If you're facing lawsuits, threats of repossession, or collections here in Lynnwood, whether it's from missed payments at local credit unions like BECU, a car loan through a dealership off Highway 99, or unpaid bills piling up after a visit to Swedish Edmonds, you're not alone. These legal actions move fast, but so can we.
Call our Lynnwood bankruptcy attorneys today for a free consultation. We'll walk you through your options, stop pending lawsuits in their tracks, and help you protect what matters most.
What Do I Do If A Creditor Takes Legal Action Against Me?If a creditor files a lawsuit against you, you don't want to ignore it. That summons is a legal deadline, not just a scare tactic. Under RCW 4.28.020, you typically have 20 days to respond in Washington State. If you don't, the creditor can get a default judgment, which opens the door to serious consequences. Here's how that can play out:
If any of this is happening or about to happen to you, don't wait until you're staring down a sheriff's notice or frozen bank account. There are ways to fight back.
What Types Of Legal Debt Relief Are Available In Snohomish County?While there's no one-size-fits-all fix to debt, you have solid legal options. Whether you're living near Alderwood Mall, commuting to City Center, or renting in Martha Lake, your income, assets, and goals all shape the right path forward. Here's how we can help you explore your options right here in Lynnwood:
Our Lynnwood attorneys will help you explore all of these options.
Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Legal Debt ReliefA: Filing for bankruptcy can stop lawsuits by invoking the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362. Once you file your bankruptcy case, all creditor lawsuits, judgments, and collection actions stop. Washington State law also allows you to challenge judgments through motions to vacate if the judgment was unfair. RCW 4.64.030 allows you to vacate a default judgment in certain circumstances, such as when you weren't properly served notice of the lawsuit.
A: Yes, filing for bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 362 can immediately stop a bank levy in Washington State. The automatic stay prohibits creditors from seizing funds from your bank account. If your bank account already has a levy, the courts will generally reverse it once you file for bankruptcy. Washington State law also provides certain exemptions for your bank account under RCW 6.15, which could allow you to protect some of the funds from being seized in a levy.
A: Yes, you can stop a repossession outside of bankruptcy, especially if you negotiate directly with the lender. Washington State law, particularly RCW 61.24, provides certain homeowner protections in foreclosure cases. However, for vehicle repossessions, working out a payment plan or getting caught up on missed payments may prevent repossession without the need for bankruptcy. If you cannot agree, filing for bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 362 will give you immediate protection.
A: Yes, you can stop foreclosure proceedings in Washington State through legal debt relief options like filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 lets you reorganize your debt and create a payment plan that works for you. As soon as you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect, which halts foreclosure, repossession, and most collection actions, giving you time to catch up on missed mortgage payments. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate directly with your lender for a loan modification or forbearance to stop foreclosure.
A: Yes, legal debt relief, particularly through bankruptcy, can stop wage garnishment. Once you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay prevents creditors from garnishing your wages. If your wages are already being garnished, the bankruptcy filing will immediately put a halt to that. Additionally, you may be able to negotiate a repayment plan or settlement, which could stop garnishment before filing for bankruptcy, if you're dealing with a judgment from a creditor.
Whether you're riding the Swift Blue Line, shopping at Alderwood Mall, or walking near Scriber Lake Park, you shouldn't have to deal with creditor harassment or lawsuits alone. Call us today for a free consultation with our team in Lynnwood.