Sometimes, debt is beyond our ability to pay. With costs rising across Franklin County, it’s completely understandable. Although it sounds like a scary prospect, bankruptcy exists to help when debt has become unmanageable, as it allows you to wipe the slate clean and start again. In our 30 years of combined bankruptcy experience in Washington state, we’ve helped our Pasco neighbors across all income levels and all walks of life find relief with bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is where the Franklin County Courts help you liquidate your assets to pay your debts. Not only can it help you get out from under a mountain of debt, but with Chapter 7, you often pay off your debts for less than you owe. If you’d like to learn more about Chapter 7 bankruptcy, our expert Washington state bankruptcy lawyers are standing by. Call our Pasco legal office to schedule your free bankruptcy legal consultation with us now.
When you’re in debt, it’s hard to think about anything else. We’ve helped our Pasco neighbors take control of their finances with Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief, giving them the fresh start they need to get back to enjoying the Tri-Cities. Whether it’s strolling along the Columbia River at Chiawana Park, catching a Dust Devils game at Gesa Stadium, or exploring the rich history at the Franklin County Historical Museum, you deserve to enjoy life in the Atomic Town.
Pasco is full of things to love, from the fresh produce and handmade goods at the Pasco Farmers Market to community events like the annual Fiery Foods Festival and Pasco Taco Crawl. Imagine the relief of being free from the stress of debt hanging over your head and getting back to enjoying life in Pasco.
What Is Washington State Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a lifesaver if you’re feeling buried by debt. This is because it applies to most unsecured debts and can help you find relief fast. In Franklin County, a court-appointed trustee may sell off some non-exempt assets to pay creditors. Still, you can usually keep the essentials like your Pasco home, car, and personal belongings, thanks to Washington state exemptions. Chapter 7 is a straightforward process that could have you back on track in as little as 3 to 6 months.
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy might sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Pasco attorneys know the ins and outs of Washington state bankruptcy law, and we’ll make sure you’re protected every step of the way. Let us help you take control of your finances and get back to enjoying life in the Tri-Cities.
What Are The Income Limits For Filing Chapter 7 In Washington State?Washington state uses the means test to determine the income limits for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test evaluates your income relative to the median income for your household in Washington. If your income is below the median for Washington state, you automatically qualify to file for Chapter 7. However, if your income exceeds the median, you must pass the second part of the means test, which examines your monthly expenses and the amount of disposable income available to pay creditors. If the Washington state means test determines you have enough disposable income, you may not qualify for Chapter 7 and may have to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead.
What Are Washington State’s Property Exemptions During Bankruptcy?Washington state offers several property exemptions that protect certain assets from being sold during Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. These exemptions allow you to keep property like your Pasco home, car, and personal belongings. The specific exemptions you can claim during Chapter 7 bankruptcy depend on the value of your assets. Here are some that your Pasco bankruptcy legal team will file with your Chapter 7 case:
Some property may be subject to special exemptions based on its value or the specific circumstances of your bankruptcy case. Our experienced Pasco bankruptcy attorneys can help you protect as many of your assets as possible under Washington state law.
How To File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In PascoIf it is time for you to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Pasco or any of the Tri-Cities, here is what you will need to do:
Step 1: Meet With A Pasco Bankruptcy AttorneySpeak with our local bankruptcy attorneys in Pasco to determine if Chapter 7 is right for you. Chapter 7 is often ideal for individuals with low income and substantial unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills. Your Pasco attorney will evaluate your eligibility based on the means test and discuss Washington state’s property exemptions.
Step 2: Complete The Credit Counseling CourseBefore filing, you must complete a credit counseling course as required by federal law, which typically costs $25–$50. You can find approved providers through the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate that you must file with your bankruptcy petition.
Step 3: Gather Required DocumentsYour attorney will guide you in collecting the necessary documents, including:
With these documents, your attorney can prepare the official bankruptcy forms, including Schedules A-J and the Statement of Financial Affairs.
Step 4: File The Bankruptcy PetitionYour attorney will file your Chapter 7 petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington, which handles cases for Franklin County. While the bankruptcy court is in Spokane, most communication is electronic, and you may not need to appear there in person. Filing fees are $338, though fee waivers or payment plans are available for qualifying individuals.
Step 5: Attend The 341 Meeting of CreditorsAbout 20–40 days after filing, you’ll attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors, which is held at:
Richland Federal Building
825 Jadwin Ave, Suite 260
Richland, WA 99352.
The bankruptcy trustee will review your case, ask questions about your finances, and verify the accuracy of your petition. If you are nervous about the 341 Meeting, do not worry, as creditors rarely attend.
Step 6: Cooperate with the TrusteeIf you have non-exempt assets, the bankruptcy trustee may sell them to pay your creditors. However, many filers are able to keep all their property thanks to Washington state property exemptions.
Step 7: Complete the Debtor Education CourseAfter filing, you must complete a second course to receive your discharge. The debtor education course focuses on financial management and budgeting. Like the credit counseling course, you can complete it online, and you must file a certificate of completion with the Eastern District of Washington State bankruptcy court.
Step 8: Receive Your Debt DischargeIf everything is in order, the court will issue a discharge order, typically within 3–6 months after filing. The court order eliminates most unsecured debts, such as credit card balances and medical bills.
Once Chapter 7 is complete, the courts wipe away your debt. You will no longer have to pay them back, and you are free to rebuild your financial health.
What Happens During Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In Washington State?Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is nerve-racking, but having a Pasco bankruptcy attorney on your side makes all the difference. From filing your petition to attending the 341 meeting of creditors, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on moving forward. We’ll guide you through the required credit counseling and debtor education courses, help you prepare every document, and make sure there are no surprises along the way. Further, when the court-appointed trustee reviews your assets, our job is to safeguard what matters most. We’ll protect your home, car, and personal belongings with Washington state exemptions. If anything is eligible for liquidation, we’ll fight to make sure only what’s legally required is included and work toward the best financial outcome for you.
Pasco’s Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Law OfficesWe’re ready to help. Call our Pasco Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys for a free consultation and get fast debt relief.