Thanks for checking out the media and press section of the Symmes Law Group, PLLC website. Here you will find a compilation of radio shows I have recorded on 1150 AM KKNW New Urban Unlimited Show and corresponding content to support the topic of each show. You can link to the written content on the media player above or scroll down to view all the content in depth. You can also find additional media on our video resources page which you may find helpful as the videos address common questions for those interested in bankruptcy, debt settlement or foreclosure defense. If you live in Washington State and need assistance with any of these topics feel free to schedule an appointment HERE.
Listen to the playlist below to hear our older episodes:
Latest Seattle Bankruptcy Related News:
Can You Handle Probate Without a Lawyer in WA? Risks & Realities - When a loved one passes away, their family is left not only with emotional grief but also with the practical responsibility of settling their affairs. One of the most common questions that arises in Washington State is: Do I need a probate lawyer in WA? This is a fair question. Legal representation can be costly,… Read More
When Someone Dies in WA State: Do You Need to Open Probate? - Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming, and the legal steps that follow can feel just as daunting. One of the most common questions people ask is: "Do I need to open a probate case in Washington State?" The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type and value of the estate, how… Read More
Thinking of Selling a Home Without a Realtor in Washington? Read This First! - You wouldn’t attempt to fix your car’s engine with a YouTube video and a wrench, right? So why are you considering handling a million-dollar real estate deal on your own? Selling a home without a realtor in Washington state isn’t just about nice staging photos or putting up a Zillow listing. In Washington State, it’s… Read More
Bankruptcy Roadmap: Navigating Chapters 7, 11 & 13 - Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals and businesses to either eliminate or restructure their debt when they can no longer meet financial obligations. Depending on the type of bankruptcy, debtors may liquidate assets or establish a repayment plan to satisfy creditors. Understanding the implications of bankruptcy is crucial for making sound financial choices.… Read More
How to Navigate Probate Process in Washington - Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered, ensuring that debts are settled and assets are distributed according to a persons will or state laws. Just like any other state, navigating probate process in Washington involves validating the will, appointing an executor, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to… Read More
2025 TIPS for Managing Debt to Avoid Bankruptcy: Your Guide to Financial Freedom - Debt doesn’t have to define your future, but it’s easy to feel trapped when it starts to pile up. With 2025 bringing new financial challenges and trends, now is the time to take control of your finances before bankruptcy becomes the only option. Bankruptcy, while sometimes a necessary relief, can leave a lasting mark on… Read More
Debtors’ Rights and Statute of Limitations in Washington State - Learn about Debtors' Rights and the Statute of Limitations in Washington State. This guide highlights legal protections, key timelines, and strategies for managing your debt. Read More
Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Estate planning is essential for protecting your assets and honoring your wishes, but common mistakes can lead to unintended consequences for your loved ones. Explore key estate planning errors to avoid—from choosing the wrong executor to neglecting digital assets—and learn tips for effective planning that bring peace of mind and security to your legacy. Read More
Washington Long-Term Care Planning: Protecting Your Assets and Ensuring Quality Care - Planning for long-term care in Washington involves protecting your assets while securing high-quality care. Learn about Medicaid eligibility, asset protection trusts, and strategies to safeguard your financial future in this comprehensive guide. Read More
Strategies for Financial Recovery – Small Business in Washington: Beyond Bankruptcy - Seattle small business facing financial challenges? Explore alternatives to bankruptcy & strategies for long-term success. Rebuild & secure your business future. Read More
Washington Probate: Avoid These Common Mistakes - Inheriting property or assets can be a bittersweet experience. While it represents a loved one's legacy, navigating the legal process of probate in Washington State can quickly turn into a headache. Probate, the court-supervised administration of a deceased person's estate, can be riddled with complexities and hidden pitfalls. But fear not! By uncovering common mistakes… Read More
