Experienced Spokane Bankruptcy Attorneys
THE LAW OFFICES OF PATRICK MCBURNEY
Two Convenient Locations to Better Serve Our Washington Neighbors
Are You Overwhelmed with Debt?
- Behind on payments
- Maxing out credit cards
- Emptying your entire savings
- Borrowing from others without paying them back
- Refusing to open your mailbox
- Paranoid a creditor will knock on your door
- Fearing vehicle repossession
- Fighting against real estate foreclosure
- Sued by lenders
If these sound familiar and you’re desperate for a legal solution that will save your family and finances, we can help.
Reach out to our bankruptcy attorneys and legal assistants that can explain how to erase your secured and unsecured debts forever.
Why Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney in Spokane, WA?
With all the free resources in our current world, you may be thinking, “Why should I spend money on an attorney when I can just look it up on the internet?” There have been many people already drowning in debt who thought the same. After all, if you already owe a lot of money, it makes no sense to spend what little you have on an attorney.
Here’s the thing: the US bankruptcy code is pretty complex. An hour or so looking up how to file for bankruptcy is no match for around 25 years of helping over a thousand clients through their bankruptcy cases. Suppose you make a mistake. In that case, the bankruptcy court can deny your petition, and you’re in no better position than before.
Patrick McBurney has extensive legal knowledge and experience for a smooth bankruptcy process. We won’t just leave you alone to drown in paperwork; we’ll help you through each step.
If you want to be free from financial stress, call our Spokane law firm today to talk to our bankruptcy attorney!
COVID-19 made overwhelming debt and creditors lawsuits even worse for millions of people in the United States. Filing for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy with our team will help you fight the pandemic and prepare your family for a better tomorrow. Get your fresh start online today so we can celebrate your new financial future.
What is a Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is one option many United States citizens have for debt relief. You can think of it as a reset button on your finances. If you’re crippled by student loans, credit card debt, and medical bills, a bankruptcy filing can free you from these financial obligations and get a second chance.
After you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay will be put in place. This court order stops and prevents collection efforts, like calls from creditors, lawsuits, or wage garnishment.
Depending on your bankruptcy chapter, you can receive a discharge after the bankruptcy. A discharge in bankruptcy gets rid of your personal responsibility to pay off these debts. Not all debts can be eliminated this way, so it’s best to ask a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to be sure.
What Debts Can't Be Discharged?
Not all debts can be eliminated in bankruptcy. We’ll provide a brief overview of the more common ones. Note that this is not a comprehensive list, so you may need to consult a Spokane bankruptcy lawyer if you have more questions.
- Student loans.
- Debts incurred by fraud or criminal acts.
- Recent income taxes, support obligations, and other “priority” debt.
- Mortgages, car loans, and other “secured” debts.
What Happens in Bankruptcy?
What happens during your bankruptcy depends on what bankruptcy chapter you choose.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a quick way to eliminate your debt without paying your creditors. A bankruptcy trustee deals with your debt by selling your nonexempt assets.
Pros
- Receive a relatively speedy bankruptcy discharge within 3-4 months
- It’s the better option for those with low income and little-or-no assets
- You usually don’t need to pay anything to qualify for a discharge
Cons
- You can potentially lose your property
- Certain debts cannot be discharged, meaning Chapter 7 does not get rid of your obligation to pay them
- There is an income requirement. You must pass a means test to show that your income is below the median state income.
Chapter 13
With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can take all your debts and gather them into a 3-5 year repayment plan. It’s essentially a way for you to catch up on your missed payments.
Pros
- It may be easier to qualify for Chapter 13
- You can save your home from foreclosure
- You can prevent the repossession of your car
- Deal with other nondischargeable debts like tax debt or child support arrears
Cons
- It takes 3-5 years before you receive a discharge
- You may have to pay some amount of your unsecured debt to qualify for a discharge
- You’re dedicating a lot of your disposable income toward monthly payments
Our Bankruptcy Options
Chapter 7
Chapter 13
Consult our attorneys for other difficult legal matters too.
FAMILY LAW
Helping Our Neighbors via Zoom
Our team believes in being good neighbors to our friends in every part of Washington, including Spokane. If you’re not at our physical Kennewick office, we can see you instantly through Zoom. We’re proud to serve wherever you are in the state and provide quality legal services that get you debt-free.
COVID-19 made overwhelming debt and creditors lawsuits even worse for millions of people in the United States. Filing for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy with our team will help you fight the pandemic and prepare your family for a better tomorrow. Get your fresh start online today so we can celebrate your new financial future.
Partner with Experienced Attorneys in Spokane
Unlike other firms that abandon you with a stack of paperwork, we guide you through bankruptcy with over 25 years of experience. You receive personalized attention and expertise from caring lawyers every step of the way. Don’t tackle overwhelming debt and the complicated legal system alone: do it with successful attorneys.
We set you up with credit counseling beforehand so you can step on the right foot with your finances. Preventing future debt mishaps, you can trust us to represent you before a judge and wipe your debt clean for good. Patrick McBurney and his team have done this since 1995 for families all across Eastern Washington.
We Serve Families in Spokane, Washington
Mon – Thurs | 9am – 5pm
Fri | 9am – 12pm
Phone: (509)-374-8996
Fax: (509)-374-1296
