Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Bankruptcy legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Washington Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: I have questions regarding whether to file bankruptcy or not.

I have questions regarding whether to file bankruptcy or not.

1. I have total of over $60000 debts including $12000 on multiple credit cards, $1400 my last apartment, over $50000 on my student loans, and about $600 debt to district court for my traffic ticket. Can I get rid of all my... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 30, 2018

You cannot discharge the student loans or the fine and cost on the ticket so I’m not sure bankruptcy would help you much.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: How public are personal bankruptcies? How can I keep mine as private as possible?
Robert C. Hahn III
PREMIUM
Robert C. Hahn III
answered on Sep 19, 2018

Really you cant keep it private. It is considered public information and is accessible via the PACER court system to the public if they register and are willing to pay 10cents a page to look at your bankruptcy pleadings.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: If you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy, during the process, can you purchase the note on the home that you bankrupted?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 31, 2018

Yes, although it may bring serious inquiries from the Court as to where the money came from and how you were able to do so.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: What happens if a person who files for bankruptcy wins the lottery? Can he keep the money?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 31, 2018

Depends on when he wins the lottery. Before filing, the money is part of the estate. After filing, you may have to pay off your creditors and keep the balance. After discharge, the money is all yours.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Can I keep my car if I need to file for bankruptcy?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 8, 2018

Yes. If you reaffirm the debt.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: In what situations can I file for bankruptcy and still keep my home?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jul 20, 2018

Depends on your income and equity in the property. Contact an experienced local bankruptcy attorney who can help to determine the right move.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Civil Rights and Energy, Oil and Gas for Washington on
Q: How can I find a civil rights pro Bono attorney when municipal and district are my enemy and I'm indigent?

I'm a homeowner who is now homeless with an arrest record and public deffimation of character mearly because a city wants their water plan and new road built, without care for those less fortunate

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 29, 2018

Local or state bar association.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: I’m looking into filing bankruptcy. I would like to learn about the process and types of bankruptcy.

I have a car loan-the car is my only method of transportation. I have some furniture in storage and some small electronics (computer, iPad). Do I lose those ?

Gordon Charles Webb
PREMIUM
Gordon Charles Webb pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2018

The simple answer is no, if the value of your assets fall within the allowable exemptions then you do not lose those belongings. However, bankruptcy is complex thus you should consult with an experienced attorney for a complete evaluation.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy? I still owe on the mortgage.
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 18, 2018

Many factors go into answering your question, such as value of house, amount owed on mortgage, equity in house, your income, plus chapter filing type. Consult a local bankruptcy attorney who can help you plan and execute the right decision for you.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: I am unsure about what is my best course of action is in my unusual situation(Bankruptcy, Debt consolidation, etc.

$38k in CC’s, LoC’s, and medical bills. I am on SSDi and gross $1238 a month($1106 after Medical) & I just recently acquired two pieces of raw land in California; One in particular I would someday like to live on. I live with family and pay no rent. I can not afford to not live with family... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on May 31, 2018

You need to consult with a local bankruptcy attorney who can analyze your situation and give you your options so you can lot the best course.

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Am I allowed to keep any of my property if I file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington State?
Gordon Charles Webb
PREMIUM
Gordon Charles Webb pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 18, 2018

Yes both real and personal property as long as fair market value and equity within the applicable exemptions.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: I'm financing a car & filing for Chap. 7. The people I sold my prev car to never transferred ownership. What can I do?

I paid off a car about 4 years ago, and ended up selling it. I wrote out a bill of sale, but the people that bought it, did not transfer ownership. Now I need to file for Chapter 7, and I'm financing a vehicle. I don't want it to mess with my bankruptcy, or my car. What can I do?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 24, 2018

Just list it as an asset and indicate you surrendered it. Won’t affect you at all. The trustee can decide what to do with it. But be absolutely sure you list that car bc it is still in your name.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: What is an example of a non-exempt asset in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 23, 2018

An example would be s large personal injury settlement, the amount of which exceeds your available exemptions to protect.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: How long do you have to wait to file for bankruptcy if you filed September 2011. I am now on disability
Stuart Nachbar
PREMIUM
Stuart Nachbar
answered on Feb 11, 2018

2019 for a chapter 7,and you could file for a Chapter 13 already. Talk to counsel in your state please.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: How long does the bankruptcy process usually take for chapter 7?
Gordon Charles Webb
PREMIUM
Gordon Charles Webb pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 31, 2018

Typically 90 -110 days from date of filing to discharge.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: if i have an insurance company that has charged me with a no insurance accident and have suspended my license until i

pay $3200 before they will allow me to re-instate my license, will a bk take this away? and if so, how long would it take to get that off my record so i can get my drivers license back? thank you

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Oct 4, 2017

If the debt is discharged in bankruptcy the no-insurance restriction will be lifted and you should be able to get your licenses reinstated. The BK process normally takes about 3+ months.

For the amount of money involved, you should look for a different way of resolving this. If this is your...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Can I file ch 13 or 7 during foreclosure on a reverse mortgage? Mediation is in 2 days, trustee sale is in 4.

My mom was prey to a predatory loan. Shortly after her husband of 35 years passed, she was talked into a reverse mortgage, and told she wouldn't have to worry about anything. When I came into the picture, they had paid for 3 years. I tried to get her exempt from property taxes every 6... View More

Nels Hansen
Nels Hansen
answered on Feb 2, 2017

You need to contact a local bankruptcy attorney and schedule a consultation as soon as possible. If you are facing foreclosure and if it is appropriate you want to file the bankruptcy before the foreclosure sale. Once the foreclosure sale takes place your options will be limited if not gone... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: When does the 60 months start in chapter 13 bk? Is it from petition filing, plan filing or first payment. In WA

I've tried getting a hold of my lawyer and he doesn't e-mail or return calls. My petition file date is 10/26/2010. My first payment was made two weeks later. Nov, 2010. The plan was filed on 2/2011. When does the 60 month countdown begin? Petition filing, first payment or plan filing... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 6, 2015

You might want to look it up in Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code (available online). It should also say in the plan.

But in any rate, the answer is that the 60 months (or it can be a shorter period) is from the date of the filing of the plan plus no more than 30 days. See...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: If my husband and I have filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy, can one of us transfer it to a chapter 7 without the other?

It has been less than 2 years since we filed the chapter 13. We separated and starting paperwork to divorce. One of us wants to file a chapter 7, can one of us do this without the other? If so, what happens to the balance being paid on the chapter 13?

Robert Gambrell
Robert Gambrell
answered on Jun 18, 2015

Yes, but first a motion to divide the case or deconsolidate the case must be filed and additional court cost must be paid. One of you will receive a new case number and then either of you can file a motion to convert the case.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Can an individual still be taken to small claims court by another individual if filing for bankruptcy?
Andrew Bresalier
Andrew Bresalier
answered on Feb 18, 2014

A: If the underlying claim arose prior to the filing of the Bky, you should include the claim in the Bky and file a Suggestion of Bankruptcy in the Small Claims Case. If the underlying claim arose after the filing of Bky, you still owe it.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.