Wage garnishment can be stopped before your next paycheck. Call (503) 751-3444 now for emergency filing.
You're overwhelmed by debt. Eugene's Only Nationally Certified Bankruptcy Specialist is here to help.
Whether you’re facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or calls you dread picking up. We’ve helped thousands of Oregonians in exactly your situation find a real way forward.
- 2 of Only 3 Nationally Certified Specialists in Oregon Are at Our Firm
- Nearly 30 Years of Experience
- Nearly 20,000 Cases Assessed
- Oregon State Bar, Active Member
Serving: Portland, Clackamas, Tigard, and surrounding communities in Oregon.
Free 30-minute phone or in-person consultation. No obligation. Evening and weekend appointments available.
Get Your Free 30-Minute Consultation
Phone or in-person. No obligation. We’ll review your debts, assets, and income. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand.
- Confidential
- No Obligation
- Same-Day Response
- Oregon State Bar, Active Member
- American Board of Certification, Nationally Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist
- Super Lawyers Recognized
- NACBA Member
WHY CHOOSE US
What Sets Our Eugene Bankruptcy Attorneys Apart
Credentials matter. So does how you’re treated. We combine nationally recognized legal expertise with genuinely affordable, personalized representation for Portland metro families and businesses.
Nationally Certified Specialist
Michael O’Brien holds one of only three national certifications as a Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist in Oregon, a credential fewer than 1% of bankruptcy attorneys hold nationwide.
Two Decades of Oregon Experience
Over 20 years and nearly 20,000 cases assessed helping Eugene and Oregon residents find lasting solutions to debt. We’ve seen every situation, and we know how to navigate it.
Truly Affordable Payment Plans
Financial hardship should not make legal help inaccessible. We offer flexible payment options so Eugene families can get quality representation without adding to their burden.
Personalized, Individual Attention
We take the time to understand your circumstances, goals, and family situation. We develop a strategy tailored specifically to you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Full-Service Representation
From initial assessment through discharge, post-bankruptcy credit verification, and consumer protection enforcement. We’re with you at every step of the process.
Consumer Rights Enforcement
We enforce your rights under the FDCPA, FCRA, RESPA, and TILA. If creditors or servicers have violated the law, we can hold them accountable, and potentially recover damages for you.
BANKRUPTCY OPTIONS
Which Chapter Is Right for You?
Every financial situation is different. During your free consultation, we’ll assess your income, assets, and goals to recommend the most effective path.
Most Common. 4 to 6 Months.
Chapter 7: Fresh Start Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) without a repayment plan. Most Eugene filers keep their home, car, furniture, and retirement accounts through Oregon’s exemptions.
Note: Oregon’s homestead exemption has been significantly updated, currently protecting up to approximately $400,000 in home equity. We’ll review your specific situation during your consultation.
- Discharge most unsecured debts within 4 to 6 months
- Immediate automatic stay stops all creditor action
- Protect home, vehicle, and retirement through Oregon exemptions
- No repayment plan required
- Affordable payment plans available for attorney fees
Keep Your Property. 3 to 5 Year Plan.
Chapter 13: Reorganization Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 reorganizes your debt into an affordable 3 to 5 year repayment plan, allowing you to catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while keeping your assets. Ideal for Eugene homeowners facing foreclosure.
- Stop foreclosure and keep your Eugene home
- Modify car loan terms to fit current budget
- Pay nondischargeable debts (taxes) through the plan
- Protect non-exempt assets you’d lose in Chapter 7
- One consolidated, manageable monthly payment
Business and High-Debt Individuals.
Chapter 11: Business Reorganization
Chapter 11 allows Eugene businesses to restructure debt while continuing operations, serving businesses of every kind from local restaurants and retailers to technology startups and Lane County employers. Individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 thresholds may also use Chapter 11.
- Continue business operations during reorganization
- Restructure secured and unsecured business debt
- Renegotiate leases and executory contracts
- Available for high-debt individuals beyond Chapter 13 limits
- Court-supervised plan protects business assets
ALTERNATIVES TO BANKRUPTCY
We Explore Every Option Before Filing
Many financial problems can be solved without filing bankruptcy. During your free consultation, we’ll assess all available paths. We only recommend bankruptcy when it is genuinely the best solution for your situation.
