Start My Answer

How to Get Debt Relief in Washington

Sarah Edwards | June 07, 2024

Sarah Edwards
Legal Expert
Sarah Edwards, BS

Sarah Edwards is a professional researcher and writer specializing in legal content. An Emerson College alumna, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the prestigious Boston institution.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: If you're struggling with debt in Washington, SoloSuit can help you find the relief you need.

Struggling with debt is no fun. Constantly paying for essentials while also trying to pay down your outstanding debt can even feel hopeless.

Individuals in Washington carry an average of nearly $10,000 in credit card debt while simultaneously balancing one of the highest costs of living indexes in the nation. In some suburbs of Seattle, home prices are up a staggering 46% since April 2021.

Rising housing costs and prices of basic goods can leave the average Washingtonian simply trying to make ends meet. While the median wage in Washington of $68,740 is much higher than the national average of $58,260, most families end up spending the extra money on goods that have increased in cost as a result of inflation.

Staggering prices can be a detriment for those seeking to obtain debt relief in Washington, but there are programs in place that can help individuals get out of debt. In addition, both the federal and state governments have put protections in place for debt-laden consumers.

Now, let's explore how you can find debt relief in Washington.

What help does the federal government offer to consumers?

The federal government created the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which is meant to protect consumers from unfair collection practices that debt collectors sometimes engage in.

The Act outlines the procedures that collectors must follow when trying to collect a debt. It also spells out which collection practices are illegal. A few illegal debt collection activities include:

  • Threatening to take action against the consumer.
  • Acting like someone they aren't.
  • Contacting third parties in an attempt to make you pay the debt.
  • Not disclosing that they are a debt collector when they call you.
  • Trying to get the consumer to pay the debt through intimidation or violence.

While this is a small list of activities that were deemed illegal by the Act, there are many other practices that debt collectors may not engage in. If you feel that a debt collector is harassing you, it's best to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Washington debt collection laws can protect you

Each state has its own statutes of limitations that protect consumers from lawsuits in an attempt to collect a debt after a certain period of time has passed. In Washington, the statutes of limitations are as follows:

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington
Debt Type Deadline
Oral Contract 3 years
Credit Card 6 years
Medical 6 years
Student Loan 6 years
Auto Loan 6 years
Mortgage 6 years
Personal Loan 6 years
Judgment 10 years
Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.020, § 4.16.040 and § 4.16.080

If an old debt meets the time limits established by the statute of limitations, it becomes time-barred. This means the collector may not initiate a lawsuit in an attempt to collect the debt.

However, the collector may still use other means to contact the consumer, including sending letters or making phone calls. If the debtor admits that they owe the debt or makes a payment after a debt has become time-barred, the statute of limitations will restart.

How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation is a type of debt relief program that typically requires you to work with a debt consolidation lender to obtain a loan that can be used to pay off your outstanding debts. Once all of your old creditors are paid off, you'll make one monthly payment to your new lender.

Debt consolidation is great for individuals who have the money to make regular debt payments but just can't seem to get anywhere in paying them down. This may be because they're only making minimum payments to their creditors or because of high interest rates.

Oftentimes, a debt consolidation loan comes with a lower interest rate than what other creditors offer. Since you're only making one payment, the amount going toward the principal on your loan will significantly increase.

People who want to enter a debt consolidation program are typically required to have good credit. A minimum credit score of 650 is necessary. In exchange, they can pay off their debt in a much quicker time frame, with less money paid toward interest expenses.

Should I consider debt settlement?

Debt settlement programs are usually open to everyone, regardless of credit score. Debt settlement agencies may be able to reduce your overall debt by 50% (sometimes even more). They work by negotiating a settlement offer with each of your creditors.

During the time of your program, you send the debt settlement agencies a monthly payment that they save for you in your account. This money is used to settle each debt as you go through the process.

Keep in mind that debt settlement agencies charge a fee for their services, but even after the fee, there's a great chance you will still save quite a lot of money.

That being said, if you're motivated and have the time to learn how to settle debts with your creditors, you may be able to handle the process on your own without a third-party mediator. To learn more about how to negotiate a debt settlement, check out this video:

What about bankruptcy?

The ultimate debt relief program is bankruptcy. There are two types of bankruptcy programs for individuals: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you qualify for, you may be able to wipe out most of your debts without having to repay them at all.

But bankruptcy can cause problems for people who are seeking new credit or who want to purchase a home. Once you declare bankruptcy, it can stay on your credit report for up to ten years. Therefore, you should only consider it if you're drowning in debt and see no way out.

You can work with a qualified bankruptcy attorney to determine what type of bankruptcy you may qualify for, as well as the impact it may have on your finances.

Explore these Washington debt relief programs

Washington has financial assistance programs for its residents who are struggling with debt. Check out these Washington debt relief programs to see if you qualify:

  • Washington 2-1-1: Connects you to the local services you need, including utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (or EITC): Helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.
  • Washington Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides temporary cash for families in need.
  • Housing and Essential Needs Referral: This program provides access to essential needs items and potential rental assistance for low-income individuals who are unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical and/or mental incapacity.

Are you being sued for debt in Washington?

SoloSuit is a web-based app that helps people being sued for debt to file a response to their creditors in their local court. By answering a few questions, you generate a PDF reply that may be downloaded and printed entirely for free. For individuals who prefer an attorney's assistance, a paid solution is available.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James


Get Started


We have answers.
Join our community of over 40,000 people.

You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now or are just looking for support, we're here for you.


Ask a Question


>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Get debt relief in your state

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources

It only takes 15 minutes.
And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" – Heather


Get Started


Not sued yet?
Use our Debt Validation Letter.

Our Debt Validation Letter is the best way to respond to a collection letter. Many debt collectors will simply give up after receiving it.


Let's Do It