{"id":14,"date":"2026-02-08T08:59:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T08:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=14"},"modified":"2026-10-18T21:21:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T21:21:50","slug":"bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=14","title":{"rendered":"Bankruptcy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n


\n
\nBankruptcy | RDE Legal Resource<\/title><br \/>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Free bankruptcy resources, forms and pro se guidance for the District of Oregon.\"><\/p>\n<style>\n:root{--blue:#4a90e2;--green:#5cb85c;--panel:rgba(0,0,0,.55);--text:#fff;--muted:rgba(255,255,255,.88)}\n*{box-sizing:border-box}\nhtml{scroll-behavior:smooth}\nbody{margin:0;font-family:'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Geneva,Verdana,sans-serif;color:#fff;background:#1c2733;line-height:1.55}\nimg{max-width:100%}\na{color:var(--blue)}\nsection{scroll-margin-top:70px}\n.rde-nav-container{width:100%;background:#1a1a1a;border-bottom:2px solid #ff9900;box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.3);position:relative;z-index:9999}\n.rde-nav-inner{max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;padding:12px 20px;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px 22px}\n.rde-brand{color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:1.1rem;text-decoration:none}\n.rde-nav-links{display:flex;gap:16px;list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-end;align-items:center}\n.rde-nav-links a{color:#e0e0e0;text-decoration:none;font-size:.92rem;font-weight:500}\n.rde-nav-links a:hover,.rde-nav-links a.active{color:#ff9900}\n.rde-nav-links a.active{font-weight:700}\n.rde-nav-toggle{display:none;background:none;border:none;color:#fff;font-size:1.5rem;cursor:pointer}\n@media(max-width:880px){.rde-nav-toggle{display:block}.rde-nav-links{display:none;flex-direction:column;width:100%;background:#1a1a1a;padding:15px 20px;border-bottom:2px solid #ff9900;gap:12px;align-items:flex-start}.rde-nav-links.active{display:flex}}\n.rde-hero{padding:80px 20px;text-align:center;background-image:linear-gradient(rgba(0,0,0,.32),rgba(0,0,0,.45)),url('https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/8515596\/pexels-photo-8515596.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1920');background-size:cover;background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat}\n.rde-hero-inner{max-width:900px;margin:0 auto}\n.rde-eyebrow{color:#77b5ff;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px}\n.rde-hero h1{font-size:2.6em;margin:0 0 14px;color:#fff!important;text-shadow:0 2px 7px #000}\n.rde-hero-sub{font-size:1.15em;color:#fff!important;margin:0 auto 26px;max-width:700px;text-shadow:0 2px 5px #000}\n.rde-hero-actions{display:flex;gap:14px;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap}\n.rde-btn{display:inline-block;padding:12px 26px;border-radius:5px;color:#fff!important;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;border:0;cursor:pointer;transition:opacity .2s}\n.rde-btn:hover{opacity:.88}\n.rde-btn-blue{background:var(--blue)}\n.rde-btn-green{background:var(--green)}\n.rde-panel{max-width:1100px;margin:34px auto;padding:0 20px}\n.rde-panel-grid{display:flex;gap:28px;align-items:flex-start;justify-content:space-between;background:var(--panel);border-radius:14px;padding:34px}\n.rde-panel-text{flex:1 1 62%;min-width:280px}\n.rde-panel-text h2{margin-top:0;font-size:1.7em;color:#fff!important}\n.rde-panel-text p{color:var(--muted)}\n.rde-note{font-style:italic;opacity:.9}\n.rde-panel-side{flex:0 0 32%;min-width:240px}\n.rde-cta-card{background:#27323c;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.4);border-radius:10px;padding:24px;text-align:center;color:#fff!important}\n.rde-cta-card h3,.rde-cta-card p,.rde-cta-card strong{color:#fff!important}\n.rde-cta-card h3{margin-top:0}\n.rde-cta-green{border-color:rgba(92,184,92,.6)}\n.rde-section{max-width:1100px;margin:34px auto;padding:0 20px}\n.rde-section h2{font-size:1.7em;color:#fff!important}\n.rde-steps{margin:0;padding-left:24px}\n.rde-steps li{margin:0 0 14px;color:var(--muted);padding-left:6px}\n.rde-card-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:18px}\n.rde-card{display:block;background:var(--panel);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);border-radius:10px;padding:22px;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;transition:transform .15s,border-color .15s}\n.rde-card:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);border-color:var(--blue)}\n.rde-card h3{margin:0 0 8px;font-size:1.1em;color:#79b6ff!important}\n.rde-card p{margin:0;color:var(--muted);font-size:.94em}\n.rde-footer{background:#0f1720;padding:40px 20px 20px;margin-top:40px}\n.rde-footer-grid{max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:26px}\n.rde-footer h4{margin:0 0 10px;color:#fff!important}\n.rde-footer