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 as a solution often raises many questions and anxieties. Unfortunately, these anxieties are often fueled by misconceptions and myths surrounding the process. Here, we tackle the 10 biggest myths about filing bankruptcy in Washington State,… 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 ones. In Washington State, a well-crafted estate plan ensures your wishes are known and respected, streamlining the process for your beneficiaries and avoids potential legal complications. Below, we delve… 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 never happened. As we step into 2024, the economic landscape remains uncertain, with lingering effects of the pandemic, rising inflation, and potential interest rate adjustments. This uncertainty can significantly… Read More
How to Buy Parents’ Home in Washington State - One question that comes up from time to time in my practice is how should I buy Parents' Home in Washington State in order to save the most on taxes and costs? The answer to the question of how to buy parents' home in Washington state depends on several questions as everybody's situation is unique. … Read More
10 reasons to use a Washington State Real Estate Lawyer For a House Purchase - Buying a home in Washington State is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. For many people buying a home is a dream come true. However, buying a home can be a complex legal transaction and that is why it is important to have a Washington State real estate lawyer on your… Read More
Washington State Bankruptcy Exemptions To Increase - Washington State bankruptcy Exemptions will increase on July 23, 2023 helping consumers protect more of their personal assets such as vehicles, bank account balances and personal injury proceeds. I had the chance to discuss the new changes to the Washington State Bankruptcy Exemption laws on 1150Am KKNW and you can check out that segment here:… Read More
How Can Real Estate Investors Work with a Distressed Property Lawyer? - Real estate investors in Washington State are always on the lookout for good deals, and distressed properties can be an attractive option. However, navigating the legal complexities of distressed properties can be challenging for even the most experienced investor. That's where a distressed property lawyer in the Seattle metro area can help, severing clients throughout… Read More
Top 10 Reasons Why People File for Bankruptcy in Seattle Washington - Bankruptcy is often thought of as a last resort for those who are struggling with overwhelming debt and financial difficulties. But what are the top 10 reasons why people file for bankruptcy in Seattle Washington? In this article, we'll explore the most common reasons why people turn to bankruptcy to help them get a fresh… Read More
What is a Real Estate 1031 Exchange? - If you have been holding on to a real estate investment or perhaps a former primary residence where you no longer can offset capital gains with a new home purchase, a 1031 exchange may be the answer that you are looking for to defer capital gains taxes. A 1031 Exchange is a tool used in… Read More
How to Negotiate a Real Estate Breakup - If you have purchased real estate with a romantic partner or business partner and did not have a co-ownership agreement defining the terms of your joint purchase and you no longer wish to own real estate together, then you may be scrambling to figure out what makes sense in terms of a settlement between the… Read More
How to Sell Your Washington State Home in a Changing Real Estate Market - If you are looking to sell your Washington State home or your home has been listed for sale, but you have not received the purchase price you wanted, Symmes law Group can Help. In order to sell your home, it may be time to consider new and modern options that you may or may not… Read More
What Assets Are Protected in Bankruptcy? - If you are a consumer considering bankruptcy as an option, you likely want to know what assets are protected in bankruptcy. That is because there is a lot of bad information you may hear on the street from friends or family or somebody who is not an expert in the laws of bankruptcy who tell… Read More
Should Last Minute Changes to a Will Be Made Before Somebody Passes Away? - Last minute changes to a will, codicil or an estate plan may be more common than you might think. Estate planning is not something that is always at the top of mind for most people. In fact, most people procrastinate and do not plan for un untimely death. It’s not really something that people want… Read More
What is Seller Financing? - If you are selling real estate and working with a real estate broker or are approached by a real estate investor you may be offered seller Financing as part of an offer for your real Estate. In response you may ask, what is seller Financing? This is a typical response as seller financing is typically… Read More
How to Sell a Business in Washington State - If you are looking to buy or sell a business in Washington State, it is something that will require careful planning and enlisting the correct professionals to work with to get your business ready to sell and assist you in the purchase and sale process in Washington State. Richard Symmes discussed how to buy and… Read More
Should I Buy Real Estate With an LLC? - It may make sense to buy real estate with an LLC depending on the situation and the purpose for the real estate ownership. For example, are you purchasing the property to use as your personal residence? Are you purchasing the property to fix up, flip and put on the market? Are you developing real estate… Read More
