The top-rated bankruptcy lawyer in Medford, Oregon is OlsenDaines, rated 5.0 stars across 238 reviews. Other highly rated options include Matthew Sutton, Attorney at Law, Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor, Keith Y Boyd Law Office. This directory lists 14 bankruptcy lawyers serving Medford.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OlsenDaines | 924 Town Centre Dr | (541) 237-1599 |
| 2 | Matthew Sutton, Attorney at Law | 205 Crater Lake Ave | (541) 772-8050 |
| 3 | Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor | 924 Town Centre Dr | (855) 686-1969 |
| 4 | Keith Y Boyd Law Office | 724 S Central Ave #106 | (541) 973-2422 |
| 5 | Shlesinger & deVilleneuve David de Villeneuve | 408 S Oakdale Ave | (541) 770-5255 |
| 6 | Rennie Law, LLC | 920 Town Centre Dr | (541) 414-0300 |
| 7 | Oakes Law Offices P.C. | 1730 E McAndrews Rd suite b | (541) 210-5038 |
| 8 | Hornecker Cowling LLP | 14 N Central Ave UNIT 104 | (541) 779-8900 |
| 9 | The Law Offices of Michael P Bertholf, LLC | 108 Mistletoe St | (541) 245-9167 |
| 10 | Penny Lee Austin, Attorney | 925 W 8th St | (541) 770-6720 |
OlsenDaines is a bankruptcy law firm in Medford, Oregon, known for its focused guidance through financial restructuring and debt relief matters. The firm serves individuals and local business owners facing overwhelming debt, offering counsel on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy options under federal guidelines. Its scope includes assessing eligibility, preparing required documentation, and representing clients through court proceedings to achieve a fresh financial start. For those seeking alternatives, the firm also provides specific assistance with mortgage modification negotiations to help prevent foreclosure.
Matthew Sutton, Attorney at Law serves the Medford, Oregon area, focusing on personal and business bankruptcy. The practice guides clients through Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans, working to alleviate financial distress. They assist with automatic stays to halt collection efforts and protect assets within federal exemptions. This firm handles bankruptcy filings and creditor negotiations for local residents and small businesses.
Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor serves clients throughout Medford and Jackson County as a bankruptcy law practice. The firm assists individuals and small businesses navigating financial distress through legal channels. Its attorneys handle Chapter 7 liquidation cases, which discharge most unsecured debts, and Chapter 13 repayment plans, which allow clients to catch up on mortgages or car loans over three to five years. The practice also regularly processes complex Chapter 11 business reorganizations for local enterprises.
Keith Y Boyd Law Office serves homeowners and small businesses dealing with overwhelming debt in the Medford area. The firm provides legal guidance through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. Case evaluations help clients understand their options for discharge or reorganization. The office navigates the complexities of court filings and creditor negotiations to seek financial relief. Keith Y Boyd Law Office also extends its bankruptcy services to clients in nearby Ashland.
Shlesinger & deVilleneuve David de Villeneuve offers guidance on filing for bankruptcy and navigating debt relief options. The firm provides support for individuals and businesses exploring Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 proceedings. Its service approach includes client consultation, document preparation assistance, and representation in court hearings. Maintenance of legal compliance throughout the filing process is also addressed. The firm works with clients who own single-family homes, apartments, retail spaces, and restaurants in the Medford area.
Serving Medford and the surrounding communities in Southern Oregon, Rennie Law, LLC focuses on bankruptcy law. The firm handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings for individuals and families. Its casework includes debt discharge, wage garnishment relief, and foreclosure prevention. A typical filing involves a thorough review of the client’s financial obligations followed by the preparation of necessary court documents. Each case is managed with a clear strategy to meet legal deadlines and achieve a stable resolution.
As winter brings increased heating costs and the holiday season adds financial strain, many local families find themselves struggling with mounting debt. Oakes Law Offices P.C. in Medford, OR assists individuals in finding appropriate solutions for overwhelming financial obligations. The practice focuses on bankruptcy options that can provide a fresh start under federal protections. They guide clients through the complexities of Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filings with straightforward legal counsel. The initial step is a private consultation to review personal financial circumstances and determine eligibility.
