Washington Bankruptcy Laws -- Could Filing Bankruptcy Help You?
If debt is tearing your life apart, you may want to leave it behind and get a fresh start.
Washington’s bankruptcy laws are designed to enable people to eliminate debt and protect their property.
The first step is often learning about Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy laws in Washington.
Fill out the below free bankruptcy case review form to connect with a local local Washington bankruptcy lawyer.
Get answers to your questions and learn how bankruptcy may help you get out of debt.
Washington Bankruptcy Law Explained
One of the first steps in determining which debt-relief option is best for you is the bankruptcy means test. This is an examination of your debts, income, assets and future financial goals.
This is important because your two main bankruptcy options, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, are each designed to help people in different situations.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is geared towards people with high amounts of credit card debt and a lower income. Credit card debt, along with medical bills, payday loans and personal loans, is considered unsecured debt. If you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all or most of your unsecured debt will likely be dismissed completely.
If you own your home, car or other valuable items, you can, in most cases, keep this as well.
Washington bankruptcy exemptions protect certain amounts of your property from a liquidation sale.
Homestead
- Up to $125,000 worth of land, mobile homes and improvements.
- Or, up to $15,000 of other personal property.
Wages
- 75 percent of your disposable income.
Automobiles
- One motor vehicle worth up to $2,500 for a single adult.
- For a married couple, up to $5,000 worth of multiple vehicles.
Personal Property
- Up to $1,000 worth of clothing and jewelry.
- Up to $1,500 worth of private libraries.
- 100 percent of family picture and keepsakes.
- For single adults, up to $2,700 worth of household good, appliances, furniture, home/yard equipment.
- For married couples, up to $5,400 worth of household good, appliances, furniture, home/yard equipment.
- Up to $2,000 of miscellaneous personal property, of which no more than $200 can be cash and no more than $200 can be bank accounts or other securities.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, is often a better option for individuals that owe money on their mortgage or car payment in addition to credit cards and other debt.
You will also need some regular, steady income to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Washington state.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy can provide more protection for more of your property than Chapter 7.
Your secured debts, like your mortgage, will be combined and ordered with your other debts. Then, instead of making regular payments to multiple creditors and juggling bills and fees, you’ll make one regular payment to a court-appointed trustee.
After 3-5 years free of creditor harassment, you can emerge debt free with all of your possessions in place.
Want to Learn More About Filing Bankruptcy in Washington? Talk to a Washington Bankruptcy Lawyer
Many people who consider filing bankruptcy in Washington may feel overwhelmed by the complex nature of the state’s bankruptcy laws.
By meeting with your bankruptcy lawyer, you could also take the opportunity to get answers to many of your questions about your bankruptcy case, and develop a better understanding of how the state’s laws can impact your debt and your life.
To get in touch with a bankruptcy lawyer in Washington near you, fill out the free case evaluation form on this page or call us at 877-349-1309, and we’ll connect you with a sponsoring Washington bankruptcy lawyer near you immediately.
Note: Keep in mind Washington bankruptcy laws can be complex. If you need legal advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you, please speak with a local Washington bankruptcy lawyer. Washington bankruptcy laws may have changed since our last update. For the latest information on your state's bankruptcy laws, speak to a local Washington bankruptcy lawyer.