should i uae a lawyer when filing bankruptcy in oregon

by Titus Schmeler 10 min read

They must formally declare bankruptcy by filing a petition with the U.S. federal court. This can be done with or without legal counsel. However, appointing a bankruptcy attorney specializing in bankruptcy laws in Oregon is beneficial to the debtor.

You may wonder whether you need an attorney in order to file bankruptcy. The law does not require you to have an attorney. However, completing all the required documents can be difficult. Also, the filing of a bankruptcy petition is only part of a program to regain financial health.

Full Answer

How much does it cost in Oregon to file bankruptcy?

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court will charge a $313 fee for filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Oregon. The Oregon & Washington lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, charge as little as $3,450 for a typical chapter 13 bankruptcy. The fee is often paid over time (sometimes the entire duration of the repayment plan.

How much is a bankruptcy lawyer in Oregon?

Bankruptcy attorneys in Oregon cost between $499 – $1,500 The price of a personal bankruptcy attorney in Oregon is around $999.50 (Low: $499.00. High: $1,500.00). This information is provided by multiple service providers and open marketplaces.

Should you seek legal advice when filing for bankruptcy?

Also, bankruptcy does not remove all debt, and there are certain types of debt that cannot be discharged (eliminated) in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy may not always work to save your home or property, so you need to get advice from a bankruptcy lawyer about whether or not bankruptcy is a good option for you.

What Cannot be dismissed in bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured loans; however, there are some debts that cannot be discharged. Those debts include child support, spousal support obligations, student loans, judgments for damages resulting from drunk driving accidents, and most unpaid taxes.

How long does it take to file bankruptcy in Oregon?

You must take this class from a provider approved by the state of Oregon within six months (180 days) of filing your bankruptcy petition with the court. The course takes about two hours to finish, and you can do the course over the phone or online from home.

How do I file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Oregon?

Steps in an Oregon Bankruptcylearn about Chapters 7 and 13.check whether bankruptcy will erase debt.find out if you can keep property.determine whether you qualify.consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer.stop paying qualifying debts.gather necessary financial documents.take a credit counseling course.More items...

What is the downside of filing for bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy can negatively impact your immediate financial future. Obtaining credit after filing for bankruptcy could mean increased interest rates. Obtaining credit after filing for bankruptcy might require security deposits.

What bankruptcy clears all debt?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal debt relief tool. If you've fallen on hard times and are struggling to keep up with your debt, filing Chapter 7 can give you a fresh start. For most, this means the bankruptcy discharge wipes out all of their debt.

What is the major benefit of declaring bankruptcy?

By far the most important advantage is that debtors may obtain a fresh financial start. Consumers who are eligible for Chapter 7 may be forgiven (discharged from) most unsecured debts.

What type of debt is not forgiven in straight bankruptcy?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, this applies only to injury to people; debts for property damage may be discharged. Debts for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated from alcohol or impaired by other substances. Debts that you failed to list in your bankruptcy filing.

What are 5 types of debt that are not dischargeable in bankruptcy?

Nondischargeable debt is a type of debt that cannot be eliminated through a bankruptcy proceeding. Such debts include, but are not limited to, student loans; most federal, state, and local taxes; money borrowed on a credit card to pay those taxes; and child support and alimony.

Does filing for bankruptcy in Oregon fall under state or federal law?

All bankruptcy claims in Oregon are covered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and go through federal courts. Nevertheless, Oregon bankruptcy laws still p...

Can you choose federal bankruptcy exemptions in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon allows you to choose between Oregon bankruptcy exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions. The debtor should choose which is most ben...

What is the Oregon homestead exemption?

The Oregon homestead exemption entitled debtors to protect up to $40,000 of home equity in real property or a mobile home that is currently occupie...

Do Oregon bankruptcy exemptions cover motor vehicles?

Yes, a debtor can protect up to $3,000 of equity in any motor vehicle, including cars, vans, and motorbikes. Where the car is jointly owned by a ma...

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Oregon?

U.S. bankruptcy courts charge a filing fee of $338 for Chapter 7 bankruptcies and $313 for Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Oregon residents that fall 150...

How to file for bankruptcy in Oregon?