When dealing with financial distress, bankruptcy work typically involves two distinct paths: a one-time Chapter 7 liquidation of unsecured debt or a multiyear, scheduled Chapter 13 repayment plan. Hornecker Cowling LLP in Medford, OR, guides local individuals and businesses through these federal court proceedings. Their office helps clients understand which type of filing best addresses their specific situation and completes all required paperwork. Their services for a given case run on a one-time basis upon filing or a scheduled monthly plan under the court-ordered repayment term.
The Law Offices of Michael P Bertholf, LLC provides bankruptcy legal services in the Medford, Oregon area, focusing on helping individuals navigate Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options. The practice also guides clients through debt restructuring and foreclosure protection processes that arise in local jurisdictions. Attorneys work to explain how federal exemptions apply to assets and income so residents can make informed decisions about filing. In the spring, many homeowners seek advice when potential tax refunds create complications for existing payment plans or upcoming filings.
Penny Lee Austin, Attorney provides legal guidance for individuals and businesses navigating debt relief. This Medford, Oregon firm focuses exclusively on bankruptcy law, assisting clients with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. The process includes evaluating financial situations and developing a plan to discharge or reorganize debts under federal court supervision. Clients receive representation through court proceedings and creditor negotiations. The firm serves a variety of commercial sectors, including offices, warehouses, and food service operations.
What Does a a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Medford Cost?
The typical cost for a bankruptcy lawyer in Medford, Oregon, depends on the chapter you file. For a Chapter 7 case, attorney fees generally fall between $1,200 and $2,500, with the $338 court filing fee added separately. For a Chapter 13 case, fees are higher, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, due to the extended repayment plan and court oversight. Many lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fee in installments before filing, and some accept credit cards. For Chapter 13, attorney fees can sometimes be included in the repayment plan itself, reducing upfront costs. Low-income residents may qualify for pro bono assistance through Legal Aid Services of Oregon, which serves Jackson County.
This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Costs and fee structures can vary based on the complexity of your case and the specific attorney you choose. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy lawyer in Medford to receive a personalized fee estimate and discuss payment options that fit your financial situation.
About bankruptcy lawyers in Medford
Bankruptcy law in Medford, Oregon, provides a legal pathway for individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt to obtain a fresh financial start. The two most common chapters for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, while Chapter 11 primarily serves businesses. Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, requires the debtor to surrender non-exempt assets to a trustee, who sells them to pay creditors. In exchange, most unsecured debts—such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans—are discharged, meaning you are no longer legally required to pay them. This chapter is typically suitable for those with limited income and few valuable assets, as Oregon law allows you to keep essential property through exemptions. Chapter 13, by contrast, is a reorganization bankruptcy for individuals with a steady income who can commit to a 3-to-5-year repayment plan. Under this chapter, you keep all your assets while catching up on missed mortgage or car payments and paying a portion of unsecured debts. Chapter 11 is more complex and costly, designed for businesses or high-income individuals needing to restructure substantial debts, though it is less common in Medford for personal filings.
Oregon has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemption system, meaning residents must use state-specific exemptions when filing for bankruptcy in Medford. The Oregon homestead exemption protects up to $63,800 of equity in your primary residence, or up to $127,600 if you are married and filing jointly. This amount increases to $255,000 for individuals who are 62 or older, disabled, or have a dependent family member. For vehicles, Oregon allows a $3,000 exemption for one motor vehicle, or $6,000 if you are disabled and use the vehicle for transportation. The state also provides a wildcard exemption of $400, which can be applied to any property of your choice, plus an additional $10,000 of unused homestead exemption if you do not own a home. Other important Oregon exemptions include $10,000 in household goods and furnishings, $1,800 in jewelry, and $7,500 in tools of the trade for your profession. These exemptions are codified in Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 18, and a bankruptcy lawyer in Medford can help you apply them correctly to protect your assets.
The means test is a critical step in determining whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Medford. This test compares your current monthly income—averaged over the six months before filing—to the median income for a household of your size in Oregon. As of 2025, the median annual income thresholds for Oregon are approximately $62,000 for a single earner, $80,000 for a two-person household, $95,000 for a three-person household, and $115,000 for a four-person household. If your income is below the median, you automatically pass the means test and may file for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of your disposable income after subtracting allowed living expenses under 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, you must pass a second calculation comparing it to your total non-priority unsecured debt. If your disposable income exceeds $200 per month, you are presumed to have the ability to repay creditors and will likely be required to file Chapter 13 instead. A Medford bankruptcy lawyer can run this calculation for you accurately.
