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Frequently Asked Questions
People go through divorce all the time, so why shouldn't you be able to divorce your debt?
General Questions
Everyone has a different idea of what a “free consultation” is. The most difficult thing is picking up the phone and calling to ask for help. Because of this, I try to answer all of your questions as best that I can within reason. I hope to give you enough information to feel at ease with making the right decision for you.
If you call, you’ll most likely get to talk to me directly. I’m a small office and I like it that way. If you end up getting my voicemail, its likely because I am in court or on the other line. I try to get back to you as soon as I can.
If you send me an email, I’ll be the one that reads it and responds. I like to respond to your emails as quickly as I can.
My turnaround time varies, but I like to get back to people as quickly as I can. Sometimes life happens and I can’t get back to you as quickly as I can, but I’ll do my best.
Your initial conversation is confidential with me, but I also request that you give me your name and contact information, so on the off chance that another party related to your case calls, I can screen for conflicts of interest.
The information I’ll request at our initial conversation includes the total amount of debt you have and how did you accumulate it. I’ll also ask about the income that’s coming into the household. This helps me tailor what type of bankruptcy (if any) may be the right fit for you.
After the initial conversation, we can schedule a lengthier conversation (initial consultation) to get the specifics and get the process started. You’ll be one more step closer to filing. The initial consultation really gives you a broad overview of what to expect in the bankruptcy process from all the parties involved and what potential pros and cons are that may arise from your filing.
I do offer video conferencing if necessary. You can always pick up the phone and talk to me first. I urge all my clients to remain at home due to the governor’s orders.
The Bankruptcy Code is a federal code and the federal government has done a great job of keeping Bankruptcy Courts open. In fact, it’s more convenient to file now since your court hearing will likely be held by telephone. You will not have to travel to the courthouse and attend a meeting in person. That is always subject to change, but the Bankruptcy Courts have gone to great lengths to keep you and everyone safe.
What’s different from my services is that I’m one individual. If you contact me, you’ll be speaking with and work directly with me. I will personally handle all aspects of your case. The way the world works today and how big our world has gotten, often times you will have spent more time with the provider’s team than with the individual you are seeking advice from. For example, what medical or legal office have you gone to where you have had to interact with at least 2 people (receptionist and assistant) before speaking with the actual provider of the service. My office has a small town feel in a big city, and that’s how I approach things since I use to live in a small town (Moses Lake) and now I live in a big town (Bellevue). I will be here to personally help you no matter how big or small your question, concern, or issue may be.
Bankruptcy Questions
Bankruptcy is a fairly straight forward process for many. Though the bankruptcy process may look differently for each individual or couple going through the process.
A bankruptcy can wipe out many of your debts, most common debts to be cleared are medical bills, credit cards, eviction judgments, deficiency balances arising from repossessed vehicles, old debts from past payday loans, utility bills, internet or phone companies can also be included. Some taxes may also be wiped out. What’s typically not wiped out are government fines/tickets and student loans.
Bankruptcies can help you avoid or stop garnishments, stop repossessions and even get your vehicle back after its been repo’d, as well as avoid foreclosure of your home.
A bankruptcy can wipe out many of your debts, most common debts to be cleared are medical bills, credit cards, eviction judgments, deficiency balances arising from repossessed vehicles, old debts from past payday loans, utility bills, internet or phone companies can also be included. Some taxes may also be wiped out. What’s typically not wiped out are government fines/tickets and student loans.
Bankruptcies can help you avoid or stop garnishments, stop repossessions and even get your vehicle back after its been repo’d, as well as avoid foreclosure of your home.
Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies may allow you to keep your property. That all depends on the equity in your property at the time of the filing as well as if you are current on the mortgage on the property. It’s best to talk to a bankruptcy attorney like myself to determine which chapter may be best for you based on your home value and mortgage(s) owed.
Bankruptcy is your choice to file. Many people can choose which bankruptcy chapter to file. Sometimes you won’t qualify for one chapter over another due to your income level and assets that you may have. It is best to consult with me to determine what options are best for you.
Bankruptcy is the best way for you to wipe out or clear your past debt that you have no other way of paying back within a reasonable time period. It will help you stop the harassing calls from debt collectors. You will receive relief from the debt that you have as bankruptcy allows you to move forward with your current bills/monthly expenses. You will be able to start saving for retirement or the trip you always wanted to take or whatever goal you may have for your future!
