Bankruptcy

Personal Bankruptcy Attorney

Stop Collection Calls, Get Credit Card Debt Relief, and Much More

At the offices of David W. Schermer, Attorney at Law, we understand that even the most responsible people may sometimes find themselves in financial crises. When this happens, federal bankruptcy laws can provide a "fresh start" for honest persons who face economic difficulties.

I have handled bankruptcy cases for nearly thirty (30) years, and I would be happy to discuss your financial options with you to help you decide whether you need to file bankruptcy. My offices are conveniently located in West Linn, south of Portland, on Highway 43 and with easy access to and from Interstate 205.

I represent people from West Linn, Portland, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Canby, Molalla, Wilsonville, Estacada, and elsewhere in Clackamas County and Multnomah County. Contact us to set up an appointment.

What You Should Know About Bankruptcy

The most common causes of personal bankruptcy are job loss and overwhelming health care expenses. Credit card debt can also be a source of financial problems, and credit card companies often make your situation worse by raising interest rates or tacking on additional finance charges.

Two bankruptcy options exist for individuals:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

• Subject to a few exceptions, (e.g. student loans, support obligations, and most taxes), it eliminates all unsecured, dischargeable debts, including credit card debt, and medical bills.
• Allows you to keep most assets, such as your car or home.
• STOPS all creditor collection activities, including harassing phone calls, home foreclosures, repossessions, wage garnishments, and all lawsuits through what is called the "Automatic Stay".

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

• Can save your home from foreclosure by giving you up to five years to pay the mortgage arrears.
• Allows you to pay off consumer debts, secured debts, or unpaid taxes, with affordable payments over a three to five year period.
• STOPS creditor collection activities, including harassing phone calls, home foreclosures, repossession, wage garnishments, and other legal action.
• Allows you to avoid the forced sale of personal property and to retain nonexempt assets while offering the other benefits of bankruptcy.

Income Eligibility Requirements

You may not be able to choose the type of bankruptcy you prefer. Since 2005, debtors must pass a "Means Test" to qualify to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This involves a comparison of your household income for the preceding six months with the median income of other Oregon households of your size. Allowances are made for your secured debt and some other expenses as well. Debtors who do not pass this "Means Test" are usually required to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Likewise, for debtors who have filed a previous Chapter 7 within the last eight years.

Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney

I have helped hundreds of individuals obtain a financial fresh start by filing for bankruptcy. Our office can determine whether you qualify under the "Means Test" for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Often financial planning can be done prior to filing bankruptcy which will help maximize the financial benefits and protections to which you are entitled under the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Personal Service to Our Clients

We offer a personalized approach to solving your financial problems. Bankruptcy petitions often seem simple, but many cases have subtleties that should be evaluated by an experienced lawyer. If you hire our office to assist you, I will handle all aspects of your case from start to finish. We will guide you through the bankruptcy process, prepare and file all necessary bankruptcy schedules, appear with you at your hearing, and keep you informed the entire way. You deserve an experienced bankruptcy attorney for all aspects of your case.

Reasonable Fees

When we help people make a fresh financial start, we do not expect them to pay huge legal fees. We try to keep all bankruptcy fees reasonable, and in most cases we offer one fixed fee for a routine Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 attorney fees often can be paid from future plan payments.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing serious financial difficulties, call our office today at (503) 657-9002 or email us. Usually, the most efficient way for us to help you is to provide you with financial worksheets in advance of your first appointment.

WE ARE A DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. WE HELP PEOPLE FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY RELIEF UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY CODE.

From law offices in West Linn, Oregon, bankruptcy attorney David W. Schermer serves people in Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Canby, Molalla, Wilsonville, West Linn, Estacada, and elsewhere in Clackamas County and Multnomah County.

David W. Schermer, Attorney at Law
21790 Willamette Drive
West Linn, OR  97068
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Phone: (503) 657-9002
Fax: (503) 656-2667
Email

DISCLAIMER

The information above is general in nature, and not a substitute for consultation with competent legal counsel or a financial expert.