Should you wait to file? If you are a homeowner filing a personal case, the answer might be yes. Homeowners in Washington have traditionally used the Washington state exemptions since it protected so much more of the equity in a person's house. The problem with the old exemptions was that you could only have $500.00 in a bank account and $3,250.00 in car [...]

Recovering from bankruptcy can be a difficult process to undertake, but it doesn’t have to be a dead end. As a bankruptcy lawyer, I understand the range of emotions people feel after filing for bankruptcy. While the thought of starting over can be daunting, there are a few steps you can take to rebuild your financial future more quickly. Step 1: Establish a Budget The first step to financial recovery [...]

I love Chapter 13 bankruptcy because it really allows the borrower to get the power back in the creditor-borrower relationship. I use them to save people’s houses and to potentially strip second mortgages and judgment liens. You can save a car that is about to be repossessed, discharge some taxes, maybe discharge student loans, get your drivers license back, stop garnishments, sometimes stop evictions, and just generally put your [...]

Adjustment of Status is the process of applying for lawful permanent residency in the United States. The process is commonly known as applying for a green card. Becoming a lawful permanent resident can happen through a number of ways, including family members, a job or job offer, seeking asylum, or other special provisions. Obtaining Permanent Residency Status through Adjustment of Status is for those who are already in the United [...]

Family immigration is the primary basis for legal immigration to the United States. Under current immigration law, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can sponsor certain family members for a visa that provides permanent residence, also known as a green card. What Is the Purpose of a US Family Visa? A green card allows you to work and live in the United States as a permanent resident. Adjustment of [...]

Filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy provides relief to the debtor of any amount of debt owed and does not involve filing a repayment plan as in Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The debtors' non-exempt assets are liquidated by a trustee and the funds are distributed to pay the creditors. (For many or most debtors all of their property will be protected.) Under the Bankruptcy code, the debtor is able [...]

Are you facing wage garnishment, and don't know what to do? Unfortunately, Washington is one of the states where creditors can take a portion of your wages after they have obtained a judgment. Different types of creditors can take different amounts of money from you. The IRS can take a certain amount up to everything besides what they deem to necessary for you to pay for basic living necessities [...]

How many times were you told when you were growing up that you should do what makes you happy? Dozens? Hundreds? I was told that over and over, and I struggled with it through university. After taking a 4 year break teaching English in Japan, I went to law school. I then graduated at a terrible time for attorneys. Large firms were not hiring, government was not hiring, so [...]