Washington Bankruptcy Attorney — Chapter 7 & Chapter 13
Serving clients statewide in Washington — from Spokane to Vancouver and everywhere between — entirely by Zoom or phone.
Book a Free ConsultationWhy people choose Spalding
Member, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Successful and experienced bankruptcy attorney
Licensed Washington State attorney, admitted in both the Eastern and Western Districts
Meetings by Zoom or phone, no travel required
Common Questions and Concerns
Is my home safe?
Probably, but let's talk. In the meantime, see the homestead exemptions by county. New to the concept? Start with what are exemptions?
Can I Be Fired for Filing Bankruptcy?
The law makes it illegal for an employer to fire you, or discriminate against you in your job, just because you filed for bankruptcy, are in a bankruptcy case, or had debts discharged in bankruptcy.
What if I am being sued or garnished?
Learn how to respond to a lawsuit in Yakima or Spokane, and how garnishments are stopped.
What happens at the Meeting of Creditors?
It sounds scarier than it is. Here's what to expect at the Meeting of Creditors.
Can I afford bankruptcy if I'm broke?
Yes. Here's how you can afford bankruptcy even when money is the problem.
Do I have to travel to an office?
No. Meetings happen by Zoom or phone, no travel required, wherever you are in Washington.
What Clients Say on Google
Every review below is from a verified Google review.
I had a pretty complicated case, and I’m completely inept with legal matters. Over the course of a few months not only did he get me through the process with extreme confidence, but there was not one single time where I called him for a silly question and he didn’t either pick up immediately, or call me back ASAP. I can’t recommend him enough!!
John Spalding is amazing! His guidance and reassurance was invaluable! He gave us peace of mind when we were at our most frantic. John is friendly and knowledgeable. He is happy to answer questions and does so thoroughly, breaking it down into simpler terms to help the most overwhelmed understand. He provided examples and recording so we knew what to expect in court. He even offered to do practice runs/rehearsals for our court meetings. As someone with PTSD/anxiety/agoraphobia, John was the absolute best!!! Bankruptcy is scary, with John, it wasn't! And that is the highest praise I can give!! John Spalding is confidence on your side!
My wife and I highly recommend Spalding Law. John was very upfront about our whole process and kept constant communication throughout. He is highly educated in his practice and can answer any question. If you’re looking for someone to guide you through legal technical jargon while talking to you like you’re friends, John’s the guy. Very professional and made sure we were prepared for anything.
John is a fantastic attorney. He made a stressful not so fun situation, more manageable. The big thing for us was that he was always available. Answered every question/concern. I cannot begin to recommend him enough.
John Spalding and his excellent team gave me confidence and peace of mind during a highly stressful and emotional time in my life. They did so many things well but the one that stood out to me personally was their accessibility and their prompt replies. They earned my trust and my recommendation.
John was so helpful with the whole process of filing. He was so patient with my mother in law. It really made the process so easy and minimal stress. Highly recommend!
John has made my experience with filing for bankruptcy less stressful. Throughout the entire process he provided amazing communication. I highly recommend speaking with John and seeing if he can help you with your legal needs.
Client reviews reflect individual experiences. Results vary by case, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Two paths to a fresh start. I handle both, and I'll tell you honestly which one fits your situation.
Chapter 7: The Fresh Start
Wipes out most unsecured debt: credit cards, medical bills, personal loans. It's typically done in about four months, and most people keep everything they own thanks to Washington's exemptions. See seven debts Chapter 7 wipes out and what are exemptions?
Who Qualifies for Chapter 7?
Many people assume they earn too much to qualify, and they're wrong. The means test looks at your average income over the past six months, not this week's paycheck, and timing matters if your income is seasonal. A free consultation settles it quickly.
Chapter 13 is powerful
Often, your Chapter 13 payment is less than what you're already paying on your debts, and it eliminates that debt entirely in 3 to 5 years. It can also save your house if you're facing foreclosure. Let's discuss your circumstances. In the meantime, here is a post about Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Which One Fits Me?
It depends on your income, what you own, and what you're trying to protect: your home, your car, your wages. If you're behind on your car and don't own a home, your entire Chapter 13 plan payment might be little more than the car payment you're already making, and your other debts will be discharged. See how car debt is treated differently, then book a free consultation and we'll map it out.
What Sets My Practice Apart
Working with me means no driving to an office, no hunting for parking, and no unnecessary friction. This is because I've built my practice around modern online workflows, just like the bankruptcy courts.
Washingtonians don't have to be in Washington. Snowbirds, deployed service members, and people on temporary work assignments can handle their entire case remotely, as long as venue is appropriate in the Eastern or Western Districts of Washington.
I actually care: I do not run a high volume practice. I do not miss deadlines. I turn away cases when another attorney might be a better fit.
Your communications stay private. I use encrypted email that cannot be scanned by my service provider, and I work behind a tracker- and ad-blocking setup — your information is never a product.
You get Attorney Spalding's cell number and quick responses, often within minutes — direct, continuous representation at every stage of your case.
Areas Served Across Washington
Spalding Law Firm PLLC handles bankruptcy cases statewide entirely by Zoom or phone, from Spokane to Vancouver and everywhere between.
Cities
Yakima, Spokane, Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco & Richland (Tri-Cities), Vancouver, Pullman, Sunnyside, Puyallup, Seattle, Bellingham.
Eastern Washington Counties
Spokane · Yakima · Benton · Franklin · Kittitas · Grant · Adams · Chelan · Douglas · Okanogan · Lincoln · Stevens · Pend Oreille · Ferry · Asotin · Columbia · Garfield · Walla Walla · Klickitat.
Western Washington Counties
Clark (Vancouver) · King · Whatcom · Skagit · Snohomish · Pierce · Thurston · Lewis · Cowlitz · Wahkiakum · Pacific · Grays Harbor · Mason · Kitsap · Island · San Juan · Jefferson · Clallam.
Served With a Creditor Lawsuit?
Deadlines are short. How to respond if you're sued in Spokane County, Yakima County, or Whatcom County.
Own a Home?
Bankruptcy exemption limits vary by county. See the Washington State homestead exemptions by county to check how much equity is protected in yours.
Don't see your city or county? If venue is proper in Washington — for example, you live here part of the year or your assets are here — call (509) 906-2221 and we'll figure it out together.