Thomas K. Atwood, Attorney at Law

Low Fees, Free Consultation & Personal Service

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association.*

Firm Overview

I provide Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy services to individuals and small businesses in the Greater Seattle Metropolitan area. I offer low fees, free consultations and personal service.

Example cases

My typical clients are individuals or married couples that have acquired substantial consumer debt and reached a point where they are having difficulty making their monthly payments. Sometimes, they are behind on their house or auto payments and are facing foreclosure or repossession. Through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we can usually either discharge or reorganize debts to take the pressure off. Typically, this can be accomplished without losing any property and frequently, prevent the loss of a home or vehicle.

A typical consumer Chapter 7 takes about three to four months to complete. A Chapter 13 usually runs three to five years before finishing and receiving a discharge from the Court.

Main Office

Main
19427 SE 14th St
Sammamish WA 98075

Phone

(425) 996-4145
425-996-4145

Fax

(815) 550-1378

Websites

http://www.tomlaw.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, initial consults are free.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Yes, I offer flat fees in Chapter 7 that are very competitive - please see my website at www.tomlaw.com for a current fee schedule. In Chapter 13, fees are generally paid later by your bankruptcy trustee, and a Chapter 13 can sometimes be filed without any attorney fees up front.

Hourly Rates

Please see my website at www.tomlaw.com for details.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Other Offices

Shoreline, WA
18820 Aurora Avenue North, Suite 202
Shoreline, WA 98133

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

The bankruptcy courts are well-run, very efficient and there is a high level of civility among the bankruptcy bench and bar. Also, bankruptcy clients are usually happy clients since they receive huge benefits with protection from creditors and discharge of debts. The practice is consistent and predictable, with just enough in the way of new issues to keep things interesting.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I look forward to working with referrals through Nolo and expect I will be getting clients who have taken the time to review basic bankruptcy concepts with the Nolo materials. A client who understands the principles involved is in a better position to make the important decisions involved with a bankruptcy filing.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Once I am hired to file a bankruptcy, I prepare and file all documents with the Court.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I do not offer partial representation or document review for pro se debtors in bankruptcy. If I am hired to represent an individual, I am happy to provide the client with as much or as little bankruptcy law and procedural detail as they desire. All document preparation, creditor contact and Court filings are done through my office. I believe this makes the bankruptcy process less stressful on the client, as I take care of the details and let the client get back to his or her normal routine without concern for the timing or sufficiency of his or her documents. Even if a prospective client does not hire my office, I urge them to find a competent bankruptcy attorney to see them through the process - it is well worth the small amount of fees involved.

Thomas K. Atwood

My law firm was originally established in 1994 in La Mesa (San Diego), CA as a solo practice after admission to the California Bar in June of 1994. I have focused on personal bankruptcy and insolvency issues for over 16 years and have filed over 1,500 cases as debtor's counsel for individual and small businesses seeking Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy relief. I moved back to the Seattle area in 2006 and opened my office in Issaquah in June of 2008 while phasing out my California caseload. I am now accepting new clients in the Western District of Washington at Seattle (King and Snohomish Counties).

After representing more than 1,500 clients in bankruptcy, I am generally able to steer new clients in the right direction. I can give clients options that work well for them. I have talked prospective clients out of bankruptcy where it was not in their best interest, but I am a firm believer in the benefits of bankruptcy. An individual's quality of life can be greatly improved when debt has become oppressive. I think my belief in the system and my extensive experience makes me a better lawyer.

I listen and try to provide a certain comfort level for my clients. I take the time to answer any questions they have and educate them if they so desire. I never forget that the client is my employer.

License

Bar Number: 38834
Washington , 2007
Bar Number: 171142
California , 1994

Education

Western State University College of Law (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Juris Doctor , 1993
San Diego, CA
Western State University College of Law (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Juris Doctor , 1993
San Diego, CA

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.