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11 U.S.C. § 1501. Purpose and scope of application

11 U.S.C. § 1501. Purpose and scope of application (a) The purpose of this chapter [11 USCS §§ 1501 et seq.] is to incorporate the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency so as to provide effective mechanisms for dealing with cases of cross-border insolvency with the objectives of– (1) cooperation between– (A) courts of the United States, United States trustees, trustees, examiners, debtors, and debtors in possession; and (B) the courts and other competent authorities of foreign countries involved in cross-border insolvency cases; (2) greater legal certainty for trade and investment; (3) fair and efficient administration of cross-border insolvencies that protects the interests of all creditors, and other interested entities, including the debtor; (4) protection and maximization of the value of the debtor’s assets; and (5) facilitation of the rescue of financially troubled businesses, thereby protecting investment and preserving employment. (b) This chapter [11 USCS §§ 1501 et seq.] applies where– (1) assistance is sought in the United States by a foreign court or a foreign representative in connection with a foreign proceeding; (2) assistance is sought in a foreign country in connection with a case under this title; (3) a foreign proceeding and a case under this title with respect to the same debtor are pending concurrently; or (4) creditors or other interested persons in a foreign country have an interest in requesting the commencement of, or participating in, a case or proceeding under this title. (c) This chapter [11 USCS §§ 1501 et seq.] does not apply to– (1) a proceeding concerning an entity, other than a foreign insurance company, identified by exclusion in section 109(b) [11 USCS § 109(b)]; (2) an individual, or to an individual and such individual’s spouse, who have debts within the limits specified in section 109(e) [11 USCS § 109(e)] and who are citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (3) an entity subject to a proceeding under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 [15 USCS §§ 78aaa et seq.], a stockbroker subject to subchapter III of chapter 7 of this title [11 USCS §§ 741 et seq.], or a commodity broker subject to subchapter IV of chapter 7 of this title [11 USCS §§ 761 et seq.]. (d) The court may not grant relief under this chapter [11 USCS §§ 1501 et seq.] with respect to any deposit, escrow, trust fund, or other security required or permitted under any applicable State insurance law or regulation for the benefit of claim holders in the United States. This information is presented by the consumer protection attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, a Pacific Northwest law firm with offices in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Our Portland Oregon bankruptcy attorneys represent Oregon consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Our Vancouver WA bankruptcy attorneys represent Vancouver and other SW Washington consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Call for a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney today! Baxter & Baxter, LLP 1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213 Vancouver, Washington 98660 (360) 574-5239 Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 Disclaimer & External Link Notice The information and materials available on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have not signed a Retainer Agreement with Baxter & Baxter, LLP, this firm does not represent you. You should not assume an attorney-client relationship exists. Nothing in the information or materials available on or accessed from this website, including any exchange of information through this website, creates an attorney-client relationship. Do not send any confidential or privileged information to Baxter & Baxter, LLP, until you establish such a relationship. This website contains links to other sites. Baxter & Baxter, LLP, is not responsible for the content of any external site. Please read the privacy policy of every external site you visit before disclosing any personal information. “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.”

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Re: Baxter & Baxter, LLP

http://www.baxterlaw.com Advocacy. Integrity. Results. Welcome to our website. The attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, are dedicated advocates for consumers. Baxter & Baxter, LLP, is a Pacific Northwest consumer protection law firm with offices in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. The Oregon consumer protection lawyers of the Consumer Litigation Group specialize in cases with false credit reports, identity theft cases, unlawful debt collection cases, and consumer fraud cases. The Portland Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver Washington bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our mission of committed and zealous consumer advocacy is unrivaled, and our track record of excellence and professionalism is recognized nationwide. Nationally Respected Consumer Protection Attorneys The consumer litigation attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, represent consumers in false credit report cases, unlawful debt collection practices cases, and other consumer cases. We specialize in identity theft cases and cases of mistaken identity. These cases often involve false credit reports, credit report disputes, and debt collector harassment. We also represent consumers who have been sued by debt collectors for bills that they do not owe. The Consumer Litigation Group represents consumers on a contingent basis. We don’t get paid a fee unless there is a recovery or result in your favor. For more information about the Consumer Litigation Group, click on the links below: About Consumer Law Fair Credit Reporting Act Cases Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Cases Debt Collection Lawsuit Defense Cases Unlawful Trade Practices Cases Member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). Knowledgeable and Dedicated Bankruptcy Lawyers The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver Washington bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. Our rates are competitive, and an uncontested no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed for as little as a $1,250 attorney fee (plus the applicable court filing fee). If you don’t have the full fee right now, call us to discuss prioritizing your payments. For more information about the Bankruptcy Practice Group, click on the links below: About Bankruptcy Filing for Chapter 7 Liquidation or Complete Discharge Filing for Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Frequently Asked Questions about Filing Bankruptcy in Oregon The Process of Filing Bankruptcy in Oregon Member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.” — Justin M. Baxter Baxter &  Baxter, LLP 1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213 Vancouver, Washington 98660 (360) 574-5239 Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 Justin M. Baxter Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 (Telephone) (503) 291-9172 (Facsimile) http://www.baxterlaw.com This electronic mail transmission contains information from the law firm of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, that may be confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this information is prohibited. If you believe that you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by telephone at (503) 297-9031, or by electronic mail and delete the message without copying or disclosing it.

