Available via Zoom & Phone Our Office

Why Clients

Love Us

Western Washington’s
Highest Google Rated

Bankruptcy Law Firm

Google Review & Ratings

See Proof

Western Washington’s BEST Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Bankruptcy Resource & Website

AVVO Client Rating

See Proof

Western Washington’s
Most Personable &

Friendly Bankruptcy Law Firm

Yelp Business Logo

People love us on Yelp

Effective & Fast Debt Relief
Helping People Throughout Washington

Bankruptcy Attorney in Seattle, WA

During your free initial consultation, all of your questions and concerns can be addressed and you will learn if you are a good candidate for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy or whether the Washington State Foreclosure Fairness mediation or debt settlement makes more sense. If there are other matters in which you need assistance with involving Estate Planning, Probate, real estate and business, we can help you out with those questions as well.

Don’t wait to call. Even if you don’t plan on taking action immediately, it is a good idea to start planning your next moves prior to seeking professional help as your actions now could affect whether you qualify for a specific course of action at a later date.

It’s easy to get started, just call us right now at 206-682-7975 or submit your information to us on our contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn about what options are available to you.

Covid Safety Protocols & Meeting Options

We have adapted our business to service our clients in a safe environment. We offer different meeting options to accommodate your safety concerns while maintaining our personalized service and attention to detail each of our clients deserve. Meeting options include: in person, over the phone, or via Zoom.

Let’s Get Started Together

Schedule your complimentary consultation by calling us at (206) 535-1939 or by using the form below.
Phone and Zoom consultations are available.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

bad-credit-org-logo

Help Is On The Way

Seattle bankruptcy lawyer Richard J. Symmes has filed hundreds of bankruptcy petitions, saved numerous homes from the brink of foreclosure, and assisted consumers in the settlement of millions of dollars in debts and now you can benefit from the years of experience Symmes Law Group has in dealing with creditors, debt collectors, and big banks who want to garnish your wages or foreclose on your home.

Experience Matters

When you hire a great debt relief attorney you will instantly feel at ease in knowing that you have an expert in your corner who can answer all of your questions and make sure you are being taken care of. Symmes Law Group strives to offer unparalleled personal service to help keep you sleeping well at night. Attorney Richard Symmes has a 99.6% chapter 7 discharge (debt forgiveness) rate for clients, and has over a decade of knowledge and experience in handling cases before the bankruptcy courts in Washington State to make sure your case goes smoothly.

Let’s Get Started Together

Our Simple, Streamlined

Seattle Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as the “fresh start” bankruptcy because it allows debtors to eliminate most if not all of their unsecured debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, while stopping garnishments and foreclosures. In essence, it allows a debtor to get a fresh start and begin rebuilding credit immediately. In most cases you get to retain all of your assets.

Step 1: Consultation

• Schedule your free initial consultation for over the phone, at the office or through Zoom
• Be Prepared to discuss your debts, assets and household gross income
• We want to hear your story and help
• If you are a good candidate for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be provided intake documents
which include a detailed questionnaire and list of information we will need from you such as your last 2 years of tax returns, last 6 months of paystubs and any creditors who do not show up on a credit report.

Step 2: Document Gathering

• You will begin the process of gathering the required information and ask any follow up questions.
• You will complete the required credit counseling class at www.abacuscc.org

Step 3: Petition Preparation and Payment

• Once all documents are received from you, and all legal fees are paid, your attorney will begin
working on your bankruptcy petition and obtain a copy of your credit report.
• You will be notified if any additional information is needed and be asked for clarification if there are
any questions related to the information provided.

Step 4: Sign Your Petition

• We make sure everything is ready to be filed with the court
• You review your already drafted petition and advise of any changes
• You will need to provide your bank activity showing current balances and activity for the 30 days
prior to filing.
• Your case will likely be filed the same day you sign your bankruptcy petition.

Step 5: Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors

• Your court meeting will be in about 30 days after your case is filed
• Your meeting will likely last 5 minutes or less, but you should plan for about an hour as there are
other cases at the same time.

Step 6: Complete Financial Management Class and Wait

• You are required to complete a second credit class called Financial Management
• Debts will likely be discharged in about 60 days after the court meeting

You’re Done!

You have achieved Your Fresh Start!

