Vortman and Feinstein

The student loan forgiveness application is live in beta mode! Apply now!

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Yes, it's been a hot minute since we've posted, but we never said we're great at social media. We can't promise that we'll be any better about posting in the next six months either. What our attorneys are great at is representing and supporting you or your small business through financial difficulties. If you're experiencing financial stress and are curious what your legal options are, Larry and Kathryn are available for free consultations. Contact us the old fashion way by phone at 206-223-9595.

Vortman & Feinstein may be able to help you and your small business… because we’re a small business too. We understand your concerns and have a unique insight into the legal and financial issues you may be facing. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Reorganize to Recover | Alignable Learning Center Find out about the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 and how Chapter 11 bankruptcy can help you stay in business.

Even though the Supreme Court has declined to address dischargeablility of private student loans, bankruptcy does provide an avenue to address your financial situation. Vortman & Feinstein is currently accepting clients with student loan concerns and who may qualify for a discharge under the existing undue hardship stamdard. Email us at [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.

Supreme Court Rejects Student Loan Bankruptcy Case, Leaving Harsh Standard Intact For Now The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a case that raises questions about whether student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy, leaving a tough student loan bankruptcy precedent in place for now.

The best compliment you can give is a referral. If you or someone you know may be experiencing financial difficulties, we may be able to help. Call or email our Seattle office to schedule a free consultation.

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After years of lobbying, the Washington State Legislature has finally amended the Homestead Exemption. Currently, the exemption is capped at $125,000. After May 18, 2021, the exemption will be raised to be the greater of $125,000 or the annual median home price for your county. For King County, the 2020 annual median income was $729,600. This will allow more homeowners to take advantage of the Bankruptcy Code's promise of a fresh start and allow more to retain their home in the process. If you're interested in how this could affect you and/or you're interested in bankruptcy, please contact our office at 206-233-9595 or by email to [email protected].

https://www.wawb.uscourts.gov/news/washington-state-legislature-significantly-amends-homestead-law-effective-may-18-2021

Washington State Legislature Significantly Amends Homestead Law Effective May 18, 2021 | Western District of Washington | United States Bankruptcy Court The Washington State legislature has enacted significant changes to the Washington homestead statute. The Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5408 (link is external) becomes effective upon Governor Inslee’s expected signature, May 18, 2021.

Thankfully most of our court events are by phone and not Zoom in the Bankruptcy Court!

Kitten Zoom Filter Mishap This is a live stream of virtual court proceedings in the 394th Judicial District Court of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio Counties, J...

Senators Unveil Sweeping Bill To Discharge Student Loan and Medical Debt In Bankruptcy Democratic Senators unveiled a sweeping bankruptcy bill this week that would dramatically reform the United States bankruptcy system, and make it easier for struggling Americans to discharge student loans and medical debt through bankruptcy.

Vortman & Feinstein may be able to help you get a financial fresh start. Call, email, or message to schedule your free phone consultation!

Well said, Maya Angelou!

Seattle Hospitality Worker Emergency Relief Fund The City of Seattle has partnered with Wellspring Family Services to provide one-time cash assistance to help meet the basic needs of workers in the hospitality industry impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Never stop working to make his dream become reality.

If anyone had a right to question whether our democracy was worth redeeming, it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Because in the face of billy clubs and lynchings, poll taxes and literacy tests, he never gave in to violence, never waved a traitorous flag, never gave up on the country he called home, despite all of the injustices and indignities it brought upon him.

Instead, he set out to realize his dream the most effective—and the most radical—way he knew how, by working with others to march, boycott, and sit in, recognizing that, as he said, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

The seeds of his courage, his discipline, his vision, and the resilience of all who joined with him took years to bear fruit. But they gave us the Civil Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act. And an American tradition of nonviolent resistance that has rung through the generations, as we saw this summer when Americans of all races echoed his example in standing up to declare that Black Lives Matter—no more but also no less.

On , we celebrate his life but we’re also called to live out his values through service of our own. Here are some ways you can get involved in your community: bideninaugural.org/day-of-service/

We’re in the middle of a tough chapter for our country, but should serve as a reminder that we have been through tough times before—and emerged from them stronger. But only because we never stopped believing in our democracy. Only because we never stopped working to perfect it. And only because, even in the face of intimidation, discrimination, and unimaginable suffering, we never stopped dreaming of a better day—and never stopped doing the long, hard, essential work of ushering it in.

It’s ‘Debt Parking’: When Fake Debts End Up on Your Credit Report The F.T.C. recently took its first legal action to stop the fraud. Consumers may not know the debts are on their reports until they apply for a loan.

The new legislation introduced by Senators Warren and Nadler, if passed, would be the largest change to the Bankruptcy Code in decades. Included in the bill are provisions to discharge student loan debt, to streamline the process for families and individuals, and to strengthen exemptions to better protect one’s assets. More information is available from Sen. Warren’s page.

Warren and Nadler Introduce the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2020 | U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

Vortman & Feinstein hopes that you had an enjoyable socially distant Thanksgiving. On this Small Business Saturday, please support your community. Shop local, shop thoughtfully, and above all, shop from home.

If your business or personal finances are in need of some assistance, email Kathryn Scordato at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation!

Take control of your finances back from creditors and start fresh today! Contact us for a free consultation. Bankruptcy may be the key to your personal or business recovery.

Liz Weston: Fear of bankruptcy holds too many people back The mystery isn’t why so many people file for bankruptcy each year. It’s why more people don’t. Each year, only a fraction of the Americans who could benefit financially from bankruptcy...

This article gives a brief and general explanation of some of your options to handle debt. However, it is not a substitution for competent legal advise from a local attorney. Call or message Vortman & Feinstein to schedule a free consultation.

Are you financially stressed right now? What to know about options, from debt negotiation to bankruptcy Even before the pandemic many people were struggling with their finances. Now, more are in trouble. These are resources to help.

How to Build Credit After a Bankruptcy Building credit after a bankruptcy will take time, but there are steps you can take to help increase your credit scores over time. Learn more.

If you are experiencing personal or business financial struggles, we may be able to help. Bankruptcy is one option available to you. Call or Message to set up a free consultation!

Pandemic Financially Imperils Nearly Half Of American Households, Poll Finds There are dividing lines when it comes to how families are weathering the pandemic: Those living in big cities, those making less than $100,000 a year, and Latino and Black families are faring worst.

Contrary to this article, many small businesses do benefit greatly from the bankruptcy process. There are a lot of misconceptions, but what the article does get right is that a great many of our local businesses are closing. Not all have to. Contact us for a free consultation regarding your personal and business debt restructuring options.

Small Businesses Are Dying by the Thousands — And No One Is Tracking the Carnage Big companies are going bankrupt at a record pace, but that’s only part of the carnage. By some accounts, small businesses are disappearing by the thousands amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and the drag on the economy from these failures could be huge.

There's Never Been a Better Time for Locals to Support Pike Place The demolished tourism industry means a quieter-than-average summer for this local landmark.

Another retailer has filed for bankruptcy protection. If your small or family business is struggling, call, email, or PM Vortman & Feinstein for a free consultation. Chapter 11 might give you the breathing room you need to reorganize and emerge stronger.

Ann Taylor owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The operator of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the latest retailer to do so during the pandemic

Medical debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy, but bankruptcy is not your only option. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss those options! 206-223-9595

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask.

The most common problem we see is unopened mail. Time continues to tick by even if you do not open the notices required by law to be mailed prior to any collection or enforcement actions. If you’re concerned about losing your housing, we may be able to help.

My Landlord Is Threatening To Evict Me During A Health And Economic Crisis. What Do I Do? — BuzzFeed News Many states haven’t fully reopened yet, but housing courts have. Here’s what to do if your landlord is trying to evict you.

You are not alone. Bankruptcy may help to weather this recession. Call 206-223-9595 for a free consultation.

U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker: Retail, Energy Set Grim Milestones More U.S. retail companies sought bankruptcy protection in the first half of 2020 than in any other comparable period. Energy filings piled up at the fastest pace since oil prices plunged in 2016, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Bankruptcy is one option available to small businesses. We’re available to review them with you. Call today for a free consultation!

Small businesses expect to fail. Here's what will happen to their PPP loans. — CNBC Many businesses are at risk of closing, despite federal loan relief they may have received. This debt would generally be forgiven if a business closes. But there are caveats.

This is a great blog on the misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy relief and definitely worth the read! If you’re considering bankruptcy, contact Vortman & Feinstein for a free phone consultation!

What Personal Finance Bloggers Ought To Know About Bankruptcy Ten things personal finance writers need to know about bankruptcy as a get-out-of-debt tool. Money advice needs to consider all the tools in the tool box.

If your Western Washington small or family owned business is struggling, Vortman and Feinstein may be able to help. Call for a free consultation! 206-223-9595

Finding a Fresh Start in Bankruptcy Court For some businesses, Chapter 11 is a chance to reorganize, eliminate some obligations, and readjust.

Hope everyone is doing great!

Federal Cares Act includes protections against unfair credit report use during pandemic In addition to stimulus checks and financial help for businesses, the Cares Act also helps protect you from unfair credit reporting practices during the coronavirus pandemic. The new rules are designed to make sure your credit- isn't clobbered because of circumstances outside your control.

Don’t wait to contact a bankruptcy attorney! It’s not too early to start the conversation.

Congress may be forced to deal with coming wave of bankruptcies - Roll Call Bankruptcy courts could be overwhelmed by a record number of newly jobless consumers looking to shed crushing debts if Congress doesn’t act soon.