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Dealing with Identity Theft in Oregon

Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon Free information about bankruptcy from the Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys of the Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. We are consumer lawyers in Portland, Oregon, specializing in cases with false credit reports, identity theft cases, unlawful debt collection cases, and consumer fraud cases. The Bankruptcy Practice Group represents individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. To talk with an Portland bankruptcy attorney call (503) 297-9031. To get answers to questions about Portland Oregon bankruptcy call (503) 297-9031. Disclaimer The information contained at this website is intended for general information and advertisement purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. If you have not signed a Retainer Agreement with Baxter & Baxter, LLP, this firm does not represent you. You should not assume an attorney-client relationship exists. If you believe you have a legal claim or cause of action, time limits may apply. You should contact an attorney promptly. The attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, are licensed to practice law in the state of Oregon only. Justin Baxter is licensed to practice law in the state of Washington. Baxter & Baxter, LLP, associates with local counsel in a limited number of cases outside of Oregon and Washington. Contents at a Glance 1. Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 2. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 3. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 4. Common Myths about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 6. The Process of Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon more… Contents at a Glance 1. Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 2. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 3. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 4. Common Myths about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 6. The Process of Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon 7. Things to Avoid before Filing Bankruptcy 8. Stopping Home Foreclosure through Bankruptcy 9. Typical Filing Fees to File for Bankruptcy in Oregon 10. Filing for Bankruptcy: A Fresh Start 11. Bankruptcy News Blog 12. Bankruptcy Links 13. New Featured Lenses 14. Additional Links less… Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon The most common types of personal bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. As much as 65% of all U.S. consumer bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 cases. In Chapter 7, a debtor surrenders his or her non-exempt property to a bankruptcy trustee who then liquidates the property and distributes the proceeds to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. In exchange, the debtor is entitled to a discharge of most of their debt. Certain debts (e.g. spousal and child support, student loans, some taxes) will not be discharged even though the debtor is generally discharged from his or her debt. Many individuals in financial distress own only exempt property (e.g. clothes, household goods, an older car) and will not have to surrender any property to the trustee. The amount of property that a debtor may exempt varies from state to state. Chapter 7 relief is available only once in any eight year period. Generally, the rights of secured creditors to their collateral continues even though their debt is discharged. In Chapter 13, the debtor retains ownership and possession of all of his or her assets, but must devote some portion of his or her future income to repaying creditors, generally over a period of three to five years. The amount of payment and the period of the repayment plan depend upon a variety of factors, including the value of the debtor’s property and the amount of a debtor’s income and expenses. Secured creditors may be entitled to greater payment than unsecured creditors. Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy Filing for bankruptcy is a serious and important decision that has significant ramifications. The Portland bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is right for you. We can advise you on whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 liquidation, or would be better served by entering into a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Among the many benefits of filing for bankruptcy are: * Stop garnishments on bank accounts and wages * Stop home foreclosures * Stop harassing phone calls from bill collectors and collection agencies * Prevent utilities from being shut off * Stop car and truck repossessions * Eliminate some back taxes * Pay off back child support Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Individuals can file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 13 (a “consumer reorganization”, or debt adjustment case). In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the individual is allowed to keep certain exempt property. Most liens, however (such as real estate mortgages and security interests for car loans), survive. Other assets, if any, are sold (liquidated) by the interim trustee to repay creditors. Many types of unsecured debt are legally discharged by the bankruptcy proceeding, but there are various types of debt that are not discharged in a Chapter 7. Common exceptions to discharge include child support, income taxes less than 3 years old and property taxes, student loans (unless the debtor prevails in a difficult-to-win adversary proceeding brought to determine the dischargeability of the student loan), and fines and restitution imposed by a court for any crimes committed by the debtor. Spousal support is likewise not covered by a bankruptcy filing nor are property settlements through divorce. Despite their potential non-dischargeability, all debts must be listed on bankruptcy schedules. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Under Chapter 13, the debtor proposes a plan to pay his creditors over a 3- to 5-year period. This written plan details all of the transactions (and their durations) that will occur, and repayment according to the plan must begin within thirty to forty-five days after the case has started. During this period, creditors cannot attempt to collect on the individual’s previously incurred debt except through the bankruptcy court. In general, the individual gets to keep his property, and his creditors end up with less money than they are owed. Common Myths about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon There is much misinformation about bankruptcy, including who can file, what the effects are, and what the process is. Below are a number of common myths about bankruptcy and explanations of the truth. Bankruptcy Relief is No Longer Available. This is absolutely not true. The new bankruptcy laws have made the process more burdensome in some cases, and altered eligibility for certain people, but for most people, if they were eligible before, then they are likely eligible now for bankruptcy relief. If I file bankruptcy I will have to repay some or all of my debts. This is false in most cases. For individuals, Chapter 7 is still available for most people, as set forth above. Sometimes if the analysis shows too much income on either