Are you considering filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Washington? Although much of bankruptcy is governed by federal law, some bankruptcy-related information and law is specific to your state.
Below you’ll find Washington-specific information on filing for bankruptcy as well as articles on the various Washington bankruptcy exemptions. And for in-depth information on bankruptcy law and procedures, visit Nolo’s Bankruptcy Center.
Washington State Bankruptcy Exemptions
Washington bankruptcy exemptions protect property from bankruptcy creditors, including the things you’ll need to maintain a home and job. But you might not be able to keep everything you own. In Chapter 7, you only keep property covered by Washington bankruptcy exemptions. In Chapter 13, you keep everything you own but pay creditors for any nonexempt property. Learning about bankruptcy exemptions before filing will help you prevent unexpected property losses in a Washington bankruptcy.
The Washington Homestead Exemption
Learn about Washington state's homestead exemption and how it applies in a bankruptcy case.
Filing for Bankruptcy in Washington State
In this complete guide to filing for bankruptcy in Washington, you’ll learn about the differences between Chapters 7 and 13, debts you can eliminate or "discharge,” property you can keep using Washington bankruptcy exemption laws, and bankruptcy qualification requirements. You'll also learn how to organize and navigate your Washington bankruptcy case using checklists, a link to a DIY bankruptcy quiz, and other helpful resources.