile the USA hosts the most advanced medicine in the world, the cost of those treatments can be exorbitant. For those without good health insurance coverage from an employer, these costs can rapidly escalate into huge medical debt. It only takes one serious accident, surgery, or a diagnosis of a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment to devastate personal finances.
There may even be situations when facilities like Providence Regional Medical Center or Evergreen Health Monroe may hire collection agencies to recover what is owed. Such actions have a big negative impact on your credit rating. If you’re facing medical debt, our Lynnwood financial lawyers can help with things like:
Banks aren’t the only places that offer loans. Businesses like MoneyTree offer “Payday Loans” marketed as “advances” on paychecks. These seem convenient, with no credit checks and fast approval, but they’re tethered to higher interest rates and a legion of fees that rapidly start a debt cycle. Should the cycle continue, increasing expenses can quickly eclipse the original loan amount, resulting in severe debt. Some debt cycles last years as paychecks go straight into new loans, additional fees, and overdraft fees that ruin finances. Snohomish County bankruptcy lawyers can break the cycle and let people take back control.
Lynnwood Bankruptcy Lawyers Can Block Vehicle RepossessionsIf you have a car loan and miss too many payments, your vehicle is at risk of being taken back. It’s possible to halt this process even after repossession actions have begun. Lynnwood bankruptcy attorneys have legal countermeasures to retain a car, even after a repossession. If you’ve been notified a repossession is imminent, or it's already happened, our team of Lynnwood financial lawyers can fight it.
Shut Down Creditor HarassmentIt’s understandable and legal for creditors who are owed money to want to collect what they’re owed. Unfortunately, sometimes, they resort to illegal tactics against debtors. Collection agencies or individual agents may rely on the ignorance of debtors, who mistakenly assume if an agent or agency is treating them in a particular way, it must be legal for them to act that way. In truth, even in a debt situation, you have rights that can’t be violated. Talk to a Lynnwood debt lawyer immediately if any of this has happened to you:
Lynnwood bankruptcy lawyers can issue cease-and-desist letters, initiate lawsuits for damages, and make other legal responses to end illegal harassment.
Challenging Lawsuits & Debt Collection In Snohomish CountySometimes, creditors resort to more drastic measures, such as filing a lawsuit to recover the money owed. This is one of the rare instances where you shouldn’t seek the services of a traditional litigation attorney. The more effective choice is to consult an experienced financial law or bankruptcy lawyer. Our teams in Snohomish County can assist in:
If a financial crisis has created debt problems for you, we can help. Lynnwood bankruptcy attorneys in Snohomish County have the experience, expertise, and empathy to help you overcome your debt. Contact us today.
Wondering if you can qualify for bankruptcy protection and relief in Washington State? We can help you determine if you qualify.Experienced and affordable bankruptcy attorneys serving Lynnwood, Washington.
Our Washington State bankruptcy attorneys serve clients throughout Lynnwood and Snohomish County. We handle all Lynnwood Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.
(855) 923-3283. Call now for a free consultation.
Is filing for bankruptcy the right option for you?Ultimately, the decision whether or not to file for bankruptcy is a personal one. We can only advise you with regards to whether or not you can qualify, as well as discuss what other non-bankruptcy options are available to you. Our primary goal is to help you understand your legal rights. If your finances show that you can qualify, it is often your best option.
If you are financially struggling, you are probably having trouble just meeting your basic housing and other necessity expenses. Part of our analysis involves examining exactly how much you are paying each month towards unsecured debts that will most likely be fully wiped out or "discharged" in your bankruptcy. We use this information also help us analyze your monthly cash flow and monthly expenses.
Our job is to help you understand your options. And again, the ultimate decision about whether to file is yours. For many of our clients, bankruptcy frees up needed cash flow every month. This is typically because you are no longer paying on the unsecured debts that will be discharged in your bankruptcy. If you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, these debts will almost always be wiped out entirely.
These kinds of debts typically involve the following:
If you need to pursue a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may be required to pay back a certain portion of these unsecured debts. How much you pay back often requires a comprehensive financial analysis. This can be complicated. We will help you determine whether or not you are eligible for bankruptcy protection.
Also, if you are currently or believe that you might be subject to a wage garnishment action, we can stop it if you qualify to file. If you believe that a wage garnishment is imminent, it's important to try and contact our offices before it takes effect.
Our Lynnwood bankruptcy attorneys handle all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. We provide clients with a free case evaluation to help them determine whether or not their finances enable them to qualify. If you have questions about your own qualification, we encourage you to call us for a free consult.
At a minimum you will understand how the bankruptcy laws would apply to your particular situation and unique set of circumstances. Many people are confused about whether or not they can qualify. We will enable you to make an informed decision about your debt relief options.
Toll Free Statewide: (855) 923-3283.
Call now for answers.
The issue of retirement can be complicated when it comes to bankruptcy. In many situations we are able to protect retirement accounts. But, it's simply impossible to undertake this analysis by providing instruction and information on a website.
One critical factor is the type of retirement account in which your funds are held. One of the most questions is whether or not your pension or retirement plan are ERISA qualified. The good news is that most plans are ERISA qualified plans. This government site provides some useful information about Pension Plans and ERISA.
Can I qualify for bankruptcy in Lynnwood, WA?Times have been difficult for a number of years now. And, we know that many of our friends and neighbors in both the City of Lynnwood and throughout Snohomish County are hurting financially. Many hard working people have lost their jobs and experienced severe economic hardship that has caused them to struggle and fall behind on making payments to their creditors.
Thank you for visiting our debt relief website. We are Washington State bankruptcy attorneys. We serve clients throughout the greater Puget Sound Region. Our Snohomish County offices are located in downtown Everett. We are located approximately two blocks from the Snohomish County Courthouse.
If you need to contact this court, this link will assist you.
Contact Snohomish County Superior Court
Your bankruptcy case, however, will not be heard at this location. Many clients ask where their 341 bankruptcy hearing will be held. This link takes you to the a site that breaks down the local address of the 341Hearing by county. This site provides information for the United States Western District of Washington Bankruptcy Court.
Where is the Section 341 meeting of creditors held?
Toll Free Statewide: (855) 923-3283.
Call now for answers.
If you are able to qualify financially, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is usually your best option. It's relatively quick. Once we receive all of the information and documents from you, it usually takes less than four months. The other benefit of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that in enables you to discharge 100% of your qualifying unsecured debt. In many cases you also retain all of your property, which is "exempted" and passes through the bankruptcy.
Again, some examples of these kinds of unsecured debt are credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, car repossession deficiencies, lawsuits where the underlying debts are unsecured debts such as breach of contracts, stops garnishments, and old landlord debts for unpaid rent.
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy should lawfully discharge all of this debt and give you a fresh financial start.
Need to stop a home foreclosure sale or auction? Chapter 13 bankruptcy.There are many reasons for a person to need to file a Chapter 13 plan instead pursuing a Chapter 7 discharge. There are far too many reasons to try and fully detail here. But, here are a few.
If your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy you may simply be required to file a Chapter 13 Plan to pay a portion of their debts back under a payment schedule they can afford.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can also stop foreclosure sales, repay your mortgage, stop car repossessions and restructure your car loan. In certain cases, we might also be able to strip your second mortgage. But, this requires a complicated analysis, including determining what your house in honestly worth.
We will review your entire financial situation and help determine if filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is your best financial option.
Call now for a free legal consultation.
Toll Free Statewide: (855) 923-3283.
Call now for answers.