When deciding to file bankruptcy, Portland residents should consider several factors, including which type of bankruptcy petition to file, when to file it for maximum protection from creditors and how much of your property you can keep. Finding the appropriate Portland Bankruptcy Attorney can make the difference of having a smooth filing or the opposite.
Portland bankruptcy attorneys can be an invaluable resource in helping you work through these and other important issues. Although you are not required to use a lawyer to file bankruptcy, the Oregon Bankruptcy Court notes that it would be very difficult for someone without an experienced Portland bankruptcy lawyer to succeed in bankruptcy court.
Your Portland bankruptcy lawyer can explain your legal options, guide you through the bankruptcy process and advocate on your behalf when meeting with creditors and the bankruptcy trustee. This article will explain how an Portland bankruptcy lawyer can assist with your bankruptcy filing.
Which Form of Oregon Bankruptcy Is Right for You?
The first thing your Portland bankruptcy lawyer will help you to determine is whether to file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 type of bankruptcy. These names refer to the United States Bankruptcy Code, and each type of bankruptcy has different rules.
In general, if you qualify under a means test that looks at your income and compares it to the amount you owe, you may be able to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which wipes out all of your debts. If you do not qualify under the means test, you will likely file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which requires you to pay back a portion of your debt over a period of several years. Your attorney can help you decide which type of bankruptcy you should file.
Understanding Oregon Bankruptcy Forms
There are many bankruptcy forms to be completed in filing an Oregon bankruptcy. Because Portland bankruptcy attorneys deal with these forms every day, they are in the best position to help you complete them. The courts are very tough about the information that must be provided, and incomplete or incorrect forms may cause your bankruptcy case to be dismissed or thrown out of court.
Your bankruptcy lawyer will ensure that the proper forms are filed with the court, that all necessary information is included and that you’ve supplied the appropriate supporting documents. If any filed forms need to be amended or modified, your lawyer can handle that as well.
Meeting With the Bankruptcy Trustee & Working With Creditors
Your Portland bankruptcy lawyer can help you prepare for your first meeting with the bankruptcy trustee and tell you what to expect there. He can then also go with you to the meeting, help you to make your best case and achieve the outcome you’re hoping for.
Your Portland bankruptcy attorney is also your best buffer if creditors illegally continue to try to collect money from you once your bankruptcy has been filed. Your attorney can handle notifying these creditors that they are in violation of the law and can ask the court to make the creditors stop contacting you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Your Portland Bankruptcy Attorney
When it comes time to file for bankruptcy, you need a compassionate and skilled attorney who will be able to guide you through the process as cleanly as possible. Northwest Debt Relief Law Firm, we can help you with filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Portland, Oregon. We will be there every step of the way to help navigate you through the often-complex and difficult bankruptcy process.
Give us a call at (503) 912-8809 to schedule a free consultation with one of our bankruptcy attorneys. If you have any other questions about bankruptcy, one of our attorneys will be more than happy to offer advice on your particular situation.
