Wage garnishment can be stopped before your next paycheck. Call (503) 852-9047 now for emergency filing.

Nationally Certified Bankruptcy Specialist in Portland

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.

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.

WHY CHOOSE US

What Sets Our Portland 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.

Two Nationally Certified Specialists — Rare in Oregon

Michael O'Brien (certified 2007) and Theodore J. Piteo (certified 2014) are both nationally certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialists by the American Board of Certification. Two of only three such certified attorneys in the entire state of Oregon work at this firm, a distinction fewer than 1% of bankruptcy attorneys nationwide hold. Learn more on our Portland attorneys page.

Nearly Three Decades of Oregon Experience

For nearly 30 years and nearly 20,000 cases assessed, Michael D. O'Brien and Associates, P.C. has helped Portland metro and Oregon residents find lasting solutions to overwhelming debt. We've seen every situation, and we know how to navigate it.

Super Lawyers Recognized

Both Michael O'Brien and Theodore J. Piteo have earned Super Lawyers recognition, an independent rating system that identifies outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Community and Pro Bono Commitment

Michael O'Brien regularly donates his time and services to the Legal Aid Pro Bono Bankruptcy Clinic, providing access to legal help for Portland residents who cannot afford representation.

Truly Affordable Payment Plans

Financial hardship should not make quality legal help inaccessible. We offer flexible payment options so Portland area families can get expert 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 mortgage 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. Our guide on Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 is a helpful starting point. 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 Portland area filers keep their home, car, furniture, and retirement accounts through Oregon’s generous 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, letting you catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while keeping your property. Ideal for Portland homeowners who want to stop foreclosure and protect their equity.

Stop foreclosure and keep your Portland area home
Modify car loan terms to fit your current budget
Pay nondischargeable debts (taxes) through the plan
Protect non-exempt assets you would lose in Chapter 7
One consolidated, manageable monthly payment

Business and High-Debt Individuals.

Chapter 11: Business Reorganization

Chapter 11 allows Portland businesses to restructure debt while continuing operations, serving companies of every kind from local restaurants and retailers to tech startups and established Clackamas 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

EMERGENCY FILING / STOP GARNISHMENT

Stop Wage Garnishment and Creditor Action Fast

Once your petition is filed, the automatic stay immediately halts wage garnishment, collection calls, and lawsuits. We regularly handle emergency filings to stop garnishment before your next paycheck. Call (503) 852-9267 as soon as you receive a garnishment notice.

Stop Wage Garnishment

Emergency fillings can halt garnishment withing 24 to 48 hours. If you received a garnishment notice, call us today (503) 852-9267 before your next pay period.

Stop Foreclosure

The automatic stay halts any scheduled foreclosure sale the moment your petition is filed. Chapter 13 also allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3 to 5 years, giving you a structured path to keep your home.

Stop Collection Calls and Creditor Harassment

Once you file, creditors are legally prohibited from contacting you. If creditors have already violated your rights under federal law, we may be able to pursue claims against them for damages, even before or without filing bankruptcy.

Stop Vehicle Repossession

Filing bankruptcy stops repossession proceedings immediately. Visit our guide on how to keep your car in bankruptcy to understand all available options.

ALTERNATIVES TO BANKRUPTCY

We Explore Every Option Before Filing

Many financial problems can be resolved without filing bankruptcy. You can review all of our Oregon debt alternatives on our website. During your free consultation, we’ll assess every available path. We only recommend bankruptcy when it is genuinely the best solution.

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

GENERALLY NOT 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 Portland Residents Under Consumer Protection Laws

Beyond bankruptcy, Michael D. O’Brien and Associates, P.C. helps Portland area residents enforce their rights under federal consumer protection laws. Visit our fair debt collection page to understand your rights under the FDCPA. If mortgage servicers violate RESPA, lenders engage in predatory practices under TILA, or creditors report false information to credit bureaus, we can take legal action and potentially recover damages on your behalf.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: Bankruptcy in Portland

How long does the bankruptcy process take in the Portland area?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4 to 6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 involves a 3 to 5 year repayment plan. Portland area cases are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Oregon. We handle all documentation and court appearances on your behalf so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Can I keep my home in the Portland area if I file Chapter 7?

Most Portland area 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 detail during your free consultation. Chapter 13 is also a strong option for homeowners with more equity or who are behind on payments.

Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my Portland area 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 received a garnishment notice, call us immediately at (503)852-9047.

How much does bankruptcy cost in Portland?

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 cannot 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 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 appear in 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.

Not sure if bankruptcy is right for you?

Download our free bankruptcy book for a plain-language overview of your options, or read what Portland metro clients have to say on our testimonials page.

Where is our Portland area office located?

Our office is conveniently located at 7609 SW Beveland Rd in SW Portland, with easy access from Highway 217, I-5, and all areas of the Portland metro. Parking is available on-site. We serve clients throughout Portland, Clackamas, Multnomah County, Washington County, and the surrounding communities.

Still have questions? Get honest, pressure-free answers in a free 30-minute consultation.

OFFICE AND LOCATION

Our Portland Area Office

Michael D. O'Brien and Associates, P.C.
7609 SW Beveland Rd Portland, OR 97223
(503) 852-9267
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Easy access from Highway 217, I-5, and all areas of the Portland metro. On-site parking available.

You Don't Have to Face This Alone.

Thousands of Portland metro 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.