Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney in Seattle, WA

If you are feeling buried by debt and do not know where to turn, a conversation with a consumer bankruptcy attorney in Seattle, WA with Symmes Law Group can help you understand your options. 

We help individuals and families file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and we believe that everyone deserves the chance to get a fresh start. Our firm is here to guide you through the process with compassion, no judgment, and the support you need to feel more in control.

How Does Bankruptcy Actually Work?

Bankruptcy is not a failure. It is a legal tool designed to help you reset your finances and move forward with a clean slate. At Symmes Law Group, we want you to feel informed and supported every step of the way. If you have never been through this process before, you are not alone. We are here to walk you through how it works and help you understand what to expect.

What Happens When You File?

When you file for bankruptcy, everything begins with a petition submitted to the court. That petition includes financial documents that show your income, debts, property, and monthly expenses. Once the court accepts your case, an automatic stay goes into effect. This is a legal pause that stops most collection actions against you. Creditors must stop calling you, wage garnishments must stop, and lawsuits cannot move forward while your case is active.

The automatic stay gives you room to breathe while we work on the rest of your case. Depending on whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the process may look different from there. You will attend a short meeting with a trustee, and we will prepare all the paperwork in advance. From that point on, we stayed in close contact with the court and helped keep everything on track.

What Do Bankruptcy Courts Look At?

Bankruptcy courts look at your entire financial picture before making a decision. They review your income, expenses, types of debt, and any assets you own. This includes things like your home, vehicle, savings accounts, or retirement plans. They are not looking to take what you have. Instead, the goal is to see whether you qualify for discharge and which type of bankruptcy is the right fit for your situation.

You will need to provide documents like tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a list of monthly bills. We help you gather everything you need and explain what to expect at each stage. You will never be left to figure it out alone. At Symmes Law Group, we answer your questions, prepare your documents, and help you feel more confident every step of the way.

Types of Bankruptcy Explained by an Experienced Seattle Attorney

When you come in for a consultation, we start by helping you understand which type of bankruptcy fits your situation. Some clients qualify to eliminate most of their debts through Chapter 7, while others may benefit more from a structured repayment plan under Chapter 13.

At Symmes Law Group, we talk through both options and explain how each process works.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Discharging Debts and Protecting Assets

If you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to discharge most or all of your unsecured debts. That includes things like credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. In most cases, clients who file for Chapter 7 are able to keep everything they own. Washington State allows you to choose between federal or state exemption rules, and we will walk you through the pros and cons of each option.

Many people worry that they will lose their car or personal property, but that is not what usually happens. The point of Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to give you a chance to rebuild without starting from zero. We help you file your paperwork, protect your exempt assets, and move forward with confidence. If you are eligible, filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy under 11 U.S. Code § 701–784 may give you the fastest path to a clean financial slate.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Building a Manageable Repayment Plan

Some clients do not qualify for Chapter 7 or prefer to keep certain assets out of risk. In these cases, we may recommend Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This type of filing allows you to restructure your debts into a single monthly payment that fits your budget. The court must approve your plan, and you will make payments over a three- to five-year period based on your income and expenses.

We work with you to create a realistic plan that pays off what you can and forgives the rest. Chapter 13 can also help if you are behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure. It gives you time to catch up and possibly eliminate a second mortgage. Choosing Chapter 13 bankruptcy under 11 U.S. Code § 1301–1330 can help you stay in your home, protect your income, and reduce pressure from creditors while you get back on track.

Who Qualifies to File for Consumer Bankruptcy?

Many people are not sure if they qualify to file for bankruptcy. The good news is that most people who are struggling with debt have more options than they realize. If you are feeling stuck, it is worth having a conversation to find out where you stand and how our team can help.

What Eligibility Looks Like Today

Eligibility for bankruptcy depends on your income, your expenses, and the types of debt you are dealing with. If you are thinking about Chapter 7, your income must fall below a certain level to qualify under the means test. This test compares your income to the median income in Washington and is used to determine if you can move forward with a Chapter 7 dismissal. The rules are outlined in 11 U.S. Code § 707. We walk through the numbers with you and explain what they mean in plain terms.

If your income is higher or if you have certain types of assets to protect, Chapter 13 may be a better fit. That does not mean you are out of options. It just means the solution might involve a longer-term repayment plan. We are here to make sure the process fits your situation and gives you the best chance at lasting relief.

