Help Is On The Way

Seattle bankruptcy lawyer Richard J. Symmes has filed hundreds of bankruptcy petitions, saved numerous homes from the brink of foreclosure, and assisted consumers in the settlement of millions of dollars in debts and now you can benefit from the years of experience Symmes Law Group has in dealing with creditors, debt collectors, and big banks who want to garnish your wages or foreclose on your home.

Experience Matters

When you hire a great debt relief attorney you will instantly feel at ease in knowing that you have an expert in your corner who can answer all of your questions and make sure you are being taken care of. Symmes Law Group strives to offer unparalleled personal service to help keep you sleeping well at night. Attorney Richard Symmes has a 99.6% chapter 7 discharge (debt forgiveness) rate for clients, and has over a decade of knowledge and experience in handling cases before the bankruptcy courts in Washington State to make sure your case goes smoothly.

Let’s Get Started Together

Our Simple, Streamlined

Seattle Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as the “fresh start” bankruptcy because it allows debtors to eliminate most if not all of their unsecured debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, while stopping garnishments and foreclosures. In essence, it allows a debtor to get a fresh start and begin rebuilding credit immediately. In most cases you get to retain all of your assets.

Step 1: Consultation

• Schedule your free initial consultation for over the phone, at the office or through Zoom
• Be Prepared to discuss your debts, assets and household gross income
• We want to hear your story and help
• If you are a good candidate for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be provided intake documents
which include a detailed questionnaire and list of information we will need from you such as your last 2 years of tax returns, last 6 months of paystubs and any creditors who do not show up on a credit report.

Step 2: Document Gathering

• You will begin the process of gathering the required information and ask any follow up questions.
• You will complete the required credit counseling class at www.abacuscc.org

Step 3: Petition Preparation and Payment

• Once all documents are received from you, and all legal fees are paid, your attorney will begin
working on your bankruptcy petition and obtain a copy of your credit report.
• You will be notified if any additional information is needed and be asked for clarification if there are
any questions related to the information provided.

Step 4: Sign Your Petition

• We make sure everything is ready to be filed with the court
• You review your already drafted petition and advise of any changes
• You will need to provide your bank activity showing current balances and activity for the 30 days
prior to filing.
• Your case will likely be filed the same day you sign your bankruptcy petition.

Step 5: Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors

• Your court meeting will be in about 30 days after your case is filed
• Your meeting will likely last 5 minutes or less, but you should plan for about an hour as there are
other cases at the same time.

Step 6: Complete Financial Management Class and Wait

• You are required to complete a second credit class called Financial Management
• Debts will likely be discharged in about 60 days after the court meeting

You’re Done!

You have achieved Your Fresh Start!

Benefits of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Our Simple, Streamlined

Seattle Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process

A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to file a 3-5 year repayment plan that will be overseen by the Chapter 13 trustee in which you will pay off all or part of your debts from your future income. You can use Chapter 13 to prevent a house foreclosure, pay back taxes, make up missed car and mortgage payments, stop interest from accruing on your tax debt (including Washington State, or Federal taxes), and keep non-exempt property.

Step 1: Consultation

• Schedule your free initial consultation for over the phone, at the office or through Zoom
• Be Prepared to discuss your debts, assets and household gross income
• We want to hear your story and help
• If you are a good candidate for chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will be provided intake documents which include a detailed questionnaire and list of information we will need from you such as your last 2 years of tax returns, last 6 months of paystubs and any creditors who do not show up on a credit report.

Step 2: Document Gathering

• You will begin the process of gathering the required information and ask any follow up questions.
• You will complete the required credit counseling class.

Step 3: Petition Preparation and Payment

• Once all documents are received from you, and all required up front legal fees are paid, your attorney will begin working on your bankruptcy petition and obtain a copy of your credit report.
• You will be notified if any additional information is needed and be asked for clarification if there are any questions related to the information provided.
• You will be advised on the payment plan that we would advise proposing to the court.

Step 4: Sign Your Petition

• We make sure everything is ready to be filed with the court
• You review your already drafted petition, plan and advise of any changes
• You will need to provide your bank activity showing current balances and activity for the 30 days prior to filing.
• Your case will likely be filed the same day you sign your bankruptcy petition and your first plan payment will be due in 30 days.

Step 5: Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors

• Your court meeting will be in about 30-45 days after your case is filed
• Your meeting will likely last 7 minutes or less, but you should plan for about an hour as there are other cases at the same time.
• An attorney from the chapter 13 trustee’s office will advise if they need any additional information or if changes are needed to the plan proposed.

Step 6: Complete Financial Management Class and Wait for Plan Confirmation

• You are required to complete a second credit class called financial management.
• The chapter 13 trustee or creditors may file objections to your plan filed and request changes. Once these are made, your plan can be confirmed.
• Your chapter 13 plan confirmation date is typically in about 30 days after your court meeting and you do not need to attend.
• Your plan will be automatically confirmed by the court if there are no objections to confirmation.

Step 7: Make Your Plan Payments

• You will be required to make your plan payments for 3-5 years while in the chapter 13 plan.
• Once you complete the terms of your plan, you will receive a chapter 13 discharge order from the court.

You’re Done!

You have achieved Your Fresh Start!

Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy