The best Bankruptcy Attorneys company in Portland for 2026 is Upsolve, rated 4.9 with fees of Free (nonprofit) and a resolution timeline of 3-6 months. Other top-rated options include Stretto / Deborah Williamson (rated 4.8) and Lamoureux Law Firm (rated 4.7).
- Top Pick
- Upsolve
- Rating
- 4.9
- Avg. Fees
- Free (nonprofit)
Last updated
Key Takeaways: Business Debt Settlement in Portland
Upsolve is our #1 pick for Portland bankruptcy — their free Chapter 7 tool is ideal for Portland residents who pass the means test.
Portland cases are filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon.
Oregon does not allow federal exemptions — state exemptions with a $40,000 homestead must be used.
Oregon's state income tax (up to 9.9%) reduces disposable income on the means test, helping Portland filers qualify for Chapter 7.
Portland's high housing costs and tech industry layoffs are primary bankruptcy drivers.
Portland is Oregon’s largest city, with an economy driven by technology (Intel, Nike, Columbia Sportswear), healthcare (OHSU, Providence, Legacy), craft food and beverage, and a creative economy. The city’s high cost of living — driven by housing costs that have outpaced wage growth — creates financial strain that leads to bankruptcy filings. Oregon does not allow filers to use federal exemptions; state exemptions must be used. Oregon’s homestead exemption of $40,000 ($50,000 for joint filers) is moderate, and the state has no sales tax, though it does have a state income tax (up to 9.9%) that affects disposable income.
We spent over 150 hours evaluating bankruptcy resources serving Portland and Multnomah County. Upsolve is our #1 pick for Chapter 7 filers.
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Portland's Housing Crisis and Bankruptcy
Oregon's Income Tax Advantage on the Means Test
Tech Industry Layoffs and Portland Bankruptcy
Small Business Bankruptcy in Portland
Choosing Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 in Portland
The means test uses the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro MSA median income. Portland's high cost of living means the expense allowances are generous, and Oregon's state income tax deduction further reduces disposable income, helping more filers qualify for Chapter 7. Oregon's $40,000 homestead exemption is moderate -- Portland homeowners in appreciating neighborhoods may need Chapter 13 to protect equity above the exemption.
Who Files for Bankruptcy in Portland?
Portland bankruptcy filers include tech workers laid off from Intel, Nike, and startups, hospitality and restaurant workers in the Pearl District, Alberta Arts District, and Division Street, healthcare workers burdened by their own medical debt from OHSU and Providence, and small business owners whose cafes, breweries, and shops didn't survive Portland's competitive landscape. The city's significant homeless population and housing crisis drive filings among those transitioning from instability to employment.
Bankruptcy Attorneys in Portland: The Complete 2026 Guide
Filing for bankruptcy in Portland involves navigating the District of Oregon's procedures, working with Oregon's state exemptions, and understanding how Portland's high cost of living affects the means test.
Portland Bankruptcy Legal Landscape
Portland cases are filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse. Oregon requires state exemptions (no federal option). The homestead exemption protects $40,000 per individual ($50,000 for joint filers). Personal property exemptions include $3,000 vehicle, $3,000 household goods, $5,000 tools of trade, and $400 in cash plus $400 wildcard. Oregon also exempts retirement accounts, Social Security, and disability benefits. Oregon's state income tax (up to 9.9%) is deducted on the means test, reducing disposable income and helping more Portland filers qualify for Chapter 7.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Portland
- Debt Settlement: Portland residents with $10,000+ in unsecured debt may negotiate settlements for 40-60 cents on the dollar.
- Credit Counseling: Nonprofit agencies including CCCS of Oregon offer DMPs for Portland residents.
- Hospital Financial Assistance: OHSU, Providence, and Legacy offer charity care programs for qualifying patients.
- Legal Aid: Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free bankruptcy help for qualifying Multnomah County residents.
Our Methodology
Our editorial team spent over 150 hours evaluating bankruptcy attorneys and resources serving Portland and Multnomah County. We analyzed case success rates in the District of Oregon, verified bar admissions, reviewed client testimonials, and assessed fee transparency.
Case Success Rate
Fee Transparency
Client Reviews
Bankruptcy Expertise
Evaluation Weight Distribution
I was a manufacturing engineer at Intel's Hillsboro campus making $85k. Laid off 4 months ago. On unemployment ($648/week). I have $25k in credit cards and $15k in personal loans. I own a condo in Beaverton with about $35k in equity. Should I file Chapter 7 now?
Economic Snapshot
Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Indicators refresh daily.
of consumers who complete a debt management program successfully pay off their enrolled debts in full.
Source: NFCC Outcomes StudyCFPB Complaint Tracker
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. All financial complaints filed from OR in the past 12 months.
1
Rank 1: Upsolve
4.9
Start Free Filing
Rank 1: Upsolve
- Min. Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Free (nonprofit)
- Timeline
- 3-6 months
Upsolve is our #1 ranked bankruptcy resource for Portland in 2026. Their free Chapter 7 tool helps Portland filers navigate the means test and Oregon's state exemption system. Portland's high cost of living means many filers have straightforward cases where the means test is favorable due to high allowable expenses.