the means test or current budget, you may have to do a repayment plan in a Chapter 13, but usually not. I will lose all my property if I file bankruptcy. False. Whether you get to keep your property depends on the value (or amount of equity) in any particular item of property and what exemptions you have available to protect the value in that asset. In the vast majority of cases in California, you will be able to keep your property. Of course, analysis by a bankruptcy professional is necessary to accurately make that determination. Bankruptcy will Destroy My Credit. False. It is true that bankruptcy can be reported on your credit report for up to 10 years after your case is filed, but the actual effect on your credit score varies depending on what your score was before you filed bankruptcy, and it is temporary because you can start rebuilding your credit immediately after filing your case. In many cases, especially for people who have very low credit scores before filing bankruptcy, their credit scores go up shortly after filing bankruptcy, as long as they maintain payments on obligations thereafter. Frequently Asked Questions about Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon This information is presented by the Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. The Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP represents individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. Our rates are competetive, and an uncontested no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed for as little as $1,250. I have already filed a bankruptcy, can I file again? Yes, if your previous bankruptcy was filed a specified amount of time in the past. If your previous bankruptcy was a Chapter 7 liquidation, you need to wait eight years from the date the previous case was filed. If your previous bankruptcy was a Chapter 13 wage earner repayment plan, you need to wait four years to file a new Chapter 7 case and two years to file a new Chapter 13 case. Can I stop a garnishment of my bank account or paycheck? Yes. Almost all garnishments can be stopped with the exception of child support or spousal support obligations. Some creditors that hold claims that will not be discharged like student loans can start garnishment again as soon as your discharge is entered. Can I stop a home foreclosure on my mortgage? Yes. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stop a foreclosure on your home. You can propose a payment plan to pay off your past-due mortgage payments over three to five years. Can I stop collection calls and letters? Yes. Once you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay prevents almost all of your creditors from taking any action to enforce any debt. This includes collection calls, letters, and lawsuits. Can I leave a creditor off my schedules? No. You are required to list all debts. Even debts that you want to keep paying. In fact, just because a debt is not listed on a bankruptcy schedule does not mean it is not included in the bankruptcy. In many cases even unlisted debts are discharged. The Process of Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon Consumers often have questions about the basic process of filing for a bankruptcy in Oregon. The dedicated Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can guide you through this process. Here are the basic steps of filing for bankruptcy in Oregon: 1. Gather documentation and file initial petition and schedules 2. Attend the initial meeting with the Trustee 3. Provide additional requested documents 4. Negotiate reaffirmation agreements 5. Attend reaffirmation hearing (if applicable) 6. Receive discharge (often as little as 3 months from filing) 7. Get a Fresh Start! The steps in filing a bankruptcy are straightforward, but the requirements must be followed properly to get a swift and final discharge. The Portland bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can help you though the process of filing bankruptcy in Oregon. If you would like a free telephone consultation with an Oregon bankruptcy lawyer, call (503) 297-9031 today! Things to Avoid before Filing Bankruptcy The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, are zealous advocates for our clients. Our relationship to our clients is built on trust, and it is of the utmost importance that clients are completely candid with us so that we can give fully informed advice. Some actions that consumers take prior to filing for bankruptcy in Oregon can have profound effects on the bankruptcy case once it is filed. Here is a common list of things that consumers should avoid doing once they decide to file for bankruptcy. * Don’t sell, give away or transfer ownership of any personal property, real estate, or other property prior to filing your bankruptcy case. * Don’t use credit cards or incur more debt. * Don’t give money or repay loans to friends or family members. * Don’t leave assets off your bankruptcy forms, including lawsuits, workers comp claims, or other possible cases you may have. * Don’t take money out of retirement plans, IRAs, or 401Ks * Talk to your lawyer if you are expecting a large tax refund. * Don’t put your money into someone else’s bank account or put your name on someone else’s account. * Don’t get married or move in with someone, especially if that person has a high income. Stopping Home Foreclosure through Bankruptcy Bankruptcy offers a way to stop the foreclosure sale and to retain your property, even over the foreclosing creditor’s objection! I offer a free bankruptcy consultation so you can see if a bankruptcy may help you to avoid the loss of your property which will occur if the foreclosure continues. For many of our clients, and perhaps for you, facing a foreclosure is something that they never imagined would happen. For them, and perhaps you, the foreclosure is often the result of circumstances beyond their control, such as temporary loss of a job or an illness. An obvious solution to the foreclosure may be to sell the property before the date of the foreclosure sale. However, it is often not possible to conclude the sale before the date of foreclosure. Plus, most people want to keep their home and find a way to get caught up on their payments. You may be able to stop or avoid home foreclosure and keep your home by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can advise you on whether you should file for bankruptcy, and whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you. About Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Preventing Home Foreclosure A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to make payments to your creditors over a period of time (typically three to five years). While you are in your repayment plan, you are permitted to keep your property. The Portland bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can advise you whether a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you keep your home and get you current on your mortgage. Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Stopping Foreclosures Chapter 13 can be a very affordable solution, particularly when compared to the potential loss of the equity in your home. The cost of Chapter 13 is often less than the costs associated with a refinance or a second mortgage, which typically involves significant points, fees and closing costs. The Portland bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, offer competitive rates, and we can work with you to move swiftly to avoid home foreclosures. For a free phone consultation with a Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorney, call (503) 297-9031 today! Typical Filing Fees to File for Bankruptcy in Oregon Consumers often wonder about much it will cost to file a bankruptcy in Oregon. The Portland bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, represent consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our rates are competitive, and an uncontested no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed in Oregon for as little as a $1,250 fee. Below is some additional information about the cost of filing for bankruptcy. Cost for Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Oregon The U.S. Bankruptcy Court will charge a $299 fee for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, charge as little as $1,250 for a routine chapter 7 bankruptcy without contested matters or adversary proceedings. Every case is different, and the fee may differ depending on anticipated issues. We can work out a payment plan, including advising consumers on how to postpone payment of certain bills to gather the funds to file for bankruptcy. Cost for Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Oregon The U.S. Bankruptcy Court will charge a $274 fee for filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Oregon. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, charge as little as $3,200 for a typical chapter 13 bankruptcy. The fee is often paid over time (sometimes the entire duration of the repayment plan. Every case is different, and the fee may differ depending on anticipated issues. As with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we can work out a payment plan, including advising consumers on how to postpone payment of certain bills to gather the funds to file for bankruptcy. Filing for Bankruptcy: A Fresh Start The policy underlying the Bankruptcy Code is to give debtors a Fresh Start. The Portland bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter can help you file for bankruptcy, guide you through the process of obtaining a discharge, and make it possible for you to get that Fresh Start. What Happens After Bankruptcy? After the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge enters the final discharge order in your case, it acts as a permanent injunction against your creditors. For all debts that are not reaffirmed or otherwise continued by the Court, those creditors are permanently barred or enjoined from attempting to collect from you, including collection letters, harassing phone calls, and suing you in court. You must repay any debts that are reaffirmed, or which the Court requires you to repay. Obtaining Credit After Bankruptcy? It is a common misnomer that consumers cannot obtain credit after bankruptcy. It is true that the bankruptcy will have an adverse consequence on your credit score and credit report. The bankruptcy itself will appear on your credit report for ten years. You may pay higher interest rates, obtain lower credit limits, or have other conditions placed on your credit than prior to your bankruptcy. However, these are often some of the same consequences of having active collection accounts on your credit report. Bankruptcy News Blog a%3A6%3A%7Bs%3A12%3A%22display_html%22%3Bs%3A2%3A%22on%22%3Bs%3A6%3A%22period%22%3Bs%3A5%3A%2286400%22%3Bs%3A11%3A%22rss_display%22%3Bs%3A3%3A%22100%22%3Bs%3A11%3A%22rss_extract%22%3Bs%3A2%3A%22-1%22%3Bs%3A11%3A%22rss_results%22%3Bs%3A1%3A%223%22%3Bs%3A7%3A%22rss_url%22%3Bs%3A53%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portland-bankruptcy-lawyer.info%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss2%22%3B%7D Archdiocese: Priest on leave after allegations The Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts, announced Sunday it has put a senior priest on administrative leave after receiving complaints of sexual abuse of children about 50 years ago. Obama to address nation on oil disaster Tuesday night President Obama will visit Gulf states affected by the oil spill Monday and Tuesday and then address the nation from the White House. SENSORS DEPLOYED | TRACK SPILL | FULL COVERAGE One person still missing in Arkansas flooding One person remained missing Monday from last week’s flash flood at an Arkansas campground that left 20 dead but “there’s still a possibility there could be others,” Gov. Mike Beebe told CNN. Bankruptcy Links Portland Bankruptcy Attorney Portland Bankruptcy Attorney Beaverton Bankruptcy Attorney Beaverton Bankruptcy Attorney Tigard Bankruptcy Attorney Tigard Bankruptcy Attorney Tualatin Bankruptcy Attorney Tualatin Bankruptcy Attorney Hillsboro Bankruptcy Attorney Hillsboro Bankruptcy Attorney Portland, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Portland, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Beaverton, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Beaverton, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Tigard, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Tigard, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Tualatin, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Tualatin, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Hillsboro, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Hillsboro, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Portland, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney Portland, Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney New Featured Lenses featured lens Oregon Consumer Protection Law Consumer law is a field of the law that encompasses many different types of cases, including credit reporting problems, auto dealer fraud, unlawful debt collection practices, and other disputes with merchants. The unifying feature of consumer law is… featured lens Dealing with Identity Theft in Oregon Oregon Consumer Protection Attorneys The Oregon consumer lawyers of the Consumer Litigation Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, have a proven track record of getting results for our clients. We are nationally recognized as skilled and zealous litigators… Additional Links Bankruptcy Links in Oregon Portland Bankruptcy News Oregon Bankruptcy News * Portland Bankruptcy Lawyer * Beaverton Bankruptcy Lawyer * Tigard Bankruptcy Lawyer * Tualatin Bankruptcy Lawyer * Hillsboro Bankruptcy Lawyer * Portland Bankruptcy Attorney * Beaverton Bankruptcy Attorney * Tigard Bankruptcy Attorney * Tualatin Bankruptcy Attorney * Hillsboro Bankruptcy Attorney * Information about Filing Bankruptcy in Oregon Consumer Protection Websites in Oregon * oregon identity theft * oregon consumer attorney * oregon consumer lawyer * oregon consumer rights attorney * oregon consumer protection attorney Credit Reporting Problem Websites * oregon credit report problems * oregon credit report attorney * oregon credit report disputes * oregon credit report errors * oregon false credit reports * oregon inaccurate credit reports Debt Collection Abuse and Harassment Websites * oregon debt collector abuse * oregon debt collector harassment * oregon debt collector threats Consumer Law and Bankruptcy Blogs on the Web * Consumer Law in Oregon * Bankruptcy News from Oregon and Beyond * Consumer News from Oregon and Beyond * About Bankruptcy in Oregon

