What is the Bankruptcy Clinic?
The Bankruptcy Clinic is a one hour class held once a month. The class will give you information about consumer and bankruptcy law. You will learn what bankruptcy can and can't do, your rights in dealing with creditors and collection agencies, what it means to be "judgement-proof," and what you might be able to do instead of filing for bankruptcy. After the class, volunteer lawyers meet with clients who have previously made appointments through Legal Aid.
All of the lawyers and judges involved with the Bankruptcy Clinic are volunteering their time, and therefore offer their services at no charge to clients.
Who Can Get Help at the Bankruptcy Clinic?
Anyone who is thinking about filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or who would like more information about bankruptcy, can come to the class. You do not need to make an appointment to come to the class. However, only people living in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, or Columbia County, who have low incomes and limited assets can meet with one of the lawyers. If you are scheduled for an appointment, the lawyer will review your case and tell you if you would be helped by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If bankruptcy is appropriate for you, the volunteer lawyer may be able to represent you.
What Kind of Cases Does the Bankruptcy Clinic Handle?
The Bankruptcy Clinic is for people who are interested in filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. Usually, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges unsecured debts, in exchange for you giving up property that is not exempt. "Unsecured debt" is money that you owe to a creditor, when you have not given the creditor a security interest in the property. For example, medical bills and most credit card bills are unsecured debts, while morgages and most car loans are not unsecured debts. Some debts, like child support, cannot be discharged.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no charge for the class or the volunteer attorney's time. However you may be charged for out-of-pocket costs, such as copying costs, long distance telephone charges and similar expenses. If you file for bankruptcy, you will have to pay the court fees. The filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $200, which can be paid in installments.
How Can I Get an Appointment?
There are a limited number of appointments for each clinic. If you are low-income and live in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill or Columbia County, you can call Legal Aid to schedule an appointment. The Legal Aid Office in Washington County schedules appointments for clients who live in Washington, Columbia and Clackamas County. The Multnomah County office schedules appointments for clients in Multnomah County. You will need to answer questions about your income and your assets in order to be scheduled for an appointment.
What Should I Do to Get Ready For My Appointment?
The Legal Aid office will mail you a questionnaire that you MUST FILL OUT and bring to your appointment. You should give complete and honest information about your income, property and debts, so that the lawyer can help you.
What if I Need Help Before the Next Bankruptcy Clinic?
If you need immediate help, the Bankruptcy Clinic ma not be able to assist you. The Debtor-Creditor Section of the Oregon State Bar and Legal Aid are not able to respond to emergencies involving bankruptcy.
The Oregon State Bar has taped information about bankruptcy issues available by telephone. Call Tel-Law at (503) 620-3000 or 1-800-452-4776, if you are outside of the Portland area.
If you would like to hire a lawyer, the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can refer you to a lawyer in your area. Call (503) 684-3763 or 1-800-452-7636, if you are outside of the Portland area.
Bankruptcy Clinic Dates and Locations for 2005
The Bankruptcy Clinic classes are held on Thursday evenings, from 6:15 to 7:15 pm. Appointments follow the classes. Both locations have parking available and are accessible for people with disabilities. There is no child care available at either Bankruptcy Clinic location.
Portland Location:
First United Methodist Church
1838 SW Jefferson Street, Room 202
Portland, OR
Tri-Met Bus Line #57 and MAX
Beaverton Location:
Office of Todd Trierweiler
10700 SW Beaverton-Hillsdate Hwy., Building 2, Cafeteria (top of stairs)
Beaverton, OR
Tri-Met Bus Line #54
Bankruptcy Clinic Dates
- January 20, 2005 - Portland
- February 17, 2005 - Beaverton
- March 17, 2005 - Portland
- April 21, 2005 - Beaverton
- May 19, 2005 - Portland
- June 16, 2005 - Beaverton
- July 21, 2005 - Portland
- August 18, 2005 - Beaverton
- September 15, 2005 - Portland
- October 20, 2005 - Beaverton
- November 17, 2005 - Portland
- December 15, 2005 - Beaverton
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