Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Washington is different than other states because there are specific rules for Washington that must be followed. Bankruptcy is governed by federal laws; however a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Lakewood WA can explain the legal filing process, credit counseling and pre-discharge debtor education that must be completed as part of the process. There is additional information that is required on Washington bankruptcy forms. Before choosing to file for bankruptcy, it’s important to speak to an attorney for valuable legal advice and guidance for the situation.
There are a variety of steps that need to be followed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The first step that must be completed is showing proof that credit counseling was completed through a credit counseling agency. This agency must be approved by the U.S. Trustee in Washington. It must also be completed within the six month window before filing bankruptcy. For the ending process of the bankruptcy, a debtor education course must be completed. This is in addition to meeting with a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Lakewood WA and determining which items are eligible for the exemption and which items are not.
There are a number of schedules that must be completed as part of the bankruptcy filing. Some states permit individuals filing bankruptcy to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Washington does not permit bankruptcy filers to use federal exemptions. The state’s exemptions for bankruptcy have to be used. In George, there is a Homestead Exemption on a home that is owned. There is also a motor vehicle exemption. There are wage exemptions and many other exemptions that need to be determined by an experienced attorney. When assets are larger than the debt on an item, those items may have to be disposed of during a bankruptcy proceeding.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws can be very confusing without the assistance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney. It is possible to maneuver through the bankruptcy waters with legal help.
