By Michael Fuller, The Underdog Lawyer ®
On June 1, 2014, consumer bankruptcy filing fees in Oregon and across the country are set to increase.
Click here to view the District of Oregon’s new bankruptcy filing fee schedule. The new Chapter 7 filing fee is $335. The new Chapter 13 filing fee is $310.
Consumers may apply to pay their fee in installments.
Individuals earning less than $1,458 per month (150% of the current poverty line of $972 per month) can apply to waive their filing fee. However, consumers who qualify for the waiver may not even need bankruptcy protection to avoid garnishment.
For example, the first $218 of a consumer’s take-home paycheck each week is exempt and cannot be garnished by creditors.
Low-income consumers may qualify for the free Bankruptcy Clinic, sponsored by the Oregon State Bar’s Debtor-Creditor Section.
To learn more about the clinic, contact its chair, attorney Rich Parker.