Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Basics

Bankruptcy Basics is a publication of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. It provides basic information to debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public on different aspects of federal bankruptcy laws. It also provides individuals who may be considering bankruptcy with a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process. https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics

American Bankruptcy Institute

The nation’s largest & most diverse community of bankruptcy professionals. https://www.abi.org/ (703) 739-0800

Chapter 13 Standing Trustee

The Office of Jason Wilson-Aguilar, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Seattle Division of the Western District of Washington. https://seattlech13.com/contact/ (206) 624-5124

Consumer Education and Training Services (CENTS)

CENTS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was co-founded in 1995 by Federal Bankruptcy Judge Karen A. Overstreet and leading members of the Washington bankruptcy bar. CENTS is funded by foundation grants, special events, and individual contributions. CENTS is affiliated with the King County Bar Association and has created programs with the support of the Washington Attorney General’s Office, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Foundation for Financial Planning Seattle Foundation, and the Consumer Protection and Education Fund. https://centsprogram.org/ (206) 267-7017

Debt Collection Defense Clinic

Due to public health concerns and until further notice, the DCDC clinic will NOT be meeting in person.  Instead, users can contact the clinic via telephone at 206-707-0934 – during the same hours listed below.
  • Call between 12:00-1:00pm on Tuesdays to to be screened for eligibility
  • You will receive a return call  between 1:00-3:00pm
  • 30-minute meeting
  • No appointment necessary
  • Focused specifically on low-income debtors with questions about debt collection, abusive collection practices, garnishment and medical debts
  • Sponsored by the Northwest Justice Project
At all other times, the DCDC front desk can be reached at 206-464-1519 for screening

Debtors’ Rights: Dealing with Collection Agencies

Read this to understand debt collection practices and your rights when dealing with debt collectors. Includes form letters you can use to mail to debt collectors requesting that they stop contacting you. https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/debtors-rights-dealing-with-collection-agenci?ref=7vRmt

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: Dealing with Debt

Debt collection, debt management, debt relief, debt settlement… Debt is a four-letter word that’s the subject of some complex laws. Learn how to exercise your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act — and how to recognize debt-related scams and frauds. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/dealing-debt

National Consumer Law Center Digital Library

  • Consumer protection
  • Bankruptcy
  • Mortgages and foreclosure
  • Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Car sales
  • Debt Collection
https://kcll.org/remote-databases-nclc/

Nolo

Nolo began publishing do-it-yourself legal guides in 1971. In the 40 years since its founding, Nolo has evolved with technology, developing do-it-yourself software and building Nolo.com into one of the Internet’s leading legal websites. https://kcll.org/remote-databases-ebsco-nolo-press/ 

Northwest Consumer Law Center

Northwest Consumer Law Center advances economic justice by providing direct legal representation to low and moderate income Washington residents. Services are provided on a sliding scale fee based on income or contingency fee arrangement. https://www.nwclc.org/ (206) 805-1722

Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month at the Federal Courthouse

Federal Courthouse 700 Stewart Street Room 6101 (6th Floor) Seattle, WA 98101

No appointment necessary; walk-in clinic Focused on pro-se (unrepresented) bankruptcy filing and related questions. In order to qualify for the clinic, your household gross monthly income is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or lower. http://www.nwclc.org/pro-se-bankruptcy-clinic/  

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington is a federal court serving the area west of the Cascade Mountains from Oregon to the Canadian border. The district has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma. https://www.wawb.uscourts.gov/ For Seattle cases: General Information: 206-370-5200 or ECFHelp_Seattle@wawb.uscourts.gov For Tacoma cases: General Information: 253-882-3900 or ECFHelp_Tacoma@wawb.uscourts.gov