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.
Zogby is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. We may receive compensation from the companies whose products appear on this site. This compensation may impact how, where, and in what order products appear. Zogby does not include every financial company or every product available in the marketplace.
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
More Business Debt Settlement Guides Near Portland
Estimate Your Savings
Use our free calculators to estimate your potential savings and find the best path to financial relief.
Oregon Attorney General
Oregon and other states files lawsuit today over executive order that limits vote by mail Attorney General Dan Rayfield and 22 other attorneys general and one governor are filing a lawsuit today to block President Trump’s March 31 executive order that would put the federal government in charge of deciding which Oregonians receive a mail ballot — a power that has always belonged to the states. “The United States Postal Service has one job: to deliver the mail. President Trump is trying to give it a second one — deciding which Americans get a ballot,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “That is not the postal service’s role, it is not the federal government’s role, and it is not constitutional.
· Apr 3, 2026The Oregon Department of Justice is reporting early progress in its efforts to assist local law enforcement agencies with complex criminal investigations. Launched in October of 2025, SPIRE — Special Projects: Investigate, Respond, Enforce— embeds ODOJ investigators directly with Washington County law enforcement agencies to take on multi-jurisdictional criminal activity. The program focuses on human trafficking, drug trafficking, organized retail theft, and other serious organized criminal operations that require a large number of resources to investigate. “Disrupting organized crime protects our most vulnerable and makes communities safer for everyone,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield.
· Apr 2, 2026Oregon leads nine-state coalition in filing $10.3 million fee petition showing states will hold the line where federal enforcers won’t Attorney General Dan Rayfield today announced that Oregon is seeking more than $2.25 million in attorneys’ fees and costs from Kroger after the state helped block the grocery giant’s proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons. Oregon led eight other states in filing a fee petition totaling approximately $10.3 million – money the states are entitled to recover after a court ruled they prevailed in the landmark antitrust case. “When federal enforcers step back, states step up,” said Attorney General Rayfield.
· Apr 1, 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.