Filing for Bankruptcy in Washington State
The bankruptcy process in Washington State can be complicated. Our lawyers can help.
Connect with us for your FREE case evaluation.
Want to understand more about the process of filing for bankruptcy in Washington State? Allow us to assist you with your FREE case evaluation by calling today.
(206) 686-6399
Questions? Send us an email.
Seattle bankruptcy lawyer, Erin M. Lane and her team will help you navigate the bankruptcy process.
The bankruptcy process can be difficult to navigate on your own. It is important to consult with experienced Washington bankruptcy lawyers; lawyers who will keep you on track and answer your questions. Our affordable Seattle bankruptcy lawyers will carefully explain the entire process, from information gathering, to filing, to discharge.
While our team is here to answer any of your questions, here is a general outline of the process:
- Initial consultation with the lawyers from our firm: When first meeting with our lawyers, you should bring your last 6 months of pay stubs, most recent bank statements, any documentation, of retirement distributions (over the past 6 months), and your last 2 years of tax returns.
- Preparation of the bankruptcy petition: Your petition should be prepared including all assets, debts, property and other financial information included within your petition and schedules.
- Pre-filing credit counseling: This credit counseling course must be completed before your petition is filed. It can be done online within apx 2 hours.
- Filing your bankruptcy petition: After the petition is signed, it is electronically filed with the court.
- The automatic stay: As soon as your petition is filed, a “stay” is implemented against your creditors which prevents all creditors from contacting the filer. Our lawyers can aid with enforcing this.
- The meeting of the creditors: Approximately 35 days after your bankruptcy is filed, the filers will have to attend a meeting of the creditors where creditors can question him or her. The assigned trustee will also ask the filers some basic financial questions to determine if all of the filer’s assets are protected. With over 90% of cases, creditors do not appear at this hearing.
- Chapter 13 plan confirmation: With Chapter 13 cases, your Chapter 13 plan is confirmed at a confirmation hearing.
- Post-filing credit counseling course: a second creditor counseling course must be completed within 45 days of the meeting on the creditors. This course can also be done online.
- Debt discharge:
a. Chapter 7 cases: So long as there are no issues with your case, about 60-90 days after the meeting of the creditors, all of your qualifying unsecured debts will be discharged and your case will successfully close.
- b. Chapter 13 cases: At the conclusion of your Chapter 13 plan, usually between 36-60 months, all of your qualifying unsecured debts will be discharged and your case will successfully close.
Call our Washington bankruptcy lawyers today.
Deciding on whether to file for bankruptcy in Washington State is a major decision that can impact your future. Please allow us to assist you with any additional questions you may have regarding the process. Call to today for your FREE initial case evaluation:
(206) 686-6399
