Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Filing without an attorney

Filing for bankruptcy is a serious matter. The consequences may outweigh the benefits.

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering filing bankruptcy consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

The Oregon State Bar has a Lawyer Referral Service which will direct you to an attorney who has agreed to provide a limited consultation at reduced rates. Call (503) 684-3763 or toll free in Oregon at (800) 452 -7636.

Anyone who is considering the filing of a Chapter 7 case can attend an informational Bankruptcy Clinic.

Low income individuals may be eligible to have a volunteer lawyer represent them for free (although you may still have to pay the required filing fee). Call Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) at:

(503) 224-4086 [Portland Regional Office] for the following counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill
(541) 385-6944 [Central Oregon Office] for the following counties: Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson
(541) 276-6685 [Pendleton Regional Office] for the following counties: Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler

Individual debtors who file for bankruptcy relief must receive a credit counseling briefing within 180 days before the bankruptcy filing.

Court personnel are prohibited from giving you legal advice.

Most debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy. However, certain individual debts may not be dischargeable. The most common examples are: taxes; domestic support obligations; student loans; most fines, penalties, forfeitures, or criminal restitution; debts for personal injury or death caused by your operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated; and debts which were not properly listed on the bankruptcy petition and schedules.