Why You Should Still Speak to a Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyer

Even if you think you might not qualify, you could still benefit from speaking with a consumer bankruptcy attorney. There may be legal or financial strategies that you are not aware of, especially if your situation has changed recently. Many of our clients tell us they waited too long because they assumed there was no path forward.

At Symmes Law Group, we take the time to learn about your situation and explain your options clearly. If bankruptcy is not the right fit, we will talk through other solutions. If it is a good option, we will help you feel confident about what comes next. 

What Can Filing for Bankruptcy Stop or Prevent?

Filing for bankruptcy allows you to address your debt while also putting legal protections in place. When you file, the court issues an automatic stay that stops most collection efforts immediately. This pause gives you space to breathe, regroup, and work on a solution without added pressure.

Wage Garnishment, Lawsuits, and Collection Calls

If you are dealing with wage garnishment, pending lawsuits, or nonstop collection calls, you are not alone. These are some of the most common reasons people reach out to our firm. When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay stops most of these actions right away. That means your paycheck is protected, court hearings are paused, and your phone may finally go quiet.

Having that kind of breathing room can make a big difference. You can focus on sorting out your finances without constant pressure. It also helps you avoid judgments that could stay on your record or create bigger long-term issues. At Symmes Law Group, we move quickly to make sure your case is filed properly and that those protections are in place as soon as possible.

Foreclosure, Vehicle Repossession, and Evictions

Falling behind on house payments or your car loan can feel like you are running out of options. Filing for bankruptcy can give you extra time to catch up before your home is foreclosed or your vehicle is repossessed. The automatic stay delays those actions while we help you figure out the next steps. This might include filing under Chapter 13 to create a repayment plan that protects what matters most to you.

If your landlord is starting the eviction process, bankruptcy may also give you time to make a plan. The window is often short, so timing matters. Our team helps you understand what kind of protection applies and how to use it wisely. Whether you are trying to save your home or keep your vehicle, we are here to help you act quickly and take control of the situation.

Why Clients Trust Symmes Law Group in Seattle, WA

At Symmes Law Group, we keep our caseload manageable so every client gets the time and attention they deserve. You are never just a file or a number on a screen. When you reach out with a question, you will hear back from us. When something changes in your case, we will let you know. 

Our team is committed to staying responsive and accessible so you feel supported from the moment we meet to the day your case is closed. Our intake process is designed to give you the best possible experience. We begin with a conversation about your financial situation and follow that with a detailed bankruptcy questionnaire and documentation checklist. 

This helps us understand what you are facing and what type of relief makes the most sense. From there, we keep you updated on deadlines, prepare your court filings, and answer your questions along the way. We want you to feel confident, prepared, and ready for a fresh start.

Can Bankruptcy Help Me If I Am Already Being Sued or Garnished?

If a creditor has already filed a lawsuit against you or started garnishing your wages, bankruptcy can stop those actions almost immediately. When you file, the court issues an automatic stay that prevents creditors from moving forward with collection efforts. That includes wage garnishment, new or ongoing lawsuits, and frozen bank accounts. 

The stay also stops calls, letters, and threats while your case is active. Timing matters in these situations. If a judgment has not been finalized or a garnishment has just started, quick action can protect your income and prevent further damage. We move fast to get your case filed and your rights protected. 

Bankruptcy does not erase every kind of debt, but it may stop the most urgent pressure and give you a better path forward. Our firm will help you understand what applies to your case and what you can do right now to protect your paycheck.

What Are My Other Options If Bankruptcy Is Not Right for Me?

Bankruptcy is one way to deal with debt, but it is not the only option. Depending on your situation, there may be other ways to get back on track without filing. Some people benefit from working directly with creditors, making short-term adjustments to their budget, or exploring repayment options that take the pressure off. We are here to help you figure out what makes sense for you.

One of those alternatives might be debt settlement, especially if you are behind on unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills. This means talking with creditors to reduce what you owe and set up a plan you can actually stick with. At Symmes Law Group, we will walk you through the pros and cons, explain how it works, and help you decide what feels right.

Consult a Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyer in Seattle, WA Today

You should never feel ashamed to ask for help. When debt is weighing on you, talking with someone who understands the process can make a big difference. Your consumer bankruptcy attorney in Seattle, WA from Symmes Law Group, will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help take the pressure off. If you are ready to take that first step, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.