Have a clean slate by erasing debts in 4-6 months
We work alongside you to get back on your feet and stop collectors and creditors immediately.
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is the fastest bankruptcy solution in the legal field for families overwhelmed with debt. You may hear other law firms refer to it as straight or liquidation bankruptcy. It discharges both secured and unsecured debts and keeps creditors off your back.
A trustee, or court-appointed manager of finances and assets, assists you in regaining financial freedom. They sell items you own to repay creditors and the courts forgive the rest at the end of the process. Don’t worry, our attorneys help you keep as much as possible and give you a fresh start in the bankruptcy process.
You can expect to take bankruptcy counseling, fill out finance documents, attend creditor meetings, and potentially appear in court. We’ll walk you through every step of Chapter 7 in Washington, the most accessible legal solution for fast debt relief.
Why Do I Need a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Kennewick, WA?
With just a quick Google search, you can find hundreds of sites telling you to file for bankruptcy on your own. You may think, “I’m already drowning in debt; I have no money for an attorney!”
However, the United States bankruptcy code is not just something you can learn with a cursory web surf. The information you get in a 15-minute search is no match for more than 25 years of dealing with bankruptcy law. One mistake can be the downfall of your petition. In the worst case scenarios, the bankruptcy courts may think you’re engaging in fraud because you left out something in your filing.
If you retain an attorney, especially one who lives and breathes this stuff, you can get it right the first time. At McBurney Law Office, you can find our reliable Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer ready to serve you.
Here are some reasons to hire our Kennewick-based bankruptcy lawyer.
- Over 25 years of practicing bankruptcy law in Washington state
- Tailored legal services for your specific needs
- An empathetic face during a difficult time
If you want to let go of your financial burdens, call our Kennewick law firm today to talk to our trusted bankruptcy attorney!
Have You Hit Rock Bottom with Debt?
The best time to file for bankruptcy is when debt becomes unbearable. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys can advise when you should pursue this legal solution. Never file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington alone: work with a law firm that understands where you’re at.
You may be used to making ends meet or living under constant debt, not seeing the danger you’re in. Debt experts on our team give a clearer picture of your financial situation. These signs identify whether Chapter 7 is right for you.
- You can’t make your next payment
- Debt collectors and creditors threaten repossession or foreclosure
- You have a low credit score
- Secured lenders have sent lawsuit notices
- Passed the Washington median income test
- Have no way of settling debts in the next 5 years
Keep Assets that Matter the Most
It’s terrifying when creditors try to force compensation by selling your family vehicle, home, or other possessions. Thankfully, we step in on your behalf and help you keep as much as possible while erasing your debt. Our Chapter 7 attorneys in Kennewick and eastern Washington step in to ensure the trustee doesn’t sell your exempt assets.
You have the option of using the federal government or the state’s bankruptcy exemptions. This leaves more flexibility to keep the assets that matter the most and avoid foreclosure or repossession.
Homestead
Depending on your county, keep your home during Chapter 7 if the legal exemption is less than the total equity.
Vehicle
$3,500 in car value is available, and you and a spouse can each retain 1 vehicle each if you’re married.
Personal Property
All personal property (except wages) up to $3,000 can stay in your possession.
Become Eligible for Chapter 7
Like the rest of the bankruptcy journey, we assist you in our office or over Zoom to qualify for a debt-free slate. The courts have certain requirements before you can begin the legal process and paperwork. Our Chapter 7 attorneys in Spokane and eastern Washington assist you if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible.
- You can’t have filed Chapter 7 in the past 8 years or Chapter 13 in the past 6 years
- Attend an individual or group credit counseling course within 180 days of filing
- Wait 181 days if the courts dismissed you’re previous Chapter 7 or 13 case
- Pass Washington’s state means test OR have a monthly income from the past 6 months that’s less than the median income for the same-sized Washington household
Our Easy, Debt-Free Process
Attend Credit Counseling
We’ll set you up with an approved credit counseling agency near you or over the phone to teach about credit. They assist you in laying a solid foundation for your money after we erase your debts. The courts ask you to do this within 180 days of filing.
Fill Out Bankruptcy Forms
Our expert attorneys and assistants guide you through bankruptcy paperwork so you don’t have to do it alone. Mainly, the documents require financial information, such as property, income, and creditors.
Contact the Trustee
The courts send your forms to a responsible bankruptcy trustee that verifies them. Checking recent bank statements, tax returns, and more, they ensure the rest of Chapter 7 goes smooth.
Join the Creditor Meeting
Whether collectors attend or not, we stand beside you at the creditor meeting. Our attorneys support you in testifying to the overwhelming debt situation and the completed bankruptcy forms.
Attend Budget Counseling
Finish a budgeting course from the counseling agency near the end of Chapter 7 to prepare you for a clean financial slate. This occurs within 60 days of the creditor meeting, and we’ll tell the courts when you finish it.
Get a Clean Slate
Congratulations! You made it out of debilitating debt, missed payments, and aggressive creditors. Start a new, responsible journey with your money in a total of 4-6 months.
Pay Off Your Debts in 4-6 Months
Unlike Chapter 13, you don’t have to drag on the legal process and live in fear, anxiety, and debt. We erase all the payments you owe faster than any other bankruptcy solution. Our team has worked with thousands of struggling families just like yours and has experts that can help.
Child support, credit card monthly payments and other types of debt may not be discharged up to the judge’s discretion. That’s why we recommend working with our bankruptcy lawyers in Spokane, WA and the surrounding areas. Our team has fought in local courts for over 25 years and can look further into your asset case.
Rebuild with Chapter 7 Today
Unlike Chapter 13, you don’t have to drag on the legal process and live in fear, anxiety, and debt. We erase all the payments you owe faster than any other bankruptcy solution. Our team has worked with thousands of struggling families just like yours and has experts that can help.
Child support, credit card monthly payments and other types of debt may not be discharged up to the judge’s discretion. That’s why we recommend working with our bankruptcy lawyers in Spokane, WA and the surrounding areas. Our team has fought in local courts for over 25 years and can look further into your asset case.
