Questions about bankruptcy?
Olympia, WA Bankruptcy Attorneys
Can Olympia bankruptcy prevent or stop a Thurston County lawsuit?
Yes!
Worried about a lawsuit?
Call now to learn more about your legal rights and options in an Olympia bankruptcy.
(360) 350-3435
Will lawsuits be discharged in an Olympia bankruptcy?
Need to stop or prevent a Thurston County lawsuit?
Talk to an Olympia, WA bankruptcy attorney now!
Lawsuits and judgments in an Olympia bankruptcy.
When you owe someone money, they may sue you if you are not able to meet the terms of the contract. This can be payments on credit cards and medical bills, for example, or what is left on the balance of a car when it has been repossessed by the lender.
You will know if you are being sued, because the creditor must serve you papers in person, a summons and complaint, and you will generally have 20 days to respond. If you do not respond they will win automatically, and will have a judgment. If you respond, it will usually get set for trial. Being unable to pay the debt is not a defense, so you will probably lose if it is you or your spouse that incurred the debt.
Either way, the creditor will get a judgment, which will be good for 10 years, and can be renewed. The judgment can be used to garnish your wages up to 25% after taxes, sweep your bank accounts, or even sell off personal property and real estate.
What happens to lawsuits in an Olympia bankruptcy?
Fortunately, lawsuits are often related to unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical bills, and even if there is a judgment, it can be completely wiped out or "discharged" in an Olympia bankruptcy. If you own real estate in the county where the judgment occurs, it will become a lien on your house like a mortgage. It is usually possible to get rid of the judgment if there is not a lot of value in your house, but that is an extra step.
If you believe you are about to be sued, contact one of our Olympia bankruptcy attorneys right away. We can often stop a lawsuit dead in its tracks, before it even reaches the court!