p{color:var(--muted);font-size:.92em;margin:0}\n.rde-footer a{display:block;color:var(--muted);text-decoration:none;font-size:.92em;margin-bottom:6px}\n.rde-footer a:hover{color:#fff}\n.rde-footer-legal{max-width:1100px;margin:26px auto 0;font-size:.8em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.7);border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);padding-top:14px}\n.rde-footer-copy{max-width:1100px;margin:8px auto 0;font-size:.8em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-align:center}\n@media(max-width:900px){.rde-hero h1{font-size:2em}.rde-panel-grid{flex-direction:column}.rde-panel-side{width:100%}}\n<\/style>\n<nav class=\"rde-nav-container\">\n<div class=\"rde-nav-inner\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/\" class=\"rde-brand\">Legal Resource<\/a><br \/>\n<button class=\"rde-nav-toggle\" onclick=\"document.querySelector('.rde-nav-links').classList.toggle('active')\">\u2630<\/button><\/p>\n<ul class=\"rde-nav-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=14\" class=\"active\">Bankruptcy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=100\">Court Fees\/Waivers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=94\">Auto Accidents<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=556\">Contact<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=179\">E-Filing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=222\">Tenant Rights\/Evictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=25\">Alerts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rdewebsites.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RDE Websites<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<section class=\"rde-hero\">\n<div class=\"rde-hero-inner\">\n<p class=\"rde-eyebrow\">Bankruptcy<\/p>\n<h1>Bankruptcy Resources for Pro Se Litigants<\/h1>\n<p class=\"rde-hero-sub\">Free research, official forms and step-by-step guidance for filing in the District of Oregon \u2014 without providing legal advice.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rde-hero-actions\">\n<a class=\"rde-btn rde-btn-green\" href=\"#start\">Start Here<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-btn rde-btn-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=84\">Ask a Question<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><main><\/p>\n<section class=\"rde-panel\" id=\"start\">\n<div class=\"rde-panel-grid\">\n<div class=\"rde-panel-text\">\n<h2>Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 \u2014 What They Are<\/h2>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chapter 7 (Liquidation)<\/strong><br \/>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 \u2014 Oregon’s exemption laws decide what you keep.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chapter 13 (Reorganization)<\/strong><br \/>You keep your property and repay debts through a 3\u20135 year court-approved payment plan. Often used when you are behind on a mortgage or vehicle, or earn too much for Chapter 7.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"rde-note\">This page is education, not legal advice. Every case is different \u2014 talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"rde-panel-side\">\n<div class=\"rde-cta-card\">\n<h3>Questions about your case?<\/h3>\n<p>Text <strong>(971)801-3332<\/strong> or use the Contact page \u2014 you will get a reply the same day.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"rde-btn rde-btn-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=84\">Contact Us<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rde-section\" id=\"steps\">\n<h2>How a Chapter 7 Filing Usually Goes<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"rde-steps\">\n<li><strong>Gather your financial records<\/strong> \u2014 income (last 6 months), debts, assets, tax returns and monthly living expenses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete pre-filing credit counseling<\/strong> with a court-approved provider (must be within 180 days before filing).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fill out the official bankruptcy forms<\/strong> (the 100-series forms are free on the US Courts website).<\/li>\n<li><strong>File with the US Bankruptcy Court<\/strong> for your district and pay the filing fee, or file an application to waive or defer it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Attend the 341 meeting of creditors<\/strong> \u2014 the trustee questions you under oath about your paperwork.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete the debtor-education course<\/strong> and receive your discharge notice from the court.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rde-section rde-links\" id=\"resources\">\n<h2>Official Resources (Free)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rde-card-grid\">\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/services-forms\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-basics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>Bankruptcy Basics<\/h3>\n<p>The official US Courts overview of Chapter 7, Chapter 13, the trustee, the discharge and more.