how to choose the right bankruptcy attorney washington

by Keenan Gaylord 8 min read

Choose a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy rather than some other area of the law. Make sure that the person you choose has experience and expertise in the specific type of bankruptcy that you plan to file, such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Find out how many cases the lawyer has handled and how complicated they were.

Full Answer

Should I choose the cheapest bankruptcy lawyer in town?

253-945-6062 - Do you know how to choose the right bankruptcy attorney for your situation? Learn how and get a free consult by calling Richard Granvold. ... No matter where you live in Western Washington there are only 2 bankruptcy courts in to file: Seattle and Tacoma. Richard D. Granvold has discussed many cases with many persons filing now ...

Can I file for bankruptcy in Washington State?

Aug 29, 2016 · Read our post on how to choose the right bankruptcy lawyer and for suggestions on how to conduct proper research to check up on your bankruptcy attorney. Georgia's largest bankruptcy filer | 770 488 9302. Toggle navigation. Firm Overview. Attorney Profiles; Services.

Are there any lawyers who do nothing other than bankruptcy work?

A bankruptcy attorney can help you manage personal or business debts you are unable to pay. Bankruptcy laws allow people and businesses to (1) get a “fresh start” by relieving most debts; and (2) repay the money owed to all creditors as fairly as possible. When you file for bankruptcy protection, all other legal actions against you are put ...

Do I need a lawyer to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Find the right Bankruptcy lawyer in Washington. Simply describe your case and you will be matched to the top Washington Bankruptcy attorneys near you.

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How much is a bankruptcy lawyer in WA?

Bankruptcy attorneys in Washington cost between $1,100 – $1,200. Written by Upsolve Team. The price of a personal bankruptcy attorney in Washington is around $1,150.00 (Low: $1,100.00. High: $1,200.00).

Why should I hire a bankruptcy lawyer?

A bankruptcy attorney can help you size up your financial circumstances, including the types and amounts of the debts that are overwhelming you, and advise you about whether it's wise to pursue bankruptcy at all.Jun 22, 2021

How do I claim bankruptcy in WA?

  1. Collect Your Washington Bankruptcy Documents. ...
  2. Take a Credit Counseling Course. ...
  3. Complete the Bankruptcy Forms. ...
  4. Get Your Filing Fee. ...
  5. Print Your Bankruptcy Forms. ...
  6. File Your Forms With the Washington Bankruptcy Court. ...
  7. Mail Documents to Your Trustee. ...
  8. Take a Debtor Education Course.
Feb 15, 2022

How much money does a lawyer make in South Africa?

Here's how much money lawyers earn in South Africa
Private Practice2022 annual salary range
AssociateR650 000 – R850 000
Newly QualifiedR580 000 – R650 000
PartnerR1 400 000 – R2 200 000
Senior AssociateR850 000 – R1 400 000
1 more row
Jan 6, 2022

How long does bankruptcy take in Washington?

between 4 - 6 months
Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases take between 4 - 6 months to complete after filing the case with the court. The order erasing eligible debts can be granted as early as 90 days from the date the case was filed. No-asset cases are typically closed a couple of weeks after the discharge date.Mar 21, 2022

How much does a Chapter 7 cost in Washington state?

Filing Fees
NEW CASE FILING FEES
CHAPTERS
Chapter 7338.00
Chapter 9 (municipality)1,738.00
Chapter 11 (reorganization, liquidation or involuntary)1,738.00
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What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

With Chapter 7, those types of debts are wiped out with your filing's court approval, which can take a few months. Under Chapter 13, you need to continue making payments on those balances throughout your court-instructed repayment plan; afterwards, the unsecured debts may be discharged.Apr 7, 2021

How does bankruptcy work in Washington State?

The bankruptcy process falls under federal law, not Washington state law, and it works by unwinding the contracts between you and your creditors —that's what gives you a fresh start.

How to file for bankruptcy?

Most people find it worthwhile to get counsel. A bankruptcy attorney will help you: 1 qualify for the chapter of your choice 2 determine when it's time to file 3 help you keep the property you want 4 make sure you don't run afoul of fraud or other issues, and 5 explain when you can stop paying the bills you'll erase in your case.

How long does it take for creditors to stop bothering you after filing bankruptcy?

After Filing for Bankruptcy in Washington State. Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them. Here's what will happen next:

What meeting of creditors do you have to attend?

You'll attend the 341 meeting of creditors —the one appearance all filers must attend.

How many credit counseling courses are required for a debt forgiveness?

Individual filers must take two financial courses—one before filing and another before receiving a discharge (debt forgiveness). Approved providers are listed under "Credit Counseling & Debtor Education" on the U.S. Trustee's website (be sure to scroll down to your district).

