How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon
Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps you eliminate your debt with our free bankruptcy filing tool. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. You could be debt-free in as little as 4 months. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University — so we’ll never ask you for a credit card. See if you qualify →
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Oregonians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Oregon.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 17, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Oregon
If you're feeling overwhelmed by bills, collection calls, or the stress of making ends meet, you're not alone. Many people turn to bankruptcy when they've tried everything else and still can't get ahead. This guide walks you through each step to file without a lawyer.
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify.
If your income is below Oregon’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Oregon Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| Loading... | ||
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online. It takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country. You can find them as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov.
Oregon does have specific formatting rules for your creditor mailing list, which is a list of everyone you owe money to along with their mailing addresses. You'll need to submit that list electronically using the court's online form.
If you use Upsolve, your forms are generated for you based on your answers and organized so they’re ready to print and sign.
How filing works with Upsolve →
You can file your forms by mail, online, or in person at your local courthouse.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon handles all Chapter 7 cases in the state. There are two courthouse locations — one in Portland and one in Eugene. Where you file depends on the county you live in.
| 📍If you reside in this county: | 🏛️ Mail or deliver your forms to: |
|---|---|
| Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk | U.S. Bankruptcy Court 405 E 8th Ave. #2600 Eugene, OR 97401 |
| Any other county | U.S. Bankruptcy Court 1050 SW 6th Ave. #700 Portland, OR 97204 |
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Oregon Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,330.00 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $2,750.00 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $4,170.00 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $6,965.00 |
| 9 | $5,116.67 | $7,675.00 |
| 10 | $5,590.00 | $8,385.00 |
If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you can pay the filing fee in full or ask the court to approve a payment plan. To request a payment plan, you'll submit an installment application with a proposed schedule. After your first payment to open the case, you'll need to pay at least $50 within 30 days, another $50 within 60 days, and the full balance within 90 days of court approval.
Oregon accepts payments in three ways:
Online through Pay.gov: You can use a bank account, PayPal, or a card.
In person: Bring exact cash, a money order, or a cashier's check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court to the courthouse where you're filing your case.
By mail: Send a money order or cashier's check to the court (don't mail cash).
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork.
Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Free Legal Aid in Oregon
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across Oregon. The Oregon Bankruptcy Court also has a list of low-cost legal organizations.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (503) 224-4094 621 SW Morrison Street Suite 950, Portland, OR 97205
