The cost of filing for bankruptcy in Oregon may seem straightforward at first, but there are a few factors that can make it a bit more complicated. Let's break it down and dive into the details.
In 2024, it's $338 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you decide to hire a bankruptcy attorney or try to get the filing fees waived, things get a little trickier. We dug deep and spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that is a great resource for bankruptcy attorney fees. We found that the Chapter 7 attorney fee range in Oregon can be anywhere from $1,170 to $1,500. Now, keep in mind that this is just an estimate. If you want a more precise figure based on your location in Oregon, you can use our free Oregon bankruptcy cost calculator below.
You may be thinking, how can you possibly afford the cost of bankruptcy in Oregon when you're struggling to pay your bills, especially with interest rates and inflation still causing headaches in 2024? It's a valid concern. Many bankruptcy costs, like the filing fee and credit counseling courses, are pretty similar across the board. But here's the kicker: the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees can vary wildly depending on whether you're in Portland or Salem, or anywhere in between.
Well, we're here to give you the breakdown of the estimated all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy in Oregon. We'll cover two main things:
- Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
- Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been bombarded with the question of how can you afford the cost of bankruptcy so frequently that we decided to do something about it. We created a useful database that houses all the attorney fees for bankruptcy cases in Oregon. Now, you can get an estimate of the cost specific to your city just by entering your zip code below.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Oregon
Although we have provided a range of bankruptcy attorneys' fees above, the exact price will depend on a few more factors. A few factors that affect the overall cost are the bankruptcy lawyer's location, the complexity of the case, the attorney-client relationship, and the expert's degree of knowledge. However, since the location is so important, let's examine the actual costs as indicated by the Pacer filing data.
Oregon District
Spanning a considerable expanse, the District of Oregon includes major urban centers like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Operating within the Pacific Time zone, this district encompasses all 36 counties of the state. It features a central courthouse in Portland and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 4 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Oregon's District contribute to the overall richness of the state.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Oregon's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,175.00 to $1,600.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Oregon
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Oregon could set you back around $3,200. The actual fee might vary depending on the district. Now, here's the scoop: when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they can be all over the map. However, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more standardized thanks to something called "no-look fees." These fees are a fair and reasonable cost for the services provided. You might still want to check if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work that crops up after you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs in the United States are pretty much the same, no matter where you are. It's not just Oregon that has these costs. There are other costs you need to consider too. Let's dive in and take a closer look at what they are.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
The US Courthouse has something called a fee schedule, and they've got bankruptcy forms that tell you how much you need to pay.
If you're filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it’ll cost you $338. That includes a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge.
If you're going for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the fee is a little lower at $313. That covers a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee.
If the cost seems too high for you to pay, there are a couple of options for you. You might be able to pay the fee in installments, so it's not such a big hit all at once. Or, get this, you might even be able to have the fee waived altogether.
If you want more details on the filing fee situation, check out the Oregon filing fee.
Oregon Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
It’s good to note that every state has an income guideline when filing for chapter 7, be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Oregon Income limit. You might be eligible to have those fees waived if you fall below 150% of the Oregon poverty guidelines. Let me break it down for you. For instance, if you're a single person, you need to have an income below $13,590 to qualify. If you're a couple, it's $18,310. And if you have a family of three, the limit is $23,030. The numbers keep going up as the size of your family increases. To give you an idea, let's say you have a family of five. In that case, your income should be below $32,470 to be eligible for the fee waiver. And if you have a big family with, let's say, nine people, your income should be below $51,350. It’s important to note: if you have more than nine people in your family, you'll need to add $4,720 for each additional individual. So, make sure to check out the Oregon poverty guidelines for 2022 to see if you meet the criteria. If you do, you could save some money on those filing fees.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in a tough financial situation and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you need to take in Oregon. Luckily, you can usually do them online. These courses are meant to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your financial future. Now, let's talk about the cost. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $50 for each course. It's important to note that these courses must be approved, so you'll want to make sure you're taking them from the right place. Be sure to check out the list of approved Oregon credit counseling courses. This will give you all the options you need to find a course that suits your needs. And if you're looking for debtor education courses, be sure to check out the list of approved Oregon debtor education courses. You'll find all the information you need, including the cost of each course. So, if you're considering bankruptcy in Oregon, don't forget about these courses. They may just be the stepping stones you need to get back on track financially.
Miscellaneous Costs
If you've got a meeting of creditors coming up at the courthouse, it's important to know that you might have to shell out some cash for transportation to get there. On top of that, you might also have to cover the cost of a credit report for your attorney. Your attorney might actually be able to lend a hand with getting that credit report sorted. Let's talk numbers. You're probably wondering how much this whole transportation thing is gonna set you back.
We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over to your district using this interactive map below showing bankruptcy courthouses in Oregon by division and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Oregon?
The majority are wondering if inflation will slow down enough to prevent attorney fees from going up. Well, let's dive into that and take a look at how inflation could impact filing fees and attorney costs in Oregon. First things first, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee recently went up from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee increased from $310 to $313. Now, these changes are pretty minimal, so I wouldn't worry too much about the filing fee having a negative impact on you. However, when it comes to attorney fees, there's a chance you might see some inflation-related increases. Inflation can lead to higher costs for bankruptcy attorneys. They may have to pay their employees more or face higher living costs themselves, especially in cities like Salem, Eugene, and all across Oregon. So, while the filing fee increase might not be a big deal, there's a possibility that attorney fees could be affected by inflation. It's something to keep in mind if you're considering hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher Portland Than Eugene?
If you're living in a suburb in Oregon and you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you might be wondering whether it's better to hire a local attorney or go for someone in a big city like Salem to save some money.
Now, here's the thing: Portland, with its population of 661,189, is the most populous city in Oregon. So, you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney there would be sky-high compared to a smaller place like Eugene.
While it's true that the cost might be higher in Portland, there's also a greater number of bankruptcy attorneys in the city. And you know what that means? It means there's more competition, and competition tends to bring prices down. So, believe it or not, the total cost of filing for bankruptcy, including attorney fees, might actually be much higher in your own city than in Portland.
Now, here's a little tip for you: most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations.So, why not take advantage of that and get multiple perspectives? We've even got a helpful bankruptcy cost calculator down below that takes all these variables into account to give you a ballpark estimate of the total cost.
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, things are pretty straightforward. Attorneys in Eugene tend to charge the same amount, thanks to something called a "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee that covers the services provided. However, chapter 7 may be different.
When it comes to Chapter 7, the attorney fees can vary. So, it's important to understand what you're getting for that extra amount. Let's break it down.
First off, the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer depends on a few factors. One, which type of bankruptcy you're filing - Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Two, how complex your case is - whether you have any assets or not. Three, where you're located - are you in Portland or Salem? Fourth, the level of connection you have with your attorney. And fifth, the attorney's expertise - how many years of experience they have under their belt.
Let's say you're making $10,000 more than the median income for Oregon, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, your attorney might have to spend some extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify. You see, being above the median income can complicate things, and that extra time the attorney puts in usually means a higher overall cost for you.
If you want to dig deeper into this topic and learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees, I've got just the thing for you. Check out this article: "Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees.
Conclusion
I hope this article has shed some light on the costs of filing for bankruptcy with a lawyer in Oregon. If you have any burning questions, don't hesitate to reach out. If you want to get a quick estimate of the costs, check out the free Oregon bankruptcy cost calculator below!