Benefits of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Words From Our Clients

Double Quote

Our Simple, Streamlined

Seattle Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process

A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to file a 3-5 year repayment plan that will be overseen by the Chapter 13 trustee in which you will pay off all or part of your debts from your future income. You can use Chapter 13 to prevent a house foreclosure, pay back taxes, make up missed car and mortgage payments, stop interest from accruing on your tax debt (including Washington State, or Federal taxes), and keep non-exempt property.

Step 1: Consultation

• Schedule your free initial consultation for over the phone, at the office or through Zoom
• Be Prepared to discuss your debts, assets and household gross income
• We want to hear your story and help
• If you are a good candidate for chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will be provided intake documents which include a detailed questionnaire and list of information we will need from you such as your last 2 years of tax returns, last 6 months of paystubs and any creditors who do not show up on a credit report.

Step 2: Document Gathering

• You will begin the process of gathering the required information and ask any follow up questions.
• You will complete the required credit counseling class.

Step 3: Petition Preparation and Payment

• Once all documents are received from you, and all required up front legal fees are paid, your attorney will begin working on your bankruptcy petition and obtain a copy of your credit report.
• You will be notified if any additional information is needed and be asked for clarification if there are any questions related to the information provided.
• You will be advised on the payment plan that we would advise proposing to the court.

Step 4: Sign Your Petition

• We make sure everything is ready to be filed with the court
• You review your already drafted petition, plan and advise of any changes
• You will need to provide your bank activity showing current balances and activity for the 30 days prior to filing.
• Your case will likely be filed the same day you sign your bankruptcy petition and your first plan payment will be due in 30 days.

Step 5: Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors

• Your court meeting will be in about 30-45 days after your case is filed
• Your meeting will likely last 7 minutes or less, but you should plan for about an hour as there are other cases at the same time.
• An attorney from the chapter 13 trustee’s office will advise if they need any additional information or if changes are needed to the plan proposed.

Step 6: Complete Financial Management Class and Wait for Plan Confirmation

• You are required to complete a second credit class called financial management.
• The chapter 13 trustee or creditors may file objections to your plan filed and request changes. Once these are made, your plan can be confirmed.
• Your chapter 13 plan confirmation date is typically in about 30 days after your court meeting and you do not need to attend.
• Your plan will be automatically confirmed by the court if there are no objections to confirmation.

Step 7: Make Your Plan Payments

• You will be required to make your plan payments for 3-5 years while in the chapter 13 plan.
• Once you complete the terms of your plan, you will receive a chapter 13 discharge order from the court.

You’re Done!

You have achieved Your Fresh Start!

Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Words From Our Clients

Double Quote

Latest Videos

How does the bankruptcy process work?

The U.S. Bankruptcy code was created to help good people get a fresh start in times of need and unforeseen circumstances. The truth is anyone can find themselves in a dire financial situation. ... Watch Now >

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Whether it is you, a family member, or your small business experiencing financial hardship in this tough economy, sometimes filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection is the best solution for your most difficult problems.... Watch Now >

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also called debt consolidation, and it can be a good option for those with regular income who are having trouble keeping up with the regular monthly payments, facing foreclosure, or for those who owe significant past tax debt.... Watch Now >

What is debt settlement?

Many individuals and companies have reached positive outcomes and amicable solutions through negotiating settlements with their creditors. Indeed, negotiating with ones creditors could be an extremely effective option when faced with high debt or filing for bankruptcy. ... Watch Now >

Read the Latest News and Information on the Symmes Law Group Blog

10 Myths About Filing Bankruptcy in Washington State

Thinking about filing Bankruptcy in Washington state when facing overwhelming debt can be a stressful and isolating experience. Considering bankruptcy...

Read More >

What is A Basic Estate Plan in Washington State

Facing our mortality may not be pleasant, but preparing for it with an estate plan in Washington State brings peace of mind and protects our loved one...

Read More >

How to Plan Your Finances in 2024

Many experts thought that the end of 2023 would bring doom and gloom for financial markets and real estate market but the crash that was predicted nev...

Read More >
  • Richard Symmes

    Hi, Richard here.

    Book a time on my calendar to receive a calendar invite along the option to schedule a Phone, Office or Zoom consultation.

    You may also fill out the contact form to get in touch and get a copy of my free e-book Guide to Living Debt Free in Washington State, Bankruptcy and Other Alternatives.