Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — What They Are
Bankruptcy is a federal court process designed to help people eliminate debt or repay debts under protection. The two most common filings for individuals are:
Chapter 7 (Liquidation)
Many unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) can be discharged. You must pass the income "means test." Non-exempt property can be sold by the trustee — Oregon's exemption laws decide what you keep.
Chapter 13 (Reorganization)
You keep your property and repay debts through a 3–5 year court-approved payment plan. Often used when you are behind on a mortgage or vehicle, or earn too much for Chapter 7.
Both require pre-filing credit counseling and a debtor-education course before discharge. Filing fees apply, and you can ask the court to waive or defer them if you cannot afford them.
This page is education, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.
How a Chapter 7 Filing Usually Goes
- Gather your financial records — income (last 6 months), debts, assets, tax returns and monthly living expenses.
- Complete pre-filing credit counseling with a court-approved provider (must be within 180 days before filing).
- Fill out the official bankruptcy forms (the 100-series forms are free on the US Courts website).
- File with the US Bankruptcy Court for your district and pay the filing fee, or file an application to waive or defer it.
- Attend the 341 meeting of creditors — the trustee questions you under oath about your paperwork.
- Complete the debtor-education course and receive your discharge notice from the court.
Official Resources (Free)
Bankruptcy Basics
The official US Courts overview of Chapter 7, Chapter 13, the trustee, the discharge and more.
Official Bankruptcy Forms
Download every current forms packet, instructions and examples straight from the US Courts.
US Bankruptcy Court — District of Oregon
Local rules, filing locations, hearing calendars, fee schedules and Oregon-specific self-help.
Means Test Information
How Chapter 7 eligibility income limits are calculated and where the census data lives.
Credit Counseling & Debtor Education
Find court-approved agencies for the two required courses (beware of scams — only use approved lists).
Find Your Bankruptcy Court
Confirm which district and division you file in based on where you live.
Free Forms & Custom Preparation
You can always download the free official forms from the links above and prepare your own filing yourself — you are a pro se litigant and that is your right.
If you want help, we prepare custom pro se forms for your specific situation. Every custom form is reviewed and edited by a lawyer and includes Zoom assistance to walk you through e-filing where available.
$25 consultation — pick a time on the Contact page. We reserve the right to refuse service when no valid claim is clear, and we do not prepare forms for frivolous cases.
Remember: having a claim is never a guaranteed win — judges and juries are unpredictable and there is always an opposing party.