The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the “Act”) prohibits unfair collection of consumer debts. The following is a summary of a few prohibited debt collection practices: Calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time. Contacting you directly after you told the creditor you retained an attorney to represent you. Telling your… Continue Reading
Author Archives: John
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Washington’s 2014 Estate Tax
In “emergency” legislation passed last summer, Governor Inslee signed a bill that made some changes to Washington’s estate tax. Most of these changes became effective on January 1, 2014. Here are some of the more important changes: The Good – Washington’s $2 million dollar per person estate tax exemption is now indexed for inflation. This… Continue Reading
Same Sex Couples Can File Joint Bankruptcy
As most everyone knows, last year the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act’s prohibition of marriage for same sex couples in United States v. Windsor. That decision brings a host of federal benefits for married same sex couples. One such benefit is a married same sex couple can now file a joint… Continue Reading
Washington Chapter 13 Debtors May Pay More
If you want to file a chapter 13 to address your debts and make more than the average family in Washington State, the length of your plan will probably last a full 5 years. If, however, you make less than the average family you can still file a 3 year repayment plan. In a relatively… Continue Reading
12th Man Rejoice!!
The Seahawks finally won the Super Bowl. As a long time Bothell resident, I was there to celebrate the city’s last World Championship when the Seattle Supersonics won in 1979. After 35 long years, it feels great to have another World Champion here in Seattle!! Congratulations to the players, coaches and everyone else who worked… Continue Reading