Isabel Searie

One of the most frequent questions that any Washington bankruptcy attorney is asked during an initial consultation is whether or not someone contemplating filing for bankruptcy can keep their car. For the most part, the answer is yes.

This is a complex issue that is still evolving here in Pierce County. The general answer is yes, but only in certain circumstances.

For many people, this is one of their most important questions, and for good reason. In some ways, this question is both an easy and a hard question to answer.

The primary goal of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to consolidate your debts and set up a manageable monthly payment. The plan is developed by undertaking an in-depth analysis of your current income, your current monthly expenditures, and your current debts.

The filing of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will also stop garnishments and civil lawsuit proceedings and, in most cases, discharge the debts underlying these proceedings.

A successfully filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy completely discharges, or wipes out, most unsecured debts, including but not limited to credit cards, medical bills, utility bills, payday loans, and any other debts that do not have collateral or a hard asset attached to them.