Is Bankruptcy or Debt Settlement Better for a Credit Score? - Deciding whether bankruptcy or debt settlement is better for your credit score likely means that you have a significant amount of debt and you are weighing your options moving forward. Some consumers will continue to pay minimums on their debts, while the debt balances continue to rise thinking this is their best way forward while… Read More
Does Real Estate Have to Go through Probate? - Does Real Estate Have to Go through probate? Anybody who passes away in Washington State with an estate net worth of over $100,000 likely needs to have their estate go through probate in Washington State. Probate is the process of paying creditors of the person who passed away while distributing assets so beneficiaries in line… Read More
Should I Create a Real Estate Co-Ownership Agreement with my Partner? - If you are thinking about creating a real estate co-ownership agreement then you may have already purchased a home, are on the home search or getting ready to close on the purchase of a home and are trying to figure out the complexities of home ownership with a partner that you are not married to. … Read More
7 Things You Need to Know About Surplus Funds - You may be entitled to surplus funds after the foreclosure sale of your home in Washington State if your home sells at a trustee sale for more than you owed on your mortgage(s) or judgment liens. You may be notified by a foreclosing trustee or perhaps a business or individual who seeks to “help” you… Read More
Are My Student Loans Discharged as Part of Navient Settlement? - On January 13, 2022 Thirty-nine state attorneys general announced that Student Loan Servicer Navient will provide relief to student loan borrowers and state attorneys general, including Washington State, in the amount of approximately 1.85 billion. I had the chance to talk about the Navient Student Loan Discharge settlement case and requirement to be eligible for… Read More
What to Expect in Bankruptcy and Real Estate in 2022 - The year 2022 is upon us and now is a good time to discuss where things may be headed in Bankruptcy and Real Estate in Washington State in 2022. I was able to discuss the outlook for Bankruptcy and Real estate in 2022 on 1150AM KKNW recently and you can listen to the show here:… Read More
How Do I Settle a Debt with a Debt Collector? - If you are reading this blog post then there is a high likelihood that you are attempting to settle a debt with a debt collector. The next thing you may be trying to figure out is whether it makes sense to hire a debt settlement attorney or company to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.… Read More
Can I Transfer Assets Into a Trust Prior to Filing Bankruptcy? - If you are considering filing for bankruptcy but have assets you want to protect, you may be asking yourself if you can transfer assets into a trust prior to filing bankruptcy. Trusts comes in a few varieties and are either revocable (also known as a living trust) and irrevocable trusts. I had the chance to… Read More
What are Options After Mortgage Forbearance Ends? - If you were impacted by COVID-19, own real estate and were unable to make your usual monthly mortgage payments, you may have requested a life line from your mortgage servicer and asked that your mortgage payments be put into forbearance and are now looking for options after mortgage forbearance ends. This meant that you would… Read More
Selling a Home if You are Behind on Mortgage Payments? - If you are thinking of selling a home if you are behind on mortgage payments then Symmes Law Group can help discuss with you all of your options, including options to retain your home. I had the chance to discuss selling a home if you are behind on mortgage payments on 1150am KKNW New Urban… Read More
Understand the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test in Washington State - When you face financial hardship, you may be looking at a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and wonder what the means test is in Washington. I had the chance to discuss and help others understand the chapter 7 bankruptcy means test in Washington State on 1150am KKNW and you can listen to the… Read More
Can I qualify for a Home Loan After Filing Bankruptcy? - You may be asking yourself, can I qualify for a home loan after filing bankruptcy, if you think bankruptcy might be the route you need to take to eliminate or reorganize your debts. There are a lot of myths out there, and the biggest one is probably that you will never qualify for credit or… Read More
Will the Washington State Homestead Exemption Be Increased? - In Washington state, debtors who want to file for bankruptcy are allowed to exempt (“protect”) up to $125,000 in equity in a primary home located in Washington under RCW 6.13 and up to $15k in property used as a homestead. Washington state is considered raising the homestead exemption in a proposed bill SB 5408. *UPDATE*:… Read More
