Filing for bankruptcy is not only stressful, but may also be confusing and emotionally taxing. You might be worried about your future credit, your reputation, and your ability to recover from the bankruptcy filing. The good news is that even though you have filed for bankruptcy, you can recover fairly quickly – in fact, filing for bankruptcy can be seen as a step in the right direction if you are suffering financially. If you’re considering bankruptcy, such as Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this decision. While most people believe that bankruptcy is a negative thing, it has its positives as well, and understanding the Positives of Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Washington can provide you with valuable insights.

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Before delving into the Positives of Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Washington, we will quickly explain what Chapter 7 bankruptcy is.

A Chapter 7 allows you to get many, or all, of your debts cancelled. To repay your creditors, some of your assets may have to be sold. However, most of the time, a debtor’s assets are exempt, meaning you will be able to keep them even after the filing.

Positives of Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Washington

We know that filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not something you necessarily want to do, and you may be worried about all of the negative things that come along with it. However, we want you to also consider the positives of filing for bankruptcy. In the long run, declaring bankruptcy will help you get back on the right track financially.

For example, even if some of your property and assets are subject to sale after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most of your property is likely to be exempt. Additionally, upon a bankruptcy filing, you will no longer be subject to wage garnishments or bank account levies – meaning you get to keep all of what you are making at your job without having it garnished to pay off debt.

Moreover, declaring bankruptcy will allow you to start rebuilding your credit. Having delinquencies and other negative history on your credit reports makes it difficult for you to move forward.  A bankruptcy will result in an initial hit to your credit score but it’s a reset button that allows you to rebuild pretty quickly.  Many people who file are offered credit cards within a couple of weeks of filing.  If they use one responsibly, that payment history is reported to the credit bureaus and a fresh start begins in a few months.  People who do that often see their scores move into the “good” range within 18-24 months after a Chapter 7.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be scary and something you are unsure of, but the best thing to do if you are considering filing for bankruptcy is to consult a bankruptcy attorney.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer are experienced at handling Chapter 7 cases and understand that this is a tough time. We strive to help our clients understand the process of filing for bankruptcy, as well as helping you feel comfortable about the process.

For an initial consultation, we welcome your call to our office at (360) 334-6277.