What is the most important part of deciding on a chapter?

An important part of deciding the best chapter for you is determining whether you'll lose any property. Don't worry—you won't lose everything. In fact, you might not lose anything at all.

What chapter do you file in the book?

Most people file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. If you don't know the differences between the two, you're not alone. The short explanation below and our handy Chapter 7 versus 13 chart will help clear things up.

Considering Filing for Bankruptcy?

Whether you’re considering a personal or business bankruptcy, the government offers various different programs to help you overcome money problems. Most Americans choose one of the following bankruptcy procedures:

Is Bankruptcy Right for Me?

Bankruptcy is one debt relief option among many. Before you decide how to proceed, it’s important to understand the immediate effects of seeking bankruptcy protection. Once your filing is accepted, the court prohibits creditors from taking collection actions against you.

The Importance of a Bankruptcy Lawyer

A qualified bankruptcy attorney takes the time to understand your particular debt challenges and goals. Whether you’re focused on keeping your home, eliminating your debts or saving your business, your lawyer will explain which bankruptcy chapter or alternative debt relief method best suits your needs.

What is Bankruptcy Law in Washington?

Bankruptcy law refers to a set of laws that helps individuals pay creditors. Each case is different, and in each case, an individual has to undergo the process of filing a petition with the court after which a legal proceeding takes place to determine which type of bankruptcy should be used and how the debt will be handled.

What is the Purpose of Bankruptcy Law?

The purpose of bankruptcy is to help eliminate your legal obligation to repay some or all of your debt. When you are released from your legal obligation to repay debt, it is referred to as a discharge.

Limits to Washington bankruptcy laws

There are some limits to state bankruptcy laws. It's not a cure for every issue you have. For example, while bankruptcy can stop a foreclosure on your house, it doesn't stop you from having to repay your mortgage even if you are discharged of your debt.

Types of Bankruptcies in Washington

There are many different types of bankruptcy filings you can file, depending on your situation. Bankruptcy doesn't solve all your problems and it might not be the right solution for your situation, depending on the main cause of your financial struggles.

How to File for Bankruptcy in Washington?

When you file for bankruptcy you can choose to work with an attorney from the very beginning or you can do it on your own. Regardless,you have to fill out a petition for the specific chapter of bankruptcy you are filing for.

Do You Need Bankruptcy Attorneys?

Bankruptcy laws are quite complex. Every year, hundreds of thousands file for Chapter 7 straight bankruptcies or chapter 13 for repayment plans. Approximately 9% of these cases are filed without the help of a bankruptcy lawyer.

1. Specialization

The lawyers should be well-versed in bankruptcy laws within your state. Misfiled forms or missed deadlines could have your case tossed out. Find bankruptcy attorneys that specialize in that area of the law. Check out their website and read through their filing process.

2. Attorney Fees

The legal quotes that you receive from the different law firms that you meet should not be the defining factor. The attorney fees vary on a case to case basis and from one state to the other. The figure may also depend on the complexity of your financial situation. Ask your preferred bankruptcy law firm sets its legal fees.

3. Attorney-Client Relationship

Filing for bankruptcy is a painful process for most people. You may have to be open with them, revealing intricate details about your financial transactions. You need to find a bankruptcy attorney that you feel comfortable sharing this information. You may need to have tough conversations about your case to find a solution for your situation.

4. Referrals

To find a bankruptcy attorney in TN, you can seek referrals from your friends and family. You may also decide to check with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys or the American Bar Association. ABA’s website lists practicing lawyers and firms in the nation while the NACBA’s directory is exclusive for bankruptcy attorneys.

What happens if you file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

If you file bankruptcy without a lawyer and the case is dismissed (thrown out) because you didn't file all necessary documents, your credit report will still show the bankruptcy as having been filed.

What is a free bankruptcy consultation?

These free consultations are your opportunity to learn more about bankruptcy in general, what type of bankruptcy is likely in your best interest given your specific financial situation, and how the bankruptcy process works in general.

What is Upsolve for bankruptcy?

Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card. Explore our free tool

Can you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you have a garnishment?

If debt collectors are calling you constantly, even if a garnishment has already started, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will help you stop all collection efforts immediately. There are plenty of how-to guides available in addition to whatever resources your state’s Bankruptcy Court may offer.

Do bankruptcy lawyers charge fees?

Bankruptcy lawyers know that folks who need help filing bankruptcy don't really have a lot of money to spend on attorney fees. And they know that most can't afford to find the right lawyer by paying a lot of money for an initial meeting with a bunch of lawyers. That's why most consumer bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations for potential new clients.

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