Bankruptcy Law :

Washington State and US Bankruptcy Lawyer

Your search indicates that you may have an interest in, or a need for, an attorney practicing Bankruptcy Law which is a legal process provided by federal law that gives those who are experiencing financial difficulties an opportunity for a fresh start.

In today's legal environment, matching one’s needs with the correct law firm is crucial to the successful resolution of legal issues. The law is dynamic and in a constant state of flux due to the often changing interpretation of the law by the courts. The law is always subject to change by the legislature as was the case with bankruptcy law which went through significant changes due to new legislation that went into effect on October 17, 2005.

Bankruptcy Law - I represent individuals, married couples and small businesses in every facet of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy including pre-bankruptcy settings, consumer and creditor rights in the bankruptcy process, debt consolidation in the bankruptcy context, collection defense, consumer credit, foreclosure defense, garnishment defense, forfeiture defense, loan workouts, repossession defenses, asset protection strategies, bankruptcy litigation and more.

Bankruptcy chapter 7 - $895 + court filing fee

What does the $895 cover?

If you live in Whatcom or Skagit County, it is flat fee that covers the preparation of all the Chapter 7 bankruptcy court documents.

How much is the court filing fee?

The court filing fee is about $299.

When are these amounts due?

The documents will be ready for your signature after the $695 is received. The signed documents will be filed with the court after the $299 filing fee is received. You may pay any amounts over any period of time that you like. But the sooner the full amount is received, the sooner your bankruptcy case will be filed.

What if I have flied bankruptcy before?

If you have received a Chapter 7 discharge within the last eight years, then you are not eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy at this time. If it has been eight years or more, then you are now eligible.

What if the total of all my debts is less than $10,000?

Then you should keep looking for some financial solution other than bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is intended to be last resort for those who have accumulated a large amount of debt.

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankrutpcy?

In a Chapter 7 all of your eligible debts are cleared. In a Chapter 13 you make monthly payments through the court to pay back part of your debts. Chapter 13 is chosen less often than Chapter 7 and is usually done only by those who are not eligible for a Chapter 7.

Are there income restrictions to be able to file Chapter 7?

Yes. If your income is less than the median income for families of your size in Washington state, then you are eligible. Mr. Hogan will talk to you about what those median income amounts are. If your income is above the state median, then your eligibility depends on a more complicated formula that you should discuss with an attorney.

Which debts would be cleared by the Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In general, you can discharge all your debts except the following: student loans, child support, spousal maintenance or alimony, most taxes, personal injuries caused by drunk driving, court fines, criminal sentences and restitution, any debt obtained by fraud, and any account on which $500 or more was charged during the last 90 days.