How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in Washington typically take?

Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

Melissa is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Melissa accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Melissa C Golan, Bankruptcy Attorney in Seattle

Quick answer

Melissa C Golan is an attorney based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. Melissa has over 32 years of legal experience. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Consumer

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Melissa takes on

Melissa concentrates on bankruptcy, business, consumer, contracts, and creditor rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Seattle, Washington

Melissa takes bankruptcy matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Seattle, Washington

Melissa takes business matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Seattle, Washington

Melissa takes consumer matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Seattle, Washington

Melissa takes contracts matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Seattle, Washington

Melissa takes creditor rights matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Melissa C Golan — bankruptcy lawyer in Seattle

Melissa C Golan is an attorney based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. Melissa has over 32 years of legal experience. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Melissa C Golan is a lawyer practicing commercial, employment, torts and 16 other areas of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from Whitman College in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. Melissa practices in Seattle, WA.

Melissa's approach to bankruptcy cases

Melissa C Golan is a lawyer practicing commercial, employment, torts and 16 other areas of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from Whitman College in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. Melissa practices in Seattle, WA.

The kind of cases Melissa takes

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and consumer matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Washington
J.D. · 1994
Whitman College
B.A. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

Washington
1994 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in Whitman College.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in Whitman College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Melissa C Golan's office in Seattle

Melissa's primary office is at 701 5th Ave Ste 2050, Seattle, WA, 98104-7095. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

701 5th Ave Ste 2050

Seattle, WA 98104-7095

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa C Golan — 3.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Melissa. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Seattle.

3.0

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa C Golan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Melissa C Golan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa

Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melissa C Golan

How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Washington typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Melissa is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Washington residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Melissa C Golan. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas
Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment In Minnesota?
I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and my wages are getting garnished because of an unpaid credit card. I’m thinking about filing for bankruptcy to stop the garnishment. Will my ban
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Minnesota

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

Melissa handles bankruptcy matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

Melissa C Golan, Bankruptcy Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Quick answer