Debt Negotiation
We negotiate directly with creditors to reduce balances, settle accounts, or establish affordable repayment terms, without the permanent record of a bankruptcy filing.
Debt Settlement
In some cases, lump-sum settlement offers can resolve significant debt at a fraction of the original balance. We evaluate whether this is a realistic option for your creditors.
Loan Modification
If your primary challenge is a mortgage you can no longer afford, a loan modification may allow you to restructure terms and avoid both foreclosure and bankruptcy.
Consumer Protection Claims
If creditors have violated the FDCPA, FCRA, RESPA, or TILA, you may have legal claims against them, potentially recovering damages without any bankruptcy filing required.
WHAT DEBTS CAN BE DISCHARGED?
Understanding Discharge
Not all debts are treated equally in bankruptcy. Here’s a clear overview, and we’ll review each of your specific debts individually during your free consultation.
TYPICALLY DISCHARGEABLE
- Credit card balances
- Medical bills (incl. OHSU, Providence, Legacy, Adventist Health)
- Personal loans and payday loans
- Utility arrears
- Older income tax debts (meeting IRS criteria)
- Collection accounts and charge-offs
- Deficiency balances after repossession
TYPICALLY DISCHARGEABLE
- Child support and alimony
- Recent income taxes (within 3 years)
- Student loans (unless undue hardship proven)
- Court-ordered fines and restitution
- Debts from fraud or intentional harm
- DUI-related injury judgments
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Protecting Your Rights Under Consumer Protection Laws
Beyond bankruptcy, Michael D. O’Brien and Associates, P.C. helps Eugene residents enforce their rights under federal consumer protection laws. If mortgage servicers violate RESPA, lenders engage in predatory practices prohibited by TILA, or creditors report false information to credit bureaus, we can take legal action to protect your interests and potentially recover damages on your behalf.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ: Bankruptcy in Eugene
How long does the bankruptcy process take in Lane County?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4 to 6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 involves a 3 to 5-year repayment plan. All filings are handled at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Eugene. We manage all documentation and court appearances on your behalf so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Can I keep my home in Eugene if I file Chapter 7?
Most Eugene homeowners can keep their homes. Oregon’s homestead exemption has been significantly updated in recent years, now protecting substantial equity, currently around $400,000 for most filers. The exact amount depends on your circumstances, which we’ll review in your free consultation. Chapter 13 is also an option for homeowners with more equity or who are behind on payments.
Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my Eugene property?
Yes. The automatic stay stops foreclosure proceedings immediately upon filing, including any scheduled sale date. Chapter 13 goes further by allowing you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3 to 5 years while keeping your home. If you’re facing a foreclosure timeline, contact us immediately for emergency filing options.
Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment before my next paycheck?
Yes. The automatic stay stops wage garnishment the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed. We regularly file emergency petitions to halt garnishment within 24 to 48 hours. If you have a garnishment notice, call us immediately at (503) 751-3444.
How much does bankruptcy cost in Eugene?
Court filing fees are set by federal law (currently $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity. We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your situation. Cost should never be the reason you can’t access quality representation. We’ll discuss all fees transparently during your free consultation.
What happens to my credit after bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy does affect your credit, but most clients find their credit begins recovering within 12 to 24 months as discharged debt is removed and they rebuild with clean accounts. Many of our clients are surprised to receive credit offers within a year of discharge. We provide post-bankruptcy guidance to help you rebuild as quickly as possible.
Do I have to go to court?
Most clients only attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors, a brief and informal hearing (typically 10 to 15 minutes) where the trustee reviews your petition. We prepare you fully for this and attend with you. In most Chapter 7 cases, no further court appearances are required.
Still have questions? Get honest, pressure-free answers in a free 30-minute consultation.
You Don't Have to Face This Alone.
Thousands of Lane County families have found a real path forward. A free, 30-minute consultation with a nationally certified bankruptcy specialist costs you nothing and could change everything.
Free 30-minute phone or in-person consultation. No obligation. Evening and weekend appointments available.
Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this content. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.