Self Employed and Filing Bankruptcy - If you are self employed and filing bankruptcy, then you should know that it is possible, but you may have some additional hurdles you will need to go through to document your income and assets. The same is true when you file your taxes or apply for a home loan as the government or the… Read More
How Biden Administration May Impact Consumers - Now that the presidential election is over, we can look forward to 2021 and the next four years and how Biden administration may impact consumers moving forward and in particular how these policies could impact consumers with debt and possible relief moving forward. It should also be taken into account, that even though Biden has… Read More
How Do I Stop a Foreclosure Sale or Eviction in Washington State? - There are several options to stop a foreclosure sale or eviction in Washington State. Due to Covid-19 many homeowners as well as renters are falling behind on their mortgage and rent payments due to unemployment. While there are various federal and local government assistance and intervention programs available, many of the options may just provide… Read More
5 Essential Questions Consumers Want to Know About Bankruptcy - If you are trying to learn about bankruptcy and figure out how to handle your debt obligations, you are most likely looking into several options in order to lift the stress and burden that overwhelming debt can bring. During your research perhaps a friend or family member advised that bankruptcy may be an option for… Read More
The 10 Commandments of Filing Bankruptcy - If you are considering filing bankruptcy, you should consider following my own personal 10 commandments of filing bankruptcy. These are things that you should and should not do in preparation for your case filing. Bankruptcy is not something that that should be rushed into as your actions prior to filing can have consequences on you… Read More
How Do I Get Coronavirus Financial Relief? - If you are like many Americans, you are looking to get coronavirus financial relief, likely due to a job loss, or loss of income that has resulted due to forced business closures across the United States due to the Coronavirus. It’s hard to comprehend as just a few weeks ago the U.S. unemployment rate was… Read More
Is My Personal Injury Claim Protected If I File Bankruptcy? - A Personal injury claim may or may not be protected if you file for bankruptcy and will depend on several factors discussed below. Often times consumers thinking about filing bankruptcy have suffered some sort of personal injury or have been involved in an accident which may result in them having to file for bankruptcy. This… Read More
What is the New Small Business Chapter 11 Bankruptcy? - On Friday August 23, 2019, President Trump signed the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 into law, which includes a new small business chapter 11 bankruptcy. This law will go into effect in February of 2020 and could benefit many small business debtors who are considering filing a chapter 11 bankruptcy next year. I discussed… Read More
What is Financial Self Defense? - Financial self defense is a term used to describe your overall financial well being and planning for the future and unknown. I had the chance to discuss this topic on 1150 AM KKNW radio with Dr. James Gore the host of the New Urban unlimited radio show and JR Gillespie of All Star Financial Insurance.… Read More
How Can Bankruptcy Benefit Real Estate Investors and Consumers? - Last week attorney Richard Symmes had the opportunity to be on one of our favorite podcasts for real estate investing, the Seattle Investors Club Podcast. In the episode you will learn about attorney Richard Symmes' background and experience in bankruptcy and foreclosure defense and how can bankruptcy benefit real estate investors and consumers alike moving… Read More
What are Possible Remedies for An Unlawful Foreclosure? - If your home has been foreclosed upon, you may be looking for possible remedies for what you may consider an unlawful foreclosure. In Washington state most foreclosure sales have to go through the Washington state non judicial foreclosure process. It is also common during this process for a bank to change servicers which can cause… Read More
How Do I Transfer Real Estate in a Probate? - Probate is the process is the the procedure for distributing assets to beneficiaries, paying claims of creditors and resolving any disputes with regards to inheritances or claims to property within a superior court in Washington State. Having to deal with administering a probate case is never easy emotionally and by the sheer amount of work… Read More
What Happens After Filing Bankruptcy? - One of the most common questions that I am asked as a Seattle bankruptcy attorney is what happens after filing bankruptcy? This is a loaded question and how things transpire after filing bankruptcy will depend on each case individually however I have compiled a list of what most debtors can expect. I discussed this topic… Read More
How Can You Protect Yourself as a Real Estate Investor Washington State? - If you are thinking about becoming or are a real estate investor in Washington State you will want to know how to protect yourself as a real estate investor to make sure that you set yourself up for success and minimize risk whenever possible. With that said you will want to weigh the costs of… Read More
