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Puyallup Bankruptcy Lawyer

Washington State Bankruptcy Lawyers

Puyallup bankruptcy attorneys handling all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Can you qualify? Get a free case evaluation today! (855) 923-3283.

Puyallup Bankruptcy Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys Providing Debt Relief in Puyallup and throughout all of Pierce County

Call Statewide (855) 923-3283

Puyallup, Washington is one of the largest and finest cities in Pierce County. It has a population of approximately 40,000 hard working people. Puyallup is the largest resident community in Pierce County east of Tacoma.

Unfortunately, many Puyallup residents find themselves with crippling debt that they cannot afford to pay. In many cases, unforeseen health expenses have caused Puyallup residences to get in more debt than they ever imagined they would have. Many Puyallup residents have used federal bankruptcy relief to discharge unmanageable debts to give them a fresh start and so they can continue to support their family without the worry and stress of being garnished or harassed by creditors.

Is Bankruptcy My Best Option?

If you are unable to pay all of your bills and keep a your house, apartment, and/or car loan without sacrificing the quality of life for you and/or your family, filing for bankruptcy is an option you should seriously consider.

In What Situations Do People File For Bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy is common where there has been a job loss or medical problems where you haven’t been able to work for an extended being time. A failed business is another common reason people may file for bankruptcy. And sometimes, poor financial management can cause someone to file for bankruptcy.

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is commonly known as a “straight” bankruptcy, because it typically discharges (wipes out) all of the debtor’s unsecured debt.

What is Unsecured Debt?

Unsecured debt is debt without any collateral. A debt from a medical bill and credit card is probably the most common types of unsecured debts. Any civil lawsuits connected to these types of debt remains an unsecured debt. Residual debt from car repossessions and home foreclosures is also unsecured debt. Advanced pay loans and debts from apartment evictions are also unsecured debts that can be discharged through bankruptcy.

What kind of unsecured debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

Recent income taxes cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Student loans also cannot be discharged in bankruptcy unless the debtor can prove “undue hardship” which is very difficult to do in most cases. Our experienced Puyallup Bankruptcy Lawyers can explain when tax debts and student loans debts can be discharged.

What is a Secured Debt?

A secured debt is a debt with collateral attached to it. The most common secured debts are mortgages and car loans. You most list secured debts in a bankruptcy petition, but can usually keep your house and cars so long as you continue to pay on these loans.

Do I Have to Go To Court If I File for Bankruptcy?

Yes, you will have to attend at least, and usually no more than, one brief hearing called the Meeting of the Creditors. If you reside in Puyallup or anywhere in Pierce County, your hearing will be at the federal courthouse in downtown Tacoma. Your attorney will appear with you at this hearing. It is usually a very short hearing in front of a bankruptcy trustee (not a judge). It is not stressful hearing so long as you are honest about the information you disclosed in your bankruptcy petition.

When Do Creditors Stop Harassing Me?

Once you file your bankruptcy petition, an “automatic stay” is imposed against all of your creditors and they can now longer contact you. In most cases, they can only contact your attorney so long as your bankruptcy case remains open.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is typically for higher income individuals who have too much disposable monthly income to qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. A “Means Test” is applied in all consumer bankruptcy cases to determine whether the bankruptcy filer qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or must file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filers must pay at least a portion of their debt, though typically under lower and manageable payments they can afford. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy typically lasts for between 36 to 60 months and a discharge of the remaining debt, if any, occurs at the end of that period. By contrast, a Chapter 7

Bankruptcy typically lasts no more than 4 months and none of the unsecured debt is repaid; it is all discharged and the bankruptcy filer gets an immediate fresh start.

A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can also be used to lower or restructure a car loan, catch up on mortgage payments, and in some cases, strip and eventually discharge a second mortgage.

Call our Pierce County bankruptcy and debt relief law offices to schedule a free consultation and financial evaluation with on of our experienced bankruptcy attorneys.

Call Toll-Free Statewide at (855) 923-3283 and start the path toward a fresh financial start!

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Erin Lane is the best attorney I have met by far! I came to her during a very difficult time in my life. I was needing to file a bankruptcy. She was very kind, non-intimidating, and well-understood. She actually came across like a good friend. To this day I still remember and appreciate her (no-stressing approach) I deem Erin qualified for any position having to do with her knowledge in these types of legal matters! Keith D Wilson