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Why Should You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Why Should You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney ? Lara M. Gardner Filing bankruptcy can be one of the most difficult choices a person makes. Often you have been struggling to meet your financial obligations. Something happens and the house of cards comes tumbling down, leaving you faced with a proposition that seems like failure. It is difficult and frustrating. You go to see an attorney and realize that even though you have no money to pay your bills, the attorney wants over a thousand dollars or more to represent you. You discover there may be an alternative. You could pay someone much less to prepare your petition for you. You think Why not? Your case isn’t complicated, at least you don’t think it is. You pay a few hundred dollars and file your case. You may be okay. More likely, after things go very wrong you will realize that you should have hired an attorney. Bankruptcy is more complicated than it appears on the surface. People who have seen or attended a bankruptcy hearing testify that the meetings are often over quickly. What is not apparent from the meeting is that most of the complicated work is done before the meeting takes place. The hearing should go smoothly if everything was done right ahead of time. Having sat through countless hearings while representing debtors in the bankruptcy cases, I can assure you that bankruptcy is often more complicated than it looks, especially since the changes that took place in the bankruptcy laws in 2005. Bankruptcy is more than what bills you owe. People often do not realize that all of their belongings are assets that may or may not be exempt. You may fail to disclose an item that could have been protected, only to lose it because of the lack of disclosure. The actions taken in the years and months leading up to bankruptcy can have consequences, and can cause unintended ramifications for friends and family members. Every consumer bankruptcy case is assigned to a trustee. That person is responsible for ensuring the interests of your creditors are protected. When you hire a bankruptcy attorney, this person is there to represent you. Your attorney can help you to determine which debts you can discharge or pay off. Your attorney will help you protect assets that are not exempt, and will help you to do so legally. Your attorney will make sure you list every asset and that every asset that can be is protected. Your attorney will help you ensure that bankruptcy is what it is intended to be: a fresh start. When you pay an attorney, you are paying that person to ensure you file everything you are supposed to file, turn over all the paperwork you are required to turn over, help you maximize your assets and minimize your losses, and to represent you against your creditors. In short, you are paying for the best fresh start you can muster. What can a petition preparer do? Legally, all a petition preparer can do is fill in the blanks on your bankruptcy documents. If you choose to pay someone hundreds of dollars for this service you are, in effect, paying hundreds of dollars for data entry service. If a petition preparer does more than enter information into your petition, that person is breaking the law. Both federal bankruptcy laws and state rules governing the practice of law forbid anyone except a licensed attorney from giving you advice. Why? To protect you, the consumer. If an attorney messes up your case, there are protections in place to help you. Attorneys in Oregon,Washington, and many other states are required to carry malpractice insurance. They can also be sanctioned by their bars for failure to adhere to a basic code of conduct. There are no systems in place to help you if a document preparer messes up your petition or gives you erroneous advice. You may be able to file a complaint claiming they practiced law without a license, and while the person may face fines or sanctions, you will not get anything to cover your losses. Hiring an attorney to represent you during your bankruptcy can be expensive. After suffering through financial difficulties and falling behind on your financial obligations, handing over a large sum of money to an attorney can seem like a real hardship. But bankruptcy is not an area to shortchange yourself. Filing bankruptcy is your opportunity to make a fresh start. Make it the best start it can be by hiring a good attorney to represent, protect, and advise you. Think of it as your first investment in a new financial future. Lara Gardner is a consumer bankruptcy attorney for the consumer protection law firm of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. Click here to learn more about Lara. This information is presented by the Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver WA bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.”

