Oregon Bankruptcy Laws

Approximate annual median: 1 person $55,620; 2 persons $67,814; 3 persons $77,166; 4 persons $91,506. Households below the median qualify for Chapter 7 without the full means test calculation.

Protects up to $150,000 of equity in the debtor's primary residence ($300,000 for married couples filing jointly). Massively increased in 2025 from the prior $40,000/$50,000 limits. Property must be the debtor's actual abode. The exemption applies to homes, manufactured homes, condominiums, and houseboats.

Protects up to $10,000 in motor vehicle equity.

Household goods/furnishings: $3,000. Clothing/jewelry/personal items: $1,800. Tools of trade: $5,000. Health aids: no limit. Wildcard: $400 for any personal property.

Oregon is one of the states that allows debtors to choose between the Oregon state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d). Debtors should compare both sets to determine which is more favorable — the federal wildcard exemption ($1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead) can be advantageous for renters.

The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40 times the state minimum wage per week may be garnished. Oregon's higher minimum wage makes this more protective than the federal standard.