Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Seattle, WA

The typical cost for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Seattle, Washington, includes a $338 court filing fee and attorney fees ranging from $1,500 to $3,500. For a Chapter 13 case, the filing fee is $313, and attorney fees usually range from $3,500 to $6,000. Many lawyers offer payment plans, such as paying a deposit of $500 to $1,000 upfront with the balance due before filing, or in Chapter 13 cases, incorporating attorney fees into the repayment plan over three to five years. Some low-income debtors may qualify for reduced-fee or pro bono services through legal aid organizations.

This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy costs and procedures vary based on individual circumstances, and you should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Seattle to discuss your specific situation and obtain an accurate fee estimate. The court filing fees are set by federal law and are subject to change.

Bankruptcy practice in Seattle, Washington, provides individuals and businesses with a legal pathway to address overwhelming debt through three primary chapters. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often called liquidation, is designed for individuals and businesses with limited income who cannot repay their debts. In a Chapter 7 case, a trustee sells non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and most unsecured debts are discharged. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, known as reorganization, is for individuals with regular income who can commit to a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on secured debts like mortgages or car loans while paying a portion of unsecured debts. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily for businesses, including sole proprietorships and corporations, allowing them to reorganize debts and operations while continuing to function. For a single person in Seattle with modest assets and low income, Chapter 7 is often the appropriate choice. For a homeowner facing foreclosure or someone with a steady job but overwhelming medical bills, Chapter 13 provides a structured way to keep assets and catch up on payments. Chapter 11 is suited for a small business in Seattle that needs to restructure leases, contracts, and debts while staying open.

Washington state law allows debtors to choose between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions, but not both. Most Seattle residents opt for Washington state exemptions because they offer more generous protections for home equity and personal property. The Washington homestead exemption protects up to $125,000 of equity in a primary residence, increased to $200,000 if the debtor is 62 or older, disabled, or a widow or widower. This exemption is critical for homeowners in Seattle, where property values are high. For vehicles, Washington exempts up to $3,000 of equity in one motor vehicle, though a debtor can use the wildcard exemption to protect additional value. The Washington wildcard exemption allows a debtor to protect up to $1,500 of any property, plus up to $4,000 of unused homestead exemption. Other important state exemptions include up to $2,000 in household goods, $1,500 in books and electronics, and $1,000 in jewelry. Washington Revised Code Title 19, Chapter 19.16 governs these exemptions, and a bankruptcy lawyer can help a debtor maximize these protections. For example, a Seattle resident with $130,000 in home equity might use the homestead exemption to protect $125,000 and the wildcard to protect the remaining $5,000.

The means test determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington. This test compares a debtors income to the median income for a household of the same size in Washington state. As of 2025, the median income for a single person in Washington is approximately $67,000 per year, for a two-person household about $85,000, for a three-person household about $100,000, and for a four-person household about $120,000. If a debtors income is below the median, they automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If income exceeds the median, the debtor must complete a detailed calculation of income minus allowed expenses over a 60-month period. If the resulting disposable income is less than $100 per month, the debtor passes the means test. If disposable income is between $100 and $167 per month, the debtor must compare that amount to 25 percent of their non-priority unsecured debt. If disposable income exceeds $167 per month, the debtor fails the means test and cannot file Chapter 7, but may still qualify for Chapter 13. The means test uses the debtors average income from the six months before filing, not their current income. A Seattle resident who lost a high-paying job six months ago may pass the means test even if they recently started a lower-paying job.

When a bankruptcy case is filed in Seattle, the automatic stay immediately goes into effect, stopping all creditor collection activities. This includes phone calls, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, repossession attempts, and lawsuits. The automatic stay provides immediate relief and breathing room for the debtor. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For a Chapter 7 case, the process typically takes three to five months. The debtor must attend a meeting of creditors, called a 341 meeting, about 30 to 45 days after filing. The trustee asks questions about the debtors assets, debts, and financial history. If no issues arise, the court issues a discharge order about 60 to 90 days after the 341 meeting. For a Chapter 13 case, the process takes three to five years. The debtor must make monthly payments to a trustee, who distributes funds to creditors. The discharge is granted after the debtor completes all payments under the plan. In both chapters, the debtor must complete two mandatory courses: a pre-filing credit counseling course from an approved agency within 180 days before filing, and a post-filing debtor education course before the discharge is granted. Failure to complete either course can result in the case being dismissed without a discharge.

The costs of bankruptcy in Seattle include court filing fees and attorney fees. The federal filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313 as of 2025. These fees can be paid in installments with court approval, but cannot be waived for Chapter 7 cases except in limited circumstances for low-income debtors. Attorney fees in Seattle for a straightforward Chapter 7 case typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of the case. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, usually ranging from $3,500 to $6,000, because the case involves a multi-year repayment plan and more court oversight. Many bankruptcy lawyers in Seattle offer payment plans, allowing debtors to pay attorney fees in installments before filing. Some lawyers require full payment before filing, while others allow partial payment upfront with the balance paid through the Chapter 13 plan. For low-income individuals, pro bono resources are available through organizations such as the Northwest Justice Project and the King County Bar Associations Neighborhood Legal Clinics. These programs provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation for qualifying individuals. Additionally, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington offers self-help resources for debtors who choose to file without an attorney, though this is not recommended for complex cases.

Life after bankruptcy requires strategic planning to rebuild credit and financial stability. A Chapter 7 discharge stays on a credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for 7 years. During this time, debtors can take steps to improve their credit score. One effective strategy is to obtain a secured credit card, where the debtor deposits cash as collateral and receives a small credit limit. Making on-time payments for six to twelve months can lead to an unsecured card. Another approach is to become an authorized user on a family members credit card with a good payment history. Debtors should also monitor their credit reports for errors and ensure discharged debts are marked as included in bankruptcy. Some debts survive bankruptcy and remain payable. These include most student loans, unless the debtor can prove undue hardship in an adversary proceeding, which is difficult to win. Taxes from the last three years, child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud or willful injury also survive. Debts for personal injury caused by drunk driving are non-dischargeable. A Seattle resident who files bankruptcy should consult with a lawyer to understand which debts will be discharged and which will remain. With consistent effort, many debtors see their credit scores improve within two to three years after discharge, allowing them to qualify for mortgages and car loans at reasonable rates.