{"id":2289,"date":"2023-05-25T17:47:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T17:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/?page_id=2289"},"modified":"2023-07-18T07:04:31","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T07:04:31","slug":"basic-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/chapter-7-bankruptcy\/basic-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 7 Basic Steps in Adams County, Washington"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2289\" class=\"elementor elementor-2289\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-59d44dcf elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"59d44dcf\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-39d38948\" data-id=\"39d38948\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-733e34b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"733e34b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 30-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding The Basic Steps in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing the Chapter 7 bankruptcy basic steps is the first step to eliminating your debts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy enables you to discharge all or most of your debts and obtain a fresh start. While it is true that Chapter 7 is the most common type of bankruptcy that most people file, no one can deny that its process is tedious. Thus, contacting an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experienced bankruptcy attorney<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a must.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At McBurney Law, we help you decide on tough and complex legal matters. We understand the importance of regaining control of your financial situation, which is why our legal team will do everything in our power to assist you. We plan and strategize things according to your specific needs. Don&#8217;t hesitate to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get help now<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><span style=\"color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size );\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common chapter of bankruptcy in Washington. It is designed to assist individuals and businesses that are financially distressed due to debts. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/chapter-7-bankruptcy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a federal court proceeding.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people will opt for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Filing Chapter 7 is estimated to be <\/span><b>completed within 90 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from commencement to the end, and it allows for the elimination or discharge of most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt. To be eligible, you must prove that you lack the capability to repay your debts and that your regular income is below the median income for the area where you reside.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>What does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Eliminate?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates or discharges most unsecured debts, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Credit card debt<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This includes balances owed on credit cards or store credit cards.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medical bills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Debts incurred from medical treatments, procedures, or hospital stays.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personal loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Unsecured loans obtained for various purposes.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Utility bills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Outstanding balances for electricity, water, gas, or other utility services.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Past-due rent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Unpaid rent owed to landlords or property management companies.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Collection agency accounts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Debts that have been turned over to collection agencies.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Overdue balances on repossessed items<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Remaining debt after repossession of a vehicle, for example.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain civil judgments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some civil judgments can be discharged, depending on the circumstances.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3><b>What Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy NOT Eliminate?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not eliminate certain types of debts, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Secured debts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Debts that are tied to collateral, such as mortgages and car loans. While Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge your personal liability for these debts, the creditor may still have the right to repossess the collateral if you don&#8217;t make the payments.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Student loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Generally, student loan debt cannot be easily discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It requires demonstrating &#8220;undue hardship&#8221; through a separate legal process.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Child support and alimony<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not discharge any obligations for child support or alimony. These debts remain fully enforceable even after the bankruptcy process.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain tax debts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some tax debts, such as recent income tax liabilities or tax debts resulting from fraud or evasion, are typically not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, certain older tax debts or those meeting specific criteria might be eligible for discharge.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debts from certain legal judgments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Certain types of legal judgments, such as those related to fraud, willful injury, or drunk driving, may not be dischargeable under Chapter 7 bankruptcy.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debts incurred through fraudulent means<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If the debtor obtained certain debts through fraudulent activities, such as obtaining credit through false information or incurring debts without the intention to repay, those debts might not be dischargeable.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the Chapter 7 Basic Steps in Adams County, Washington?<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The basic steps for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Adams County, Washington, typically include the following:<\/span><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gather Financial Information<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Collect all relevant financial documents, including income records, tax returns, bank statements, debts, and assets.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Credit Counseling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that must be included in your bankruptcy filing.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>File Bankruptcy Petition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prepare and file the necessary bankruptcy forms, including the voluntary petition, schedules of assets and liabilities, statement of financial affairs, and other required documents. File these forms with the bankruptcy court serving Adams County.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Automatic Stay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Once your bankruptcy petition is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect, which halts most collection actions by creditors. This includes foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and creditor harassment.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appointment of Bankruptcy Trustee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A bankruptcy trustee will be assigned to your case. The trustee&#8217;s role is to review your bankruptcy documents, oversee the liquidation of non-exempt assets (if any), and distribute the proceeds to creditors.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Attend the meeting of creditors, also known as the 341 Meeting. This is a mandatory meeting where the trustee, creditors, and the debtor discuss the bankruptcy case. You will be required to answer questions about your financial affairs under oath.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Asset Liquidation (if applicable)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, non-exempt assets may be sold by the trustee to repay your creditors. However, Washington has its own set of exemptions that may allow you to protect certain assets.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt Discharge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If there are no objections from creditors or the trustee, and you have completed all necessary requirements, you will receive a discharge order from the court. The discharge releases you from personal liability for most qualifying debts, providing you with a fresh financial start.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney in Washington?<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needless to say, the entire bankruptcy process is inherently complicated. Even though Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common type of bankruptcy, the majority of debtors file for bankruptcy successfully with the help of a bankruptcy attorney. To effectively resolve your financial difficulties, consider hiring a bankruptcy attorney who possesses the following characteristics:<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personalized Legal Services <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; You have to keep in mind that your financial situation is different from the rest; that&#8217;s why it requires a unique approach. Choose a bankruptcy lawyer who will tailor their legal advice depending on your specific needs.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Assist You With Everything <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves applying for property valuation, taking the means test, considering bankruptcy exemptions, and completing other complex paperwork. When choosing the right bankruptcy attorney, select someone who can assist you with all the necessary processes.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rebuilds Your Credit <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; After filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it is worth noting that rebuilding your credit is important. Overcoming your financial difficulties should not create additional problems but rather lead to success. Choose the best bankruptcy attorney who will assist you in rebuilding your credit after winning bankruptcy.<br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At McBurney Law, we provide assistance specifically tailored to your needs. Utilizing our competence, knowledge, and extensive 25 years of experience, we can guarantee you excellent legal representation. We will assist you with everything, including rebuilding your credit after successfully navigating bankruptcy. If you require assistance, get effective assistance today!<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call our Adams County Bankruptcy Attorney Now!<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Chapter 7 basic steps is already complicated, so much more is the actual process. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will work with your attorney for three to six months. Therefore, you should seek a seasoned bankruptcy attorney whom you will not regret choosing.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than helping you with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we can also assist you with your concerns in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/criminal-law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">criminal defense<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/estate-planning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estate planning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/family-law-attorney\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">family law<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We provide personalized legal assistance using our broad knowledge and extensive experience. Seek prudent help today!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding The Basic Steps in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Knowing the Chapter 7 bankruptcy basic steps is the first step to eliminating your debts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy enables you to discharge all or most of your debts and obtain a fresh start. While it is true that Chapter 7 is the most common type of bankruptcy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2079,"parent":764,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2289"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2289"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2306,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2289\/revisions\/2306"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/764"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/patrickmcburney.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}