Every person who wants to file an Oregon bankruptcy has to first complete a credit counseling course. This course is a requirement under the Bankruptcy Code, and it has to be completed in the 6 months leading up to your filing. The course will review your income and expenses and, if possible, put together a proposed debt repayment plan for you. Since you have to file a certificate of completion after filing Chapter 7 in Oregon, make sure you take the course through an provider approved by the United States Trustee to offer the course in Oregon. Most people take the course online, from the comfort of their home. If you are interested in attending the course in person, check out Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) of Southern Oregon, Debt Reduction Services, Inc., or Money Management International, who offer this course in person in Medford, Eugene, and Portland, respectively. The course itself usually takes less than 2 hours and having your bankruptcy documents, including a listing of your regular monthly household expenses, handy during the course will make things more efficient on your end. The costs for this class vary, so be sure to shop around bit, especially if you are planning on taking the course online.

How many copies of bankruptcy papers are needed in Oregon?

Per the court's website, only one copy of your documents is needed to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon. You should print (or make) a second copy for your own records that you can refer to later on in the process. Everything gets printed on white 8.5" x 11" paper, one page per sheet.

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What documents are needed to file for bankruptcy in Oregon?

The other documents that will come in helpful when filing bankruptcy in Oregon are recent statements for your car loan and mortgage (if any), your two most recent federal income tax returns, and, if you were divorced in the last 10 years, a copy of your divorce decree.

What is bankruptcy exemption in Oregon?

Bankruptcy exemptions are the specific provisions in the law that protect your assets. Pursuant to Oregon bankruptcy laws, you can choose to use Oregon bankruptcy exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions for your case (but you cannot mix and match).

What happens if you file Chapter 7 in Oregon?

When you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon the discharge will relieve you from the responsibility of having to pay back (most of) your debts. To prevent people who are actually able to pay at least some of their debts from taking advantage of this, everyone whose debts are primarily consumer debts (i.e. not related to a business venture) has to complete the Oregon means test for bankruptcy. The first part of this test compares your household income to the applicable income limits for your state. If you fail this first portion of the test (by making too much money), but the second part of the Oregon bankruptcy means test concludes that you do not have the ability to pay even a portion of your debts, you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon.

Who will administer a Chapter 7 case in Oregon?

Shortly after your case is filed, the Office of the United States Trustee will assign a trustee to administer your case. In fact, everyone filing Chapter 7 in Oregon has a trustee assigned to their case. Your main interaction with your trustee will be at the creditors' meeting after your Chapter 7 in Oregon is filed.

What is Bankruptcy Law in Oregon?

Oregon bankruptcy laws outline the legal process in which debtors and creditors settle unpayable debts. During a bankruptcy case, the courts will appoint a trustee whose role is to determine the best course of action to ensure the creditors receive as much of the money owed as possible while relieving the debtor of their financial burdens.

What is the Purpose of Bankruptcy Law?

The main objective of Oregon bankruptcy laws is to regulate the legal procedure of debt collection. Anyone in the U.S. can file for bankruptcy, be that individuals, spouses, small businesses, or larger corporations. For these people, bankruptcy laws act as a legal lifeline enabling them to settle overburdening debts.

Types of Bankruptcies in Oregon

The U.S. Bankruptcy Code is divided into chapters, with each chapter defining and detailing the legal proceedings for unique types of bankruptcy claims. In total, Oregon bankruptcy laws lay out six different types of bankruptcies. Which one the debtor should file for depends on who is filing the claim and the overarching goals of the debtor.

How to File for Bankruptcy in Oregon

Although Oregon bankruptcy laws permit the debtor and creditor to file for bankruptcy, it is usually the debtor that starts the legal proceedings. They must formally declare bankruptcy by filing a petition with the U.S. federal court. This can be done with or without legal counsel.

Oregon Bankruptcy Exemptions

Many debtors filing for bankruptcy are concerned that doing so will leave them empty-handed. There are fears that the courts will be able to seize all their property to hand over to creditors as a form of repayment. However, Oregon bankruptcy exemptions prevent this from happening.

How does bankruptcy work in Oregon?

The bankruptcy process falls under federal law, not Oregon state law, and it works by unwinding the contracts between you and your creditors —that's what gives you a fresh start.

How long does it take for creditors to stop asking for money after filing for bankruptcy in Oregon?

After Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon. Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them. Here's what will happen next:

How to find out if your bankruptcy is required?

Some judicial districts and bankruptcy courts require bankruptcy filers to complete additional "local forms." To find out if your court requires additional forms, contact the bankruptcy filing clerk. Some courts post these forms online on the court's website. (Below you'll find links to Oregon's bankruptcy courts.)

What happens if a trustee disagrees with an exemption?

A trustee who disagrees with your exemptions will likely try to resolve the issue informally. If unsuccessful, the trustee will file an objection with the bankruptcy court, and the judge will decide whether you can keep the property. Example.

How long do you have to take credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy?

To qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course within 180 days before you file for bankruptcy. You'll be required to complete a second course, called a debtor education course, before you receive your discharge in bankruptcy. (To learn more about this requirement, including the rare exceptions, see Credit Counseling & Debtor Education Requirements in Bankruptcy .)

How much can you exempt from homestead in Oregon?

Oregon's Homestead Exemption. A debtor can exempt up to $40,000 of the equity in a home or other property that doesn't exceed one block within a town or city limits or 160 acres otherwise. If two debtors are members of a household, the combined homestead exemption can't exceed $50,000.

How long does it take to file Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is often a bankruptcy filer's first choice for several reasons. It's quick—it only takes a few months to complete.

How to get bankruptcy information?

You can obtain more information about bankruptcy, including forms, by going to the Bankruptcy Court’s website at www.orb.uscourts.gov. You can also get a packet of information by calling the Portland office of the Bankruptcy Court at (503) 326-1500.

How long do you have to go through counseling after filing bankruptcy?

In the great majority of cases, these issues do not come up. After you file your bankruptcy, but no later than 45 days after the date of your meeting of creditors, you must complete a second counseling course to be eligible for a discharge. This course is on personal financial management.

How long can you get a discharge from bankruptcy?

If your petition is filed at the wrong time, you may find that the debts you hoped to have discharged are not discharged — and you will not be permitted to obtain a discharge again for eight years.

What debts must be included in bankruptcy?

Again, you must include in your bankruptcy all of your creditors, including debts owed to friends and relatives, debts that are not dischargeable, debts for which you are current, and debts that you do not want to discharge. All of your information must be prepared on forms that have been approved by the court.

What is the hearing called when you file for bankruptcy?

Once you file your bankruptcy, the court will notify all of the creditors you have included with your petition that you have filed for bankruptcy, and will set a date, time and place for a hearing that is called either “the section 341 (a) hearing” or the “meeting of creditors.”.

How long does a bankruptcy last?

One type of bankruptcy, called a Chapter 13, allows a debtor to establish a payment plan of between three and five years, and possibly seven years.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often called a straight liquidation bankruptcy, is the most common type of bankruptcy. It gives you the opportunity to discharge, or be relieved of liability for, all or almost all of the debts you owe on the date you file your bankruptcy. You do not have to make any future payments on those debts that are discharged, ...

What is the legal process for filing for bankruptcy in Oregon?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which an individual who cannot pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. (see Oregon Court Directory) Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking ...

How to avoid bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy cannot, however, cure every financial problem. Nor is it the right step for every individual. In bankruptcy, it is usually not possible to: 1 Eliminate certain rights of “secured” creditors. A “secured” creditor has taken a mortgage or other lien on property as collateral for the loan. Common examples are car loans and home mortgages. You can force secured creditors to take payments over time in the bankruptcy process and bankruptcy can eliminate your obligation to pay any additional money if your property is taken. Nevertheless, you generally cannot keep the collateral unless you continue to pay the debt 2 Discharge types of debts singled out by the bankruptcy law for special treatment, such as child support, alimony, certain other debts related to divorce, some student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and some taxes. (see Oregon Non-Dischargeable Debts) 3 Protect cosigners on your debts. When a relative or friend has co-signed a loan, and the consumer discharges the loan in bankruptcy, the cosigner may still have to repay all or part of the loan.- Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed.

What is the purpose of Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

The basic idea in a chapter 7 bankruptcy is to wipe out (discharge) your debts in exchange for your giving up property, except for “exempt” property which the law allows you to keep. (see bankruptcy – Oregon exemptions) In most cases, all of your property will be exempt.

How long after bankruptcy can you get inheritance?

However, if you receive an inheritance, a property settlement, or life insurance benefits within 180 days after your bankruptcy, that money or property may have to be paid to your creditors if the property or money is not exempt. You can also keep any property covered by Oregon bankruptcy exemptions through the bankruptcy. Back to Top.

What debts can be discharged in bankruptcy?

Discharge types of debts singled out by the bankruptcy law for special treatment, such as child support, alimony, certain other debts related to divorce, some student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and some taxes. (see Oregon Non-Dischargeable Debts) Protect cosigners on your debts.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

What Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? It now costs $306 to file for bankruptcy under chapter 7 and $281 to file for bankruptcy under chapter 13, whether for one person or a married couple. The court may allow you to pay this filing fee in installments if you cannot pay all at once.

What is Chapter 11 reorganization?

Chapter 11, known as “reorganization”, is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large. Chapter 12 is reserved for family farmers.