How Long Does It Take to File Bankruptcy in Washington State?

In January 2019, 111 people filed for bankruptcy in King County. It happens frequently, but many individuals don’t understand the process. One of the most common questions involves the timeline. How long does bankruptcy take in Washington? As with most legal questions, there is no easy answer.

The Timeline for Filing for Bankruptcy

Before understanding the timeline for filing for bankruptcy, you should know that there are different ways of getting it done. One of the quickest forms of bankruptcy is a Chapter 7. With this type, you can expect debt discharge to occur in approximately four months.

On the other hand, a Chapter 13 takes much longer. It takes about three to five years for discharge to occur. This is because you need to make monthly payments to a trustee. With this type of bankruptcy, your debt is not discharged until you make all of your payments. For people with lower incomes, the repayment plan is usually over a term of three years.

Understanding the Process

The biggest hold-up in the process is usually the debtor. Before you can be discharged, there are several things you need to do. For instance, someone who files for a Chapter 7 needs to attend a bankruptcy education class. They also need to be present at a 341 meeting.

Even if you file for a Chapter 13, you need to complete a few actions before you can be discharged. You need to make timely payments to your trustee. Additionally, you must submit any necessary information and take a debtor education class.

What Factors Affect the Timeline

It’s impossible to say exactly how long your bankruptcy case will take. This is because every case is unique. Furthermore, every attorney handles the case differently.

Some factors that influence the length of your case are the following:

1. How long it takes you to supply your attorney with the necessary documents

This can greatly influence how long it takes to complete your case. An attorney cannot start working on your case until they have all of the information.

Typically, they need you to fill out a questionnaire. They also need your paystubs, past tax returns, and insurance policy information. The sooner you collect the information, the sooner your lawyer can file.

2. Your Type of Bankruptcy

There are many types of bankruptcy, and each involved a different process. Your timeline could depend on your type. For instance, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is usually easier and quicker to resolve than a Chapter 13.

3. The Complexity of Your Case

Much like criminal or family law cases, bankruptcy cases are of varying complexity. If your case only involves a few creditors, your case may be resolved quickly. But a more complex case could take longer to resolve.

4. The Skill of Your Attorney

When you work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Washington, they can resolve your case as quickly as possible. You don’t have to worry about them putting your case to the side and waiting to file. They can get you results quicker than an inexperienced or disinterested legal professional.

It’s important to realize that failing to work with an attorney slows down the process. For one, you need to take time to research the laws and the process. Additionally, you could make a mistake. This could cause your case to be dismissed, which would mean you need to refile.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.