You can choose the kind of bankruptcy that best meets your needs (provided you meet certain qualifications)

• Chapter 7 This is the most common type of bankruptcy. In almost all cases you keep all your property and your debts are simply wiped out. Each state has certain exemptions. For most persons, all their property is exempt, meaning your property is protected. Our job is to advise you so there are no problems. We will review what property you own. In some instance we will engage in pre bankruptcy planning so that all your assets are legally protected (you will not lose it when you file bankruptcy). Chapter 7 is normally over in around four months.

Chapter 13 Chapter 13 resolves many problems that cannot be resolved through chapter 7. A chapter 13 is often filed to stop a foreclosure and save the family home. Under a chapter 13 we can catch up on missed mortgage payments over three to five years. Often we can eliminate a second mortgage. In the vast majority of chapter 13 cases unsecured debts are paid a very small percentage of the actual debt, and sometimes nothing. In chapter 13 we can pay past due income taxes stopping interest and eliminating penalties. Often older taxes are wiped out completely. Depending on how long you have owned your car we can pay the value only of what the car is worth instead of what is owed. Chapter 13 allows persons operating businesses to stay in business and keep operating. If you have property that is above the exemption (worth too much) then under chapter 13 we can protect that property. We have successfully filed many thousands of chapter 13 cases. We know exactly what to do.
Chapter 12 - Like Chapter 13, but it is only for family farmers and family fishermen. Our firm files more chapter 12 bankruptcies than any other law firm in the Pacific Northwest.
Chapter 11 - This is used by some businesses and individuals that do not qualify for another chapter of bankruptcy. In Chapter 11, you may continue to operate your business, but your creditors and the court must approve a plan to repay debts. We actively help companies and individuals that need this special, complicated type of bankruptcy.