Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Albany | Bend | Coos Bay | Eugene | Grants Pass | Klamath Falls | Longview | Medford | East Portland | West Portland | Roseburg | Salem | Tri-Cities | Vancouver | Yakima |
When you successfully file, you receive an “automatic stay,” this will put a halt to collection efforts, garnishment attempts, foreclosures, repossessions, and utility suspensions.
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon or Washington, you must be able to pass a “means test.” If your income is less than the median income in the state of your residence, you automatically pass this means test. However, under certain circumstances, you may still be able to qualify for Chapter 7 even if your income exceeds this amount. We can apply our expertise to determine whether you will be able to qualify for this form of bankruptcy.
Free Consultations!
Click below to start the process on your consultation.File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Below is a list of common debts that can be washed away through a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing:
- Health care bills
- Overdue utility charges
- Outstanding credit card balances
- Checks written on insufficient funds
- Lease agreement deficiencies
- Collection agency accounts
Keep in mind, you can only receive a Chapter 7 discharge once every 8 years. Other rules may apply if you previously received a discharge in a Chapter 13 case. No one can make you pay a debt that has been discharged, but you can voluntarily pay any debt you wish to pay. You do not have to sign a reaffirmation agreement or any other kind of document to do this. Some creditors hold a secured claim (e.g., the bank that holds the mortgage on your house or the loan company that has a lien on your car). You do not have to pay a secured claim if the debt is discharged but the creditor may take the property.
Can You Keep Your House and Car in a Chapter 7?
If you have limited equity and you are up to date on your mortgage payments, you can retain ownership of your home after you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The same thing is true for your car if you are making payments. After you rid yourself of all your other forms of debt, you should be able to pay your mortgage and your car payment comfortably as you begin to rebuild your credit history.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
If you’re ready to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, contact our attorneys at OlsenDaines.
We will review what property you own and in some instances, we will engage in pre-bankruptcy planning so that all your assets are legally protected (you will not lose it when you file bankruptcy). Chapter 7 is normally over in around four months.
We serve people throughout Oregon and Washington, and we are standing by right now to assist you. If you are ready to take the first step toward a fruitful financial future, contact us or fill out our online form.
Back to Bankruptcy AttorneyChapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Portland OR and Salem OR
And all surrounding areas