The Oregon Homestead Exemption

With the Oregon homestead exemption, single bankruptcy filers can protect up to $40,000 of home equity and married couples can protect more.

By , Attorney · University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law

In bankruptcy, a homestead exemption protects equity in your home. Here, you'll find specific information about the homestead exemption in Oregon. For general information about how the homestead exemption works in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, read The Homestead Exemption in Bankruptcy. For more bankruptcy information, read Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon.



How Much Is the Homestead Exemption in an Oregon Bankruptcy?

Oregon lets filers use either the federal exemption system or Oregon's state exemption system. However, you can't mix exemptions from both lists, so you'll want to select the system that will protect your most important assets.

To help you make an informed choice, we've listed the federal exemption amount below. We've also included links to more complete federal and state exemption lists so you'll have an easier time deciding which set will work best for you.

If you're married, remember that spouses can double some exemption amounts, but not all. Find out about other filing considerations for spouses.

Federal Homestead Exemption

Oregon Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption amount

$27,900

$40,000

Can spouses who file a joint bankruptcy double the exemption?

$55,800 is available to spouses who co-own property.

$50,000

Homestead exemption law

11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(1)

Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 18.385, 13.395, 18.402, 18.428

Other information

Amounts will adjust on April 1, 2025.

Amounts change periodically.

Compare other federal and state exemptions.

Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions

Oregon Bankruptcy Exemptions

When Can You Use a Homestead Exemption in an Oregon Bankruptcy?

You can file for bankruptcy in Oregon after living there for over 180 days. However, you must live in Oregon much longer before using Oregon exemptions (if that's the set you choose to use), at least 730 days before filing, to be exact. Otherwise, you'd use the previous state's exemptions.

But suppose you lived in multiple states during the two years before filing for bankruptcy. In that case, you'd use the exemptions of the state you lived in for most of the 180 days before the two years immediately preceding your filing. (11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(A).) Learn more about filing for bankruptcy after moving to a new state.

Consult an Oregon Bankruptcy Lawyer

We've covered some of the most basic rules you'll encounter when protecting your home in bankruptcy. However, you'll also need to meet other