Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Beaverton, OR

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Oregon varies based on the complexity of your case and the chapter you file. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, attorney fees in Beaverton generally range from $1,200 to $2,500. This fee typically covers case evaluation, document preparation, filing, and representation at the 341 meeting. Chapter 13 cases involve more work, with attorney fees ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, often paid through the court-approved repayment plan. Court filing fees are fixed at $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, and many lawyers offer payment plans to spread out the cost. Some low-income filers may qualify for reduced fees through pro bono programs.

This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy laws and fees are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Oregon to discuss your specific financial situation and obtain accurate cost estimates for your case.

When financial obligations become overwhelming, residents of Beaverton, Oregon often consider bankruptcy as a path toward a fresh start. Bankruptcy law in the United States provides several chapters under which individuals and businesses can seek relief. The most common options for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, allows a debtor to discharge most unsecured debts in exchange for turning over non-exempt assets to a court-appointed trustee, who sells them to pay creditors. This chapter is typically suitable for those with limited income and few assets. Chapter 13, known as reorganization bankruptcy, involves a court-approved repayment plan spanning three to five years, allowing debtors to keep their property while catching up on missed mortgage or car payments. Chapter 11 is primarily designed for businesses seeking to restructure their debts, though it is occasionally used by individuals with debt exceeding Chapter 13 limits. Determining which chapter is right for you depends on your income, asset value, debt type, and long-term financial goals.

Oregon law offers specific exemptions that differ significantly from the federal bankruptcy exemptions. In Oregon, debtors must use the state exemption system rather than the federal one. The Oregon homestead exemption protects up to $75,000 of equity in a primary residence, or up to $145,000 if the debtor is 62 years or older, disabled, or supporting a dependent. For vehicles, Oregon allows an exemption of up to $3,450 in equity. The state also provides a wildcard exemption of up to $600 for any personal property, plus an additional $10,000 of unused homestead exemption that can be applied to other assets. Other important Oregon exemptions include up to $2,400 in household goods, $1,800 in clothing and jewelry, and $1,800 in tools of the trade. These exemptions are codified under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 18, specifically ORS 18.345 through 18.395. Understanding these exemptions is critical because they determine what property you can keep during bankruptcy.

The means test is a crucial calculation that determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This test compares your current monthly income to the median income for a household of your size in Oregon. As of 2025, the median annual income for a single-person household in Oregon is approximately $62,000, for a two-person household about $78,000, for a three-person household around $95,000, and for a four-person household roughly $110,000. If your income is below the median, you automatically pass the means test and can file for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of your disposable income over the past six months, subtracting allowed living expenses as defined by IRS standards. If your disposable income is less than $100 per month, you still qualify for Chapter 7. If it is between $100 and $200 per month, further analysis is required. If it exceeds $200 per month, you are presumed to have sufficient income to repay creditors and may be limited to Chapter 13. This test ensures that Chapter 7 relief is reserved for those who genuinely cannot repay their debts.

Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which is one of the most powerful protections available. The automatic stay immediately halts most collection actions, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, repossessions, utility shut-offs, and lawsuits. This protection takes effect the moment your case is filed with the bankruptcy court. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, the process typically takes three to six months. You must complete two mandatory courses: a pre-filing credit counseling session from an approved agency within 180 days before filing, and a post-filing debtor education course before your debts can be discharged. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan lasts three to five years, and you must make all plan payments on time. The court holds a meeting of creditors, called a 341 meeting, about 30 to 45 days after filing, where the trustee reviews your paperwork and creditors may ask questions. After the discharge, you are no longer legally required to pay most discharged debts.

The costs of filing bankruptcy in Oregon include court filing fees and attorney fees. The federal filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313, as of 2025. These fees are set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and are non-refundable. Attorney fees in Beaverton typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 for a standard Chapter 7 case, depending on complexity. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, often ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, because of the extended work involved in creating and managing a repayment plan. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay attorney fees in installments before filing. Some courts allow you to pay the filing fee in installments as well. For those with very low income, pro bono resources are available through organizations such as the Oregon State Bar’s Modest Means Program or Legal Aid Services of Oregon, though eligibility is limited. It is important to note that you cannot pay attorney fees with credit cards if you intend to discharge those credit card debts.

Life after bankruptcy requires careful planning to rebuild your financial standing. A Chapter 7 discharge remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for 7 years. During this time, you can begin rebuilding credit by obtaining a secured credit card, making small purchases, and paying the balance in full each month. You should also monitor your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for accuracy. Certain debts are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, meaning you remain legally obligated to pay them. These include most student loans, recent income taxes (less than three years old), child support, alimony, debts from fraud or willful injury, and some government fines. Additionally, debts incurred through drunk driving or other intentional torts are not dischargeable. With consistent effort, many individuals see significant improvement in their credit scores within two to three years after discharge, allowing them to qualify for auto loans, mortgages, and other credit at reasonable rates.