Generally, it is better to file your bankruptcy before you file for divorce, because most of your debts will be eliminated before you go through the process of dividing up the marital community. The tough economic climate in America today is taking its toll on American families. Many are unable to pay monthly bills due to job loss or catastrophic illness. If you are financially stressed and are thinking about getting divorced, now is a good time to talk to an experienced bankruptcy law attorney about your options through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
It may be advantageous for you to file for bankruptcy before filing for divorce. Seattle, Washington, attorney Andrew M. Gebelt is available for a free initial consultation by phone to answer questions and outline possible options.
If you decide to file for bankruptcy, we will be there to support you every step of the way. Because we have represented hundreds of clients, we have streamlined the process and know what financial information the court is looking for.
After we have met with you, we quickly file on your behalf. Your debt may be discharged or eliminated in Chapter 7 bankruptcy within three months. Once you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, which prohibits creditors from contacting you for further payments.
Marital Debt
The law firm of Andrew Gebelt has represented many clients struggling through divorce and bankruptcy issues. The advantages of filing for bankruptcy before divorce are twofold:
Enjoy a better life after divorce. Assets such as the house or cars must be equitably divided, as well as debts incurred during the marriage. By filing before divorce, you may qualify for Chapter 7, which allows discharge of debts such as money owed on credit cards. With the debts gone, you divide only assets in divorce. Once the debts are relieved, a couple may decide to stay together.
If you wait to file for bankruptcy after divorce, your financial picture may be completely different. You would need to file for bankruptcy separately, often in Chapter 13.
Save on filing fees. We charge a couple the same amount as we do a single person.
Contact the Law Firm of Andrew Gebelt
We offer every client a free initial consultation by phone. Please call 425-488-0392 or
Affordable Seattle Bankruptcy Lawyer
For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we charge:
- $625 if you are single ($600 service and $25 for a certificate of credit counseling)
- $660 if you are married ($635 service and $25 for a certificate of credit counseling)
All Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings have a $306 filing fee and a $10.00 certificate fee, which can be paid in three installments after the bankruptcy has already been filed. We will help you obtain your pre-filing certificates of credit counseling easily from http://www.abacuscc.org
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
