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Oregon law

Bankruptcy Laws in Oregon.

Oregon allows debtors to choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions — a significant advantage. Oregon's state homestead exemption was dramatically increased in 2025 to $150,000 (individual) or $300,000 (married couple), up from the previous $40,000/$50,000. Oregon also provides a generous motor vehicle exemption of $10,000 and a $400 wildcard exemption.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

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State law

Filing Requirements

Means Test Median Income (2025–2026)

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.

State law

Key Oregon Statutes

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.

Motor Vehicle ExemptionORS § 18.345(1)(a)

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

Personal Property ExemptionsORS § 18.345

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.

Federal Exemptions AvailableORS § 18.300

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.

Wage Garnishment RestrictionsORS § 18.385

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.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Oregon.