Can a Business File Bankruptcy? - Yes a business can file for bankruptcy, but a business owner will need to determine whether it will make sense to file a business bankruptcy, or deal with the debts on a personal level through a personal bankruptcy or debt settlement. A business is eligible to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chapter 7… Read More
How to Manage Old Debt After Recent Supreme Court Ruling - It’s easier for old debt to haunt American consumers seeking refuge in bankruptcy, thanks to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court in Midland Funding, LLC v. Johnson (2017). I have blogged before about Midland Funding and their reputation for collecting on stale debts and debt that they may not even be able to prove… Read More
Can an Attorney Help You Buy and Sell Real Estate? - Yes! In fact this can be a way you can save a significant amount of money on your real estate transactions. I had the opportunity to discuss whether an attorney can help you buy and sell real estate on 1150 AM KKNW which you can listen to here: Do I Have to Hire a Traditional… Read More
Do You Feel Threatened By Debt Collectors? - If you feel threatened by debt collectors you would not be alone. A recent survey by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") found that 1 in 4 consumers feel threatened by debt collectors. This is not surprising to me at all based on my experience in dealing with consumers who are facing debt collection combined with the amount of… Read More
What Should I do With My Car if I Owe More Than it’s Worth? - One common issue that I see time and time again at an increasing pace is that consumers owe significantly more to a bank for a car than the car is actually worth. As it turns out, www.edmunds.com has actual statistics to back this up which show that 1/3 of all auto trade-ins involve cars in which… Read More
What to Expect When Dealing with Debt in 2017 and Beyond? - Now that the 2016 election season has concluded and we have for better or worse a new President Elect in Donald Trump I wanted to look at how his policies may change how consumers and borrowers may act when dealing with debt issues in the next 4 years and beyond. I had the chance to… Read More
What Options are Available When Dealing with Tax Debt? - A common question that consumers often want an answer too is how can I deal with tax debt? Tax debt can come in several varieties such as State tax debt, B&O taxes, payroll taxes from a business and personal federal and state income tax just to name a few. I had the chance to discuss how to handle… Read More
10 Things You Need to Know If You Have A Civil Judgment Entered Against You - Quite often I receive frantic phone calls from consumers stating that a civil judgment has been entered against them and now they want to know what their options are. So what exactly does it mean when a civil judgment is entered against you? I had the chance to discuss this topic on the New Urban… Read More
How Do I Stop A Wage Garnishment Immediately? - One of the most common questions I get repeatedly from consumers is how do I stop a wage garnishment immediately? I had the chance to discuss this topic on KKNW 1150am radio with host James Gore which you can listen too above. The highlights of the conversation and the steps you can take to protect… Read More
What Questions Should I Be Asking When Filing For Bankruptcy? - On Monday 6/22/15 I had the pleasure once again of being a guest of Dr. James Gore on his radio show New Urban Unlimited on 1150AM KKNW in the Seattle area. I will be on the show which airs M-F at 6am, the last Monday of every month in 2015. You can listen to… Read More
What Are My Options With Dealing With Student Loan Debt? - On Monday 4/27/15 I had the pleasure once again of being a guest of Dr. James Gore on his radio show New Urban Unlimited on 1150AM KKNW in the Seattle area. I will be on the show which airs M-F at 6am, the last Monday of every month in 2015. You can listen to the… Read More
Seattle Attorney Richard Symmes On 1150 AM KKNW Talking About Credit Repair - On Monday 3/23/15 I had the pleasure once again of being a guest of Dr. James Gore on his radio show New Urban Unlimited on 1150AM KKNW in the Seattle area. I will be on the show which airs M-F at 6am, the last Monday of every month in 2015. You can listen to the… Read More
Richard Symmes on 1150AM KKNW Radio Talking About the Importance of an Estate Plan - On Monday 2/23/15 I had the pleasure once again of being a guest of Dr. James Gore on his radio show New Urban Unlimited on 1150AM KKNW in the Seattle area. I will be on the show which airs M-F at 6am, the last Monday of every month in 2015. You can listen to… Read More
Bankruptcy Attorney Richard Symmes on 1150AM KKNW Talking About Financial Solutions to Debt - On Monday 1/26/15 I had the pleasure of being a guest of Dr. James Gore on his radio show New Urban Unlimited on 1150AM KKNW in the Seattle area. I will be on the show which airs Every Saturday from 1 to 3pm, the last Saturday of every month . During our time Mr. Gore… Read More
