If debt payments are becoming difficult to manage, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you understand your options. Our Federal Way firm helps people in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn and throughout Western Washington consider Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Tell us what is happening, whether it is a wage garnishment, missed payments or debts that are not getting smaller. We can review your circumstances and discuss possible next steps. Remote consultations and case preparation are available, so you can meet with us from home.

Christopher A. Benson has been awarded “Top Rated Lawyer for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023” by AVVO.com

Christopher A. Benson has an Avvo rating of 10.0

Right now we are running a special program for people who File a Chapter 13 Debt Reorganization/Debt Consolidation case with us.

Live streaming consultations and case preparation.  We can meet with you and prepare your case from the convenience of your home if you choose.

Chapter 7 Or Chapter 13: What Is The Difference?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 work differently. In Chapter 7, a trustee may sell nonexempt property to pay creditors; exemptions protect certain property. Chapter 13 allows eligible people with regular income to propose a plan to repay all or part of their debts, usually over three to five years. Sources: U.S. Courts: Chapter 7 bankruptcy; U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Your income, property, debts and goals matter when comparing the options.

Learn more about the different types of bankruptcy, or ask us which options may fit your situation.

What Can A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer Help Me Review?

A Chapter 13 consultation is a chance to discuss your income, essential expenses, missed payments and what you hope to accomplish. We can review whether a repayment plan may be an option and explain the obligations it would involve. Eligibility, plan terms and the result depend on the facts of your case.

Initial Bankruptcy Consultation With Attorney Chris Benson. Please watch our video:

How Should I Prepare For A Bankruptcy Consultation?

Have a list of your debts, monthly income and household expenses available. Gather recent creditor notices and any court papers, and tell us about upcoming deadlines. If you are concerned about a garnishment, foreclosure or eviction, mention it when you contact us so we can discuss the timing and your circumstances.

Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation.

Behind on house payments? Chapter 13 may allow eligible homeowners to address mortgage arrears through a repayment plan, usually lasting three to five years. You must also keep up with required ongoing payments. The loan, arrears, foreclosure timing and case facts affect the available options. Sources: 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(5), (c)–(e); U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Wages getting garnished? Filing Chapter 13 generally starts an automatic stay that stops many wage garnishments, subject to exceptions and limits. A repayment plan can address multiple debts, but eligibility, payment amounts and the treatment of each debt depend on your circumstances. Sources: 11 U.S.C. § 362(a)–(d); U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Creditor calls, demand letters or collection notices? Bankruptcy may stop many collection activities while the automatic stay applies. Source: 11 U.S.C. § 362(a)–(d). Tell us about the debts, deadlines and any previous bankruptcy filings so we can review the protection available.

Behind on rent or facing eviction? Contact us promptly and bring any notices, lawsuit papers or court orders. Bankruptcy does not stop every eviction. The stage of the case, any judgment for possession and statutory exceptions affect whether protection is available. Do not assume that filing gives you six months to catch up. Source: 11 U.S.C. § 362(b)(22)–(23), (l)–(m).

Here is a recent case we handled to stop a wage garnishment before the next paycheck was issued:

Common Bankruptcy Myth: “Filing Bankruptcy is a last resort.” That myth is simply not true.  For a lot of people, filing bankruptcy is an excellent choice: Even if you are not behind on any creditor payments at this time.

Whatever your situation, we will figure out a solution together. Filing bankruptcy is not the “last resort.”

For a lot of people it should be the first choice and the sooner you file, the sooner you start saving money.  Money that you need to survive.

Bankruptcy can provide a process for addressing multiple debts, but it does not solve every financial issue or erase every obligation. Sources: U.S. Courts: discharge in bankruptcy; U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If your debts are becoming difficult to manage, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can review your income, property and goals and explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or another approach may fit your circumstances.

Now you can be anywhere in Western Washington and get the best bankruptcy lawyer for your case. *We don’t handle cases in Eastern WA*

You will be able to video live stream the conference with your smart phone, Ipad or desktop computer. Fast and easy for you.

We send you a link that you click to join the conference. No special hardware required.

Video and voice available on my end.  You can choose to also join by video OR you can simply join by voice.  It’s your decision.

Finding a Bankruptcy Lawyer you like is important. Choose wisely.

When You Decide It’s Time To Take Control Of Your Financial Situation — 5 Reasons We’re Your Best Choice:

1. Christopher A. Benson has been practicing law since 1991. Our office has helped over 3,000 Washingtonians take control of their financial situation and Get a Fresh Start! Our experience matters, and will make a difference when you need it the most.

2. As experienced bankruptcy attorneys, we work fast so you can get financial relief as soon as possible. Call (253) 815-6940 to schedule your free initial consultation today.

3.Our clients love working with us. Check out our Client Reviews Page to see what our clients have to say. Christopher A. Benson has an Avvo rating of 10.0.

4. Chapter 13 may allow eligible people with regular income to repay all or part of their debts through a court-approved plan. The treatment of credit cards, medical bills, repossessions and judgments depends on the debt and case facts. We can review the proposed payments and obligations with you; a lower monthly payment is not guaranteed. Source: U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

5. For Chapter 13 cases with our firm, no attorney fee is required upfront. The credit report costs $100 separately. This does not mean the case is free: attorney fees and other case costs remain separate from that credit-report charge. We will explain the fees, costs and payment arrangements before you decide to proceed. This Chapter 13 offer does not describe our Chapter 7 fees.

Please watch the video below for an overview of how garnishments work in Washington, how long they last, and how I can stop them for you.

• Bankruptcy may offer different options depending on your goals. Chapter 13 may allow eligible homeowners to catch up on mortgage arrears through a repayment plan, usually lasting three to five years, while making required ongoing payments. The treatment of interest, fees and arrears depends on the loan and applicable law; a zero-interest result is not guaranteed. If you do not want to keep the property, we can discuss surrender, personal liability and any liens that may remain. Sources: 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(5), (c)–(e); U.S. Courts: Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Call (253) 815-6940 to review your options.

• The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy must first get credit counseling from a government-approved organization before they file. After you file your bankruptcy case, you must also complete a debt education course to have debts discharged.

• We will guide you through the process and provide all the information and contacts necessary for your case to be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our goal is to provide fast and friendly help in your time of need, to get your life back on track and Get a Fresh Start! For more information, please read the FTC, Facts for Consumers, provided by the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov).

• Find the right bankruptcy lawyer for you.

For those clients with financial problems – We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.