Bankruptcy chapter 7 - $695 + court filing fee
What does the $695 cover?
If you live in King, Pierce or Snohomish County, it is flat fee that covers the preparation of all the Chapter 7 bankruptcy court documents and appearing with you in bankruptcy court.
How much is the court filing fee?
The court filing fee is $299.
When are these amounts due?
The documents will be ready for your signature after the $695 is received. The signed documents will be filed with the court after the $299 filing fee is received. You may pay any amounts over any period of time that you like. But the sooner the full amount is received, the sooner your bankruptcy case will be filed.
What if I have flied bankruptcy before?
If you have received a Chapter 7 discharge within the last eight years, then you are not eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy at this time. If it has been eight years or more, then you are now eligible.
What if the total of all my debts is less than $10,000?
Then you should keep looking for some financial solution other than bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is intended to be last resort for those who have accumulated a large amount of debt.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankrutpcy?
In a Chapter 7 all of your eligible debts are cleared. In a Chapter 13 you make monthly payments through the court to pay back part of your debts. Chapter 13 is chosen less often than Chapter 7 and is usually done only by those who are not eligible for a Chapter 7.
Are there income restrictions to be able to file Chapter 7?
Yes. If your income is less than the median income for families of your size in Washington state, then you are eligible. Mr. Hogan will talk to you about what those median income amounts are. If your income is above the state median, then your eligibility depends on a more complicated formula that you should discuss with an attorney.
Which debts would be cleared by the Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
In general, you can discharge all your debts except the following: student loans, child support, spousal maintenance or alimony, most taxes, personal injuries caused by drunk driving, court fines, criminal sentences and restitution, any debt obtained by fraud, and any account on which $500 or more was charged during the last 90 days.
Will I be able to keep some of my credit accounts open?
That depends on whether you and the creditor both agree. You can sign a reaffirmation agreement if you and the creditor both choose to do so. A reaffirmation agreement is a separate, voluntary contract that cancels the bankruptcy for that particular account. It means that the account will stay open and that the creditor can stilll sue you if you don't pay. A creditor cannot force you to sign a reaffirmation agreement. And you cannot force a creditor to keep an account open.
Will I have to go to court?
Yes, there is one court hearing that everyone who files bankruptcy must attend. Mr. Hogan would be with you to represent you.
Will I be able to keept my car?
Most people get to keep their cars if they want to. The car is only at risk if you have exceptionally high equity in it or if you are so far behind in your car payments that the car lender would rather just repossess it.
How can I get more information?
Call 206-292-8080 or email hoganlaw@msn.com for your free telephone or office consultation.