There are many different chapters of bankruptcy, but consumers like yourselves are usually concerned with filing either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13.
The main difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that a Chapter 7 does not require repayment of debt. A Chapter 13 requires a repayment of debt to creditors.
Bankruptcy is a personal choice, though it may not feel like a choice. It is your own personal decision to file bankruptcy or not to. However, you want to be able to make an informed decision. Please pick up the phone and call me, so we can talk about your situation and what debt is plaguing you, so you will have the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.
There is no certain amount of debt you need to qualify for bankruptcy. There are debt limits that change (meaning you can’t have over a certain amount of debt). When you’re filing bankruptcy, you’re not doing this yearly, therefore I usually suggest you should have at least $10,000 of debt in order to make a bankruptcy filing worthwhile.
People who file bankruptcy are all ages. Young, old, or middle aged. Bankruptcy is filed by all individuals regardless of age, as each person has a specific reason as to why they’re filing. You are never too young, too old, too poor, or too rich to file.
You can file a bankruptcy on your own, as you can do most things on your own, such as filing your taxes, changing the oil in your car, and fixing the leaky faucet yourself. However, it comes down to the comfort level of doing so. A bankruptcy is a serious matter and you want to get it right the first time. You do not want to have inadvertently done something that complicates your case for the Bankruptcy Trustee or Bankruptcy Court. Therefore, its best to at least consult with, if not hire a bankruptcy attorney to assist you in the matter. If you feel like you can’t afford one, there are also some options available. Please come talk to me about all your options.
Bankruptcy does eliminate a lot of your debts, but not all. Most commonly government fines/tickets, and student loans cannot be eliminated.
Bankruptcy shows up in the court system (which is public record) and any individual could search for bankruptcy filings. However, most people won’t have a google alert on you and likely not even know you’ve filed unless you inform them.
Yes, if this is your first bankruptcy filing, it will stop foreclosures and repossessions. There are certain requirements to ensure that the foreclosure and repossession do not continue to occur, but each individual has specific reasons as to why they’re in foreclosure and repossession. Its best to contact me so we can talk about your specific situation and how to propose an appropriate bankruptcy plan to ensure that you get to keep your car and/or home.
If you have difficulty making your car payment or have a high monthly car payment, or have been turned down for a refinance of the car loan, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you. If you have owned your car for at least 2.5 years, you’re likely eligible to pay the fair market value of the car as opposed to the actual loan amount, which is usually more. This will allow you to make payments on the vehicle at a lower monthly payment, hence saving you money in the long run and helping you avoid late payments and a potential repossession for the vehicle.
If you have difficulty making your car payment or have a high monthly car payment, or have been turned down for a refinance of the car loan, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you. If you have owned your car for at least 2.5 years, you’re likely eligible to pay the fair market value of the car as opposed to the actual loan amount, which is usually more. This will allow you to make payments on the vehicle at a lower monthly payment, hence saving you money in the long run and helping you avoid late payments and a potential repossession for the vehicle.
Yes, all medical bills can be wiped out in a bankruptcy. Even the ones that you disputed for years with the initial medical provider and got sent to collections where the debt was sold to another debt collector who heard your story numerous times and told you there was nothing they could do and that your balance was even higher than the last time you called or received a notice. This is a frustrating ordeal and its only exacerbated by having not one medical bill, but numerous bills to take care of.
In most cases student loan debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Recently there have been some cases where student loan debt has been dischargeable. The Bankruptcy Court looks at this on a case by case basis. Please call me so we can discuss your unique situation you find yourself in and why you cannot be able to afford to pay on your student loans or pay them off in a reasonable time.
Bankruptcy will absolutely stop collection calls and creditor harassment. Even starting the process and retaining me will get them to stop calling you. Please give me a call, so we can get the process started.
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please call (425) 559-0636 to schedule a free consultation, no matter how long it takes.
Law Office of Lisa S. Tse
Address: 40 Lake Bellevue Drive, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98005
Fax: (425) 669-9037
Email: lisa@lisatselaw.com
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information contained on this website is presented for informational and marketing purposes only and is not to be understood as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice respecting your individual needs. Law Office of Lisa S. Tse looks forward to speaking with you about your particular needs. Please note, however, that the mere act of contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. As a result, you should never send any confidential information to our office until a Representation Agreement has been signed by both you and the Law Office of Lisa S. Tse. The Law Office of Lisa S. Tse, PLLC is a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.