When you file for bankruptcy in Medford, the court issues an automatic stay immediately, which stops all collection activities. This means creditors must cease phone calls, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, repossession efforts, and lawsuits. The automatic stay remains in effect throughout your case, providing immediate relief from creditor harassment. For a Chapter 7 case, the timeline from filing to discharge is typically 3 to 4 months. You will attend a meeting of creditors, also called a 341 meeting, about 30 days after filing, where the trustee reviews your paperwork and asks questions. After that, if no issues arise, the court issues a discharge order roughly 60 days later. For Chapter 13, the timeline is longer: you propose a repayment plan, which must be approved by the court, and you make monthly payments to a trustee for 3 to 5 years. The discharge occurs after you complete all payments. In both chapters, you must complete two mandatory courses: a pre-filing credit counseling session within 180 days before filing, and a post-filing debtor education course before your debts are discharged. These courses are available online or by phone for a small fee, typically $10 to $50 each.
The costs of filing bankruptcy in Medford 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 statute and cannot be waived, though you may request to pay them in installments. Attorney fees vary by chapter and complexity. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case in Medford, attorney fees generally range from $1,200 to $2,500. For Chapter 13, attorney fees are higher, typically between $3,000 and $5,000, because the case involves a multi-year repayment plan and more court oversight. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fee in installments before filing. Some lawyers also accept credit cards. For those with very low income, pro bono resources are available through Legal Aid Services of Oregon, which provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals in Jackson County. The Oregon State Bar also maintains a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys offering reduced-fee consultations. It is important to note that you must pay attorney fees before filing in Chapter 7, while in Chapter 13, attorney fees can sometimes be included in the repayment plan.
Life after bankruptcy in Medford involves both challenges and opportunities for rebuilding. 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 take steps to rebuild your credit score. Start by obtaining a secured credit card, where you deposit cash as collateral, and make small purchases that you pay off in full each month. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may qualify for an unsecured card. You should also monitor your credit reports for errors and ensure discharged debts are marked as such. Certain debts survive bankruptcy and cannot be discharged. These include most student loans, unless you can prove undue hardship in a separate adversary proceeding, which is difficult to do. Recent tax debts are also non-dischargeable if they are less than 3 years old or if you filed a fraudulent return. Child support, alimony, and debts from willful injury or drunk driving also survive. However, credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and most unsecured debts are eliminated. With consistent effort, many people in Medford see their credit scores rise to the mid-600s within 2 to 3 years after bankruptcy, allowing them to qualify for mortgages and auto loans again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific Oregon homestead and vehicle exemptions I can use when filing for bankruptcy in Medford?
Oregon allows a homestead exemption of up to $63,800 for an individual or $127,600 for a married couple filing jointly, with higher limits of $255,000 for those aged 62 or older, disabled, or supporting a dependent. For vehicles, you can exempt up to $3,000 in equity for one motor vehicle, or $6,000 if you are disabled and use the vehicle for transportation. These exemptions are found in Oregon Revised Statutes 18.395 and 18.348, and they protect your essential assets from liquidation in Chapter 7.
How much does it typically cost to hire a bankruptcy lawyer in Medford, Oregon?
Attorney fees for a Chapter 7 case in Medford generally range from $1,200 to $2,500, plus the $338 court filing fee. For Chapter 13, fees are higher, typically $3,000 to $5,000, with a $313 filing fee. Many lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay in installments before filing. For low-income individuals, Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free assistance, and the Oregon State Bar offers reduced-fee referrals.
What is the timeline from filing to discharge for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Oregon?
After filing in Medford, you will attend a meeting of creditors, also called a 341 meeting, approximately 30 days later. The trustee reviews your documents and asks questions about your finances. If no issues arise, the court issues a discharge order about 60 days after that meeting, meaning the entire process takes roughly 3 to 4 months. You must also complete a pre-filing credit counseling course and a post-filing debtor education course to receive your discharge.