2
Rank 2: Stretto / Deborah Williamson
4.8
Get a Free Consultation
Rank 2: Stretto / Deborah Williamson
- Min. Debt
- $10,000
- Avg. Fees
- $1,500-$3,500
- Timeline
- 3-6 months
Stretto earns #2 for Portland with Chapter 7 expertise. For Portland homeowners with equity near or above the $40,000 homestead exemption, Stretto provides strategic guidance on asset protection under Oregon's exemption system.
3
Rank 3: Lamoureux Law Firm
4.7
Get a Free Consultation
Rank 3: Lamoureux Law Firm
- Min. Debt
- $15,000
- Avg. Fees
- $2,500-$5,000
- Timeline
- 3-5 years (Chapter 13 plan)
Lamoureux Law Firm rounds out our top 3 for Portland with Chapter 13 expertise. For Portland homeowners with equity exceeding $40,000 or workers above the means test, Chapter 13 provides structured relief.
Portland Business Debt Settlement Compared
- Min. Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Free (nonprofit)
- Timeline
- 3-6 months
- Min. Debt
- $10,000
- Avg. Fees
- $1,500-$3,500
- Timeline
- 3-6 months
- Min. Debt
- $15,000
- Avg. Fees
- $2,500-$5,000
- Timeline
- 3-5 years (Chapter 13 plan)
About the Author
David Park
Senior Bankruptcy Editor
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Oregon Attorney General
AG Rayfield argues Trump’s new tariffs go beyond what Congress authorized; asks court to block them Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following statement after today’s hearing at the Court of International Trade in New York City, challenging tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. “Oregon families are still paying more for groceries, clothes, and everyday basics. Now the president is doubling down on his failed economic agenda – making working families foot the bill while he rewrites the rules on a whim. “What we argued today was straightforward – Congress sets tariffs, not the president, and this law doesn’t give him the authority he’s claiming.
· Apr 10, 2026Attorney General Dan Rayfield today announced that the Oregon Department of Justice has filed a motion asking a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to schedule a contempt hearing for Moyata “Mo” Anotta, President of NW Metals Inc. in Portland, on behalf of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The motion alleges Anotta violated a 2021 permanent court injunction requiring the company to comply with Oregon environmental law. “Mr. Anotta has already watched a fire at one of his scrapyards send toxic smoke over a residential neighborhood and force more than 145 of his neighbors from their homes,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “A court ordered him to follow the law and he didn’t.
· Apr 6, 2026Attorney General Dan Rayfield today announced charges against a Portland area behavioral health provider and his business for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Oregon’s Medicaid program. The Oregon Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) also secured convictions in two additional Multnomah County cases involving Medicaid fraud. “Medicaid exists to make sure people can get the help they need – for their health, their housing, their children’s mental wellbeing,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “These cases show what’s at stake when people in positions of trust choose to exploit that system for personal gain. We will continue to hold accountable anyone who steals from Oregon’s most vulnerable residents.
· Apr 6, 2026Portland Business Debt Settlement FAQ
What is the best bankruptcy resource in Portland for 2026?
How much does bankruptcy cost in Portland?
Can I keep my Portland home in bankruptcy?
Which court serves Portland?
How long does bankruptcy take in Portland?
Important Bankruptcy Attorney Disclaimers
- Filing for bankruptcy is a serious legal decision that will remain on your credit report for 7 years (Chapter 13) or 10 years (Chapter 7). It can affect your ability to obtain credit, rent an apartment, or pass certain employment background checks.
- Not all debts can be discharged in bankruptcy. Student loans, most tax debts, child support, alimony, and certain government fines are generally non-dischargeable. The specific debts eligible for discharge depend on the chapter filed and your individual circumstances.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires passing a means test based on your income relative to your state's median income. If your income exceeds the threshold, you may be required to file Chapter 13 instead, which involves a 3-5 year court-supervised repayment plan.
- Bankruptcy attorney fees vary significantly by location, case complexity, and chapter filed. Chapter 7 typically costs $1,500-$3,500 in attorney fees plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 typically costs $2,500-$6,000 in attorney fees plus a $313 filing fee. Fee waivers may be available for low-income filers.
- Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that stops most collection activity, but certain actions (such as criminal proceedings, tax audits, and some evictions) may continue. The automatic stay can also be lifted by the court upon creditor motion.
- Alternatives to bankruptcy include debt settlement, debt consolidation loans, credit counseling, debt management plans, and negotiating directly with creditors. Each option has different implications for your credit, finances, and legal obligations.
- Zogby does not provide legal services. We are an independent comparison service that connects consumers with bankruptcy attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms, which may influence rankings and placement.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal or financial advice. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney before making any decisions about filing for bankruptcy.
Editorial Independence
We make money from some companies on this page. That doesn't change our rankings -- the editorial team scores every product independently, and the business side has no say in what we recommend.