Bankruptcy is a powerful way to legally discharge your debts, so Washington state has made sure that only people who truly need debt relief can get into bankruptcy. If you are looking for bankruptcy protection, you will need to meet specific legal requirements. This is where our Pasco attorneys come in. As experts in Washington bankruptcy laws, we'll review your financial situation and help you determine if you qualify for bankruptcy.
Are you wondering if bankruptcy is the best choice for your financial situation? Are you ready to explore all your legal debt relief options in Franklin County to find the right one for you? Call our Pasco bankruptcy lawyers now. We'll schedule a free case review, answer all of your questions, help you determine if you qualify, and arm you with the knowledge to make the right decision for your financial goals.
Our bankruptcy attorneys have been fighting for our neighbors across Washington for over 30 years. We're in Pasco, ready to help you get debt relief so you can get back to enjoying what makes the city the perfect place to live. From enjoying the lush greenery and scenic trails at Chiawana Park to soaking up the vibrant culture at the annual Fiery Foods Festival downtown, Pasco has something for everyone. We love the friendly atmosphere of the Pasco Farmers Market, the rich history at the Franklin County Historical Museum, and the family-friendly fun at local events like Grand Old 4th. Pasco is more than where our law offices reside––it's a place we're passionate about protecting, one family at a time.
Who Qualifies For Bankruptcy In Franklin County?Bankruptcy helps you when your debt feels impossible to manage. It is not about losing everything––it is about protecting what matters most while clearing out debts you can't pay. While bankruptcy operates under federal law, specifically the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Washington state's laws provide exemptions that let you keep essentials like your home, car, and personal belongings. Here's who qualifies for bankruptcy in Pasco:
Washington State Qualifications For Chapter 7 BankruptcyChapter 7 is for individuals with limited or low incomes who cannot pay back their debts. To qualify:
Chapter 7 is best for eliminating unsecured debts like:
Chapter 13 is for those who earn enough income to reorganize their debts into a repayment plan. To qualify:
Chapter 13 is ideal if you're:
No matter your financial situation, our team of experienced Pasco bankruptcy attorneys will help you figure out whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another legal debt relief solution is right for you.
What Is Washington State Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington state is also known as "liquidation bankruptcy" because it may involve selling non-exempt assets to repay creditors. However, most people who file can keep their essential belongings thanks to Washington's generous property exemptions, such as the homestead exemption, which protects up to $125,000 of equity in your home. Chapter 7 cancels unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, giving you a clean slate in as little as 3 to 6 months.
When you file for Chapter 7 in Franklin County, a court-appointed trustee reviews your case to make sure the paperwork is in order, and all parties follow proper legal procedure. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys will work with your trustee to protect your property and get you out of debt for good.
What Is Washington State Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Washington state allows people earning a steady income to reorganize their debts into a manageable repayment plan. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 doesn't involve selling your assets. Instead, you work with the court to create a 3–5-year plan to pay back some or all of your debts based on what you can afford. Because filing for Chapter 13 requires detailed financial planning and strict adherence to the court's rules, our Pasco bankruptcy attorneys are here to handle the hard work for you. From preparing your petition and negotiating with creditors to attending court hearings, we'll be by your side every step of the way. Chapter 13 is a great option if you earn too high of an income to qualify for Chapter 7 or have assets you want to protect.
How Do I File For Bankruptcy In Franklin County?Filing for bankruptcy in Franklin County can feel overwhelming, but our attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. We'll handle all the complex legal details and make sure you understand the process. Here's a step-by-step on how to file for bankruptcy in Franklin County, Washington state:
Step 1: Speak To A Bankruptcy AttorneyThe first step in filing for bankruptcy is meeting an experienced Pasco bankruptcy attorney who will help you determine which bankruptcy chapter is right for you. Our Pasco bankruptcy attorneys will assess your financial situation, explain your options, and walk you through the entire process. A consultation is the best way to get clarity on your specific circumstances and how Washington's laws apply to your case.
Step 2: Complete Washington State-Approved Credit CounselingBefore you can officially file for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course, a requirement under federal law. You'll find a list of approved providers on the U.S. Department of Justice website, or you can ask your attorney for recommendations. The course typically costs $25-$50 and can be done online or over the phone. Once you complete the course, you'll receive a certificate you must include with your bankruptcy petition.
Step 3: Gather Required DocumentsYou'll need to provide several important documents for your bankruptcy filing, including:
These documents help your attorney prepare your bankruptcy petition and ensure that everything is accurate and complete.
Step 4: File the Bankruptcy PetitionOnce your documents are ready, your attorney will file your petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington, which serves Franklin County. Here is the court's address:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington State
920 W. Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Filing fees include:
If you can't afford the fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver or payment plan. Once filed, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to oversee your case.
Step 5: Attend The 341 Meeting Of CreditorsAbout 20-40 days after filing, you'll attend a 341 Meeting of Creditors in Richland, WA, located at:
Richland Federal Building
825 Jadwin Ave, Suite 260
Richland, WA 99352
The 341 Meeting happens with the bankruptcy trustee, and creditors may attend to ask you questions about your finances. Most people don't have creditors show up, but the Franklin County bankruptcy trustee will review your paperwork and ask about your income, expenses, and assets. Your attorney will be with you at this meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Step 6: Complete The Debtor Education CourseBefore the Washington state bankruptcy courts discharge your debts, you must complete a debtor education course, required by federal law. The debtor education course is separate from the credit counseling course and focuses on budgeting and financial management. Like the credit counseling course, it's available online, costs around $25-$50, and must be completed before your case is closed.
If all goes well, your bankruptcy case will conclude with a discharge order, typically within 3-6 months. A discharge order eliminates most of your debts and gives you a fresh start. In Chapter 7, the court wipes out your debts, including credit cards and medical bills. In Chapter 13, you complete your repayment plan, and the court discharges any remaining unsecured debts.
Work With Pasco's Bankruptcy AttorneysIf you're in Pasco and need bankruptcy relief, don't delay. Call our bankruptcy attorneys now for a free consultation. We'll help you get debt relief fast.