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Consumer chief warns: take cheap jewelry from kids (AP)

AP – The nation’s product safety agency issued an unprecedented warning Wednesday to parents: Don’t give your children cheap metal jewelry. And if they already have some, toss it because it could contain hazardous levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium Visit link: Consumer chief warns: take cheap …

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Zhu Zhu Pets are safe, U.S. agency says

The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s statement comes after consumer website GoodGuide said its tests found high antimony levels in one model of the toy hamster. A safety scare involving the holiday season’s hottest toy cooled off Monday after federal safety regulators quickly put to rest claims that one model of …

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Consumer group reviews Zhu Zhu pet toys

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. See original here: Consumer group reviews Zhu Zhu pet toys

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Your Chicken Is Probably Contaminated

A recent Consumer Reports study finds that two-thirds of whole broiler chickens tested across the country harbored salmonella and/or campylobacter. Urvashi Rangan is the author of the study, and tells host Liane Hansen which chickens made the good and bad lists. E-Mail This Add to Del.icio.us …

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Eligibility Requirements for High Income Earners in Bankruptcy Under 11 U.S.C. § 109: When High Earners Go Bust

In this Emerging Issues Analysis, Richard L. Weisz, a partner with Hodgson Russ LLP, examines the bankruptcy choices for high income earners and how these choices have been significantly impacted by the adoption of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA). &nbs

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Health insurer fined for mishandling claims

Providence Health Plans was recently fined $30,000 by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) for mishandling insurance claims. Read more here: Health insurer fined for mishandling claims

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