Baxter & Baxter, LLP | Consumer Protection

This information is presented by the Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. The Oregon and Washington bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file.

We offer a free initial consultation. Our rates are competitive, and if you don’t have the full fee right now, call us to discuss prioritizing your payments.

Sound Advice with Dignity and Empathy

Deciding whether to file bankruptcy is a very serious decision. The majority of bankruptcies are precipitated by circumstances outside a person’s control — loss of a job, divorce, or significant illness. The stress of these events is compounded by collection letters and calls, and the fear of losing a home to foreclosure. The dedicated and compassionate bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, understand all of these realities, and endeavor to provide clear and concise advice, so that the bankruptcy process is as transparent and understandable as possible. Once the bankruptcy is completed and the discharge order is entered, our clients can begin a new life and get a fresh start!

Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy is a serious and important decision that has significant ramifications. The Portland bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is right for you. We can advise you on whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 liquidation, or would be better served by entering into a Chapter 13 repayment plan.

Among the many benefits of filing for bankruptcy are:

Stop garnishments on bank accounts and wages
Stop home foreclosures
Stop harassing phone calls from bill collectors and collection agencies
Prevent utilities from being shut off
Stop car and truck repossessions
Eliminate some back taxes

Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon and Washington

The most common types of personal bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. As much as 65% of all U.S. consumer bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 cases. In Chapter 7, a debtor surrenders his or her non-exempt property to a bankruptcy trustee who then liquidates the property and distributes the proceeds to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. In exchange, the debtor is entitled to a discharge of most of their debt. Certain debts (e.g. spousal and child support, student loans, some taxes) will not be discharged even though the debtor is generally discharged from his or her debt. Many individuals in financial distress own only exempt property (e.g. clothes, household goods, an older car) and will not have to surrender any property to the trustee. The amount of property that a debtor may exempt varies from state to state. Chapter 7 relief is available only once in any eight year period. Generally, the rights of secured creditors to their collateral continues even though their debt is discharged.

For more information about the Bankruptcy Practice Group, click on the links below:

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In Chapter 13, the debtor retains ownership and possession of all of his or her assets, but must devote some portion of his or her future income to repaying creditors, generally over a period of three to five years. The amount of payment and the period of the repayment plan depend upon a variety of factors, including the value of the debtor’s property and the amount of a debtor’s income and expenses. Secured creditors may be entitled to greater payment than unsecured creditors.

Email Us at contact@baxterlaw.com

Offices

Baxter & Baxter, LLP
8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130
Portland, Oregon 97225
(503) 297-9031 Telephone
(503) 291-9172 Facsimile
Driving Directions

Baxter & Baxter, LLP
421 High Street, Suite 103
Oregon City, Oregon 97045
(503) 657-6531 Telephone
(503) 291-9172 Facsimile
Driving Directions

Baxter & Baxter, LLP
5635 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
(503) 681-9752 Telephone
(503) 291-9172 Facsimile
Driving Directions

Baxter & Baxter, LLP
1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213
Vancouver, Washington 98660
(360) 574-5239 Telephone
(360) 326-1613 Facsimile
Driving Directions