Best Bankruptcy Lawyers Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA Bankruptcy FAQs

• Where do I file for bankruptcy in Tacoma, Washington?

  You can file for bankruptcy in Tacoma at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington. It's located at 1717 Pacific Avenue, Ste 2100, Tacoma, WA 98402-3233. You can get in touch by calling 253-882-3900.

• Where can I get bankruptcy forms in Tacoma, Washington?

  You can obtain Tacoma bankruptcy forms from the United States Courts website. You can access and download forms using this link: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.

• When you file for bankruptcy in Tacoma, do retirement accounts remain protected?

  Retirement accounts are protected if you file for bankruptcy in Tacoma. This is because Washington and federal states allow individuals to protect 100% of the assets in their retirement accounts. One way to protect your cash is to deposit the money into a retirement account before filing for bankruptcy.

• Can anyone file for bankruptcy in Tacoma?

  Technically, anyone can file for bankruptcy in Tacoma, but there are different types of bankruptcy, including Chapters 7 and 13, and not all individuals qualify for these two bankruptcy chapters. In Chapter 7, you must pass the means test and calculate the average of your income for the last six months. In Chapter 13, you must be employed to pay off your debts for the next three to five years.

• How can the 720 program help individuals and businesses improve their credit scores after filing for bankruptcy in Tacoma?

  The 720 program can help individuals and businesses improve their credit scores within 12 to 24 months after filing for bankruptcy in Tacoma; the program educates debtors on what balances should they carry on any new cards, what positive information overwhelms credit bureaus, and how utilization rates impact their scores. It also teaches debtors how to remove derogatory items and to make sure that their pre-filing debts are protected after bankruptcy.

• Can you keep your car or home after filing for bankruptcy in Tacoma?

  If you are still paying for your car and your home, you will need to continue these payments if you want to keep these assets after filing for bankruptcy in Tacoma. However, if you have too much property equity, the Bankruptcy Court may liquidate your home or car. You should only have $125,000 in home equity according to the State of Washington law.

• In Tacoma, how much does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case usually cost?

  A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Tacoma is calculated during your first consultation; you need to pay a credit counseling fee that costs $25 to $50, a court filing fee of $338, and a credit report fee of $37 to $74, depending if you are single or married. The $235 of the court filing fee can also be paid in installments.