Automatic Stay in Bellevue

Falling behind on bills happens to almost everyone at some point in their life, and it doesn't give someone the right to treat you like a criminal or failure. If you're undergoing significant financial distress, debt collectors are likely making your life a living nightmare. Their unscrupulous actions could cause you embarrassment at work and at home, and could even make you dread the sound of your phone ringing. Take it from our Bellevue bankruptcy lawyers; if you owe money, debt collection agencies are never going to give up, but there is a way to put a stop to the madness.

When you petition the federal court in Washington for bankruptcy, the automatic stay immediately goes into effect. From this point forward, creditors may no longer hassle you in any way without the threat of fine or sanction. You don't have to wait for a judge's final decision regarding your filing, and may even be able to enjoy the benefits of the automatic stay without qualifying for a discharge of your debt.

Every form of debt collection is stopped with the automatic stay. This includes wage garnishments, car repossessions, home foreclosures, medical bills, and credit card debt. Put a stop to the harassing phone calls and fight back against these unscrupulous debt collectors with help from our team of Bellevue bankruptcy lawyers.

• In Washington, the automatic stay stops all attempts to collect a debt, even debt that ultimately can't be discharged
• If a creditor violates the automatic stay, you can be awarded punitive damages and the cost of attorney's fees
• The automatic stay may not cover certain fines and child support
• Automatic stay is a powerful tool that our Bellevue bankruptcy lawyers can help you deploy

Getting caught up in an endless cycle of growing debt is stressful, but if debt collectors are calling you at all hours of the day, it's time to fight back. The law grants you legal rights that protect you from the unnecessary burden of unbridled debt, and from creditors that use unethical tactics in an effort to collect. Our King County bankruptcy lawyers can help you enforce these laws and get them off your back for good.

Contact one of our Bellevue lawyers and find out if you can petition the court for bankruptcy. If so, we will issue an automatic stay that will immediately stop all harassment, law suits, wage garnishments, and any other debt-related issue that's making it hard to get a good night's sleep. Clear your head and eliminate the constant worry by hitting the financial reset button, with help from our team of experienced Washington State bankruptcy lawyers.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy almost always allows you to discharge all of your unsecured debt. However, to enjoy the benefits of the automatic stay in relation to secured debt (loans backed up by collateral), you need to maintain your regular payment schedule.

In situations involving Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must maintain monthly payments on your debt consolidation plan. In either instance, the property must be insured so that the creditor has adequate protection in the security of their loan interest.

Once a discharge of debt is rendered in your bankruptcy case, it is essentially over, so the automatic stay is no longer required. A discharge permanently eliminates your debt, Certain varieties of debt may not qualify for discharge, like taxes and student loans. With Chapter 13, you are also protected from secured debt for the entire term, even if it's not included in your monthly payment schedule.

If you're tired of being harassed by creditors because of circumstances that beyond your control, contact one of our Bellevue bankruptcy attorneys today for a free consultation. The automatic stay puts an end to all manner of debt collection, including:

• Wage garnishments
• Phones calls
• Repossessions
• Foreclosures
• Law suits
• License suspensions
• Placing a judgment lien on real estate
• Perfecting any kind of lien