THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.
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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”. The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
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“An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy; because there is a limit beyond which no institution and no property can bear taxation.”
– Chief Justice John Marshall
It is possible to file Chapter 7 first, followed by Chapter 13 in what is euphemistically referred to as “Chapter 20.”
WARNING:
This strategy is controversial and is disfavored by both Bankruptcy Trustees and Bankruptcy Judges. The risk of objection is much higher than normal when using this strategy.
This strategy only applies to debtors who are eligible for Chapter 7 and in addition have an objective that cannot be accomplished in Chapter 7 alone.
For example, a below median income debtor who owes the IRS and is behind on a car payment who may get a better job 2 or 3 years from now, may choose to file Chapter 7 and get a discharge and then go into Chapter 13 to pay off the IRS and the car without having to pay more to unsecured creditors due to the increase in income.
It is the protection of future income that would not have been protected if the Debtor just filed Chapter 13 alone that makes this strategy unfair from creditors point of view especially if increased earnings are sufficient to pay 100% of debt.
Please keep the point of view of the creditors, Bankruptcy Trustees, and Bankruptcy Judges in mind when you contemplate strategies. My standard advice is not to do anything that you would be uncomfortable explaining in open court.
WARNING:
If the debtor reasonably expects the change in job within 1 year of filing, that must be disclosed along with any earned, but not yet received, income such as commissions.
To Always Be a Human Being First, and My Role Second. To First, Do No Harm, then to provide the best legal outcome, smoothest process, best value, and to make a positive difference in the life of every client.
Christopher S. Mulvaney’s Mantra:
May I be filled with loving kindness for all life. May I be safe from dangers within and without. May I be healthy in body, mind, socially, and spiritually. May I be at ease and happy, doing good in the world.
May You be filled with loving kindness for all life. May You be safe from dangers within and without. May You be healthy in body, mind, socially, and spiritually. May You be at ease and happy, doing good in the world.
I am an experienced solo estate planning, debtor bankruptcy, and real estate attorney. At my law firm in Bellevue, Washington between Eastgate and Factoria, I do things a little differently. I am passionate about helping people take control of their lives.
One of my primary practice areas is urgent (bankruptcy), and the other is important, but not urgent (estate planning). Not letting the urgent crowd out the important is key. I have made a choice to include the positive difference I make in the life of each client in how I calculate profit. This means I have higher job satisfaction, and happy clients who confidently give referrals.
My goal is that my work is transformative for people during a challenging time in their lives. At Mulvaney Law Offices, PLLC (MLO), you will not find a gatekeeper. There are no forgotten cases hiding on an associate’s cluttered desk. It’s just me, working with each one of my clients one-on-one to resolve their legal concerns as favorably as possible.
As your lawyer, I will personally handle every aspect of your case. My office is not a factory churning out thousands of filings per year, where each case matters little. You, and your case, matter to me. You can see what clients have said about me, and leave your own reviews at these links.
Mulvaney Law Offices, PLLC is located in Bellevue, Washington, representing estate planning & chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, clients in all 39 Washington Counties.
Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary. Just email me an image of your photo ID.
Admitted 2003 to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Number 33595
Proud Member of the MetLife Legal Plans Attorney Panel Since 2007.
Broken chains at the feet of the Statue of Liberty dedicated October 18, 1886.The inside of Lincoln's jacket when he was assassinated on April 14, 1865: "One Country One Destiny"