Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Lawyers in Seattle
Symmes Law Group was founded by attorney Richard J. Symmes with a commitment to delivering personalized legal service while leveraging technology to maintain affordability. Our practice focuses on consumer bankruptcy, debt relief, estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, and trademark matters. With over a decade of experience in Washington State courts, we prioritize compassionate guidance and streamlined processes to help clients achieve financial fresh starts.Our team offers 24/7 availability through phone and Zoom consultations, ensuring accessibility for clients facing urgent financial challenges. Recognized as one of Western Washington's highest-rated bankruptcy firms, we combine small-firm attention with big-firm results.
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Debt Settlement
Foreclosure Mediation
Short Sale Negotiations
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Real Estate Transactions
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 99.6% Chapter 7 discharge rate for clients in Washington State
- 24/7 availability for urgent client consultations via phone and Zoom
- Streamlined online process for document submission and case management
- Compassionate approach with no judgment toward clients' financial situations
- Experienced in handling complex cases involving mortgage arrears and tax debts
What people say
Amazing service
Always available
Knowledgeable attorney
Stress-free process
Prompt responses
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills while protecting essential assets. This process stops wage garnishments and foreclosure proceedings, allowing debtors to retain exempt property under Washington State law. Most cases complete within 90 days, providing a clean financial slate for qualifying individuals.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 restructures debts into manageable monthly payments over 3-5 years. This option helps homeowners catch up on mortgage arrears, resolve tax debts, and protect non-exempt assets. The court-approved plan consolidates obligations while stopping collection actions through automatic stay protections.
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement negotiations reduce unsecured obligations through direct creditor communication. This alternative to bankruptcy resolves collections and charge-offs while minimizing credit impact. Our attorneys leverage experience to secure favorable payment terms for clients facing financial hardship.
Foreclosure Mediation
Foreclosure mediation services help homeowners negotiate loan modifications and repayment plans under Washington State's Foreclosure Fairness Act. We represent clients in court-ordered mediation to prevent home loss while exploring alternatives like short sales and deed-in-lieu agreements.
Estate Planning
Estate planning creates legal frameworks for asset distribution and healthcare decisions. Our services include wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and advance directives tailored to individual family needs and Washington State requirements.
People
Richard J. Symmes
Principal Attorney
Seattle native Richard Symmes founded Symmes Law Group in 2010 after practicing bankruptcy and real estate law in Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, he has filed hundreds of bankruptcy petitions and negotiated millions in debt settlements while maintaining a 99.6% Chapter 7 discharge rate.
Questions
What are the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 eliminates unsecured debts through asset liquidation while Chapter 13 restructures payments over 3-5 years. Eligibility depends on income, with Chapter 7 requiring means test qualification and Chapter 13 needing regular income for repayment plans.
How much does bankruptcy filing cost in Washington State?
Chapter 7 costs $335 court fee plus attorney fees typically paid upfront. Chapter 13 fees often include $310 court fee with attorney compensation through the repayment plan. Exact costs depend on case complexity.
Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment and collection calls?
Yes, filing initiates an automatic stay that immediately halts wage garnishments, collection calls, and legal actions. Violations of this stay create legal liability for creditors attempting to collect discharged debts.
What debts cannot be discharged through bankruptcy?
Non-dischargeable debts include student loans, recent tax obligations, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or willful injury. Chapter 13 may restructure some of these obligations into manageable payment plans.
How does bankruptcy affect credit scores?
While bankruptcy appears on credit reports for 7-10 years, many clients see score improvements within 12-18 months after discharge by rebuilding credit responsibly with secured credit products.
Can I keep my home and car when filing bankruptcy?
Washington State exemptions protect essential assets like primary residences with limited equity and vehicles up to specific value thresholds. Chapter 13 provides additional protection for homeowners behind on mortgage payments.
Videos