<\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/forms-rules\/current-forms-adopted\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>Official Bankruptcy Forms<\/h3>\n<p>Download every current forms packet, instructions and examples straight from the US Courts.<\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.orb.uscourts.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>US Bankruptcy Court \u2014 District of Oregon<\/h3>\n<p>Local rules, filing locations, hearing calendars, fee schedules and Oregon-specific self-help.<\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/ust\/means-testing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>Means Test Information<\/h3>\n<p>How Chapter 7 eligibility income limits are calculated and where the census data lives.<\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/ust\/credit-counseling-and-debtor-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>Credit Counseling & Debtor Education<\/h3>\n<p>Find court-approved agencies for the two required courses (beware of scams \u2014 only use approved lists).<\/p>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"rde-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/services-forms\/bankruptcy\/find-bankruptcy-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<h3>Find Your Bankruptcy Court<\/h3>\n<p>Confirm which district and division you file in based on where you live.<\/p>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rde-panel\" id=\"forms\">\n<div class=\"rde-panel-grid\">\n<div class=\"rde-panel-text\">\n<h2>Free Forms & Custom Preparation<\/h2>\n<p>You can always download the free official forms from the links above and prepare your own filing yourself \u2014 you are a pro se litigant and that is your right.<\/p>\n<p>If you want help, we prepare <strong>custom pro se forms<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>$25 consultation<\/strong> \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<p>Remember: having a claim is never a guaranteed win \u2014 judges and juries are unpredictable and there is always an opposing party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"rde-panel-side\">\n<div class=\"rde-cta-card rde-cta-green\">\n<h3>Ready to talk?<\/h3>\n<p>Text <strong>(971)801-3332<\/strong> or email <strong>rdhall1963@gmail.com<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"rde-btn rde-btn-green\" href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=84\">Open Contact Page<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<footer class=\"rde-footer\">\n<div class=\"rde-footer-grid\">\n<div>\n<h4>RDE Legal Resource<\/h4>\n<p>Legal research tools and form resources for pro se litigants. We help you understand your options \u2014 we do not provide legal advice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h4>Quick Links<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/\">Home<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=100\">Court Fees\/Waiver Applications<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=222\">Tenant Rights\/Evictions<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/?page_id=84\">Contact<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h4>Contact<\/h4>\n<p>\u260e (971)801-3332<br \/>\u2709 rdhall1963@gmail.com<br \/>3550 SE 130th Ave #6, Portland, OR 97236<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"rde-footer-legal\">Educational information only \u2014 not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is created by using this site. Laws and fees change; confirm current amounts with the court.<\/p>\n<p class=\"rde-footer-copy\">\u00a9 <span id=\"rde-year\">2026<\/span> RDE Legal Resource. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p><script>\n(function(){var year=document.getElementById('rde-year');if(year)year.textContent=new Date().getFullYear()})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<p><!-- version:1792358510 --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bankruptcy | RDE Legal Resource Legal Resource \u2630 Bankruptcy Court Fees\/Waivers Auto Accidents Contact E-Filing Tenant Rights\/Evictions Alerts RDE Websites Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Resources for Pro Se Litigants Free research, official forms and step-by-step guidance for filing in the District of Oregon \u2014 without providing legal advice. Start Here Ask a Question Chapter 7 or Chapter […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"brizy-blank-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":634,"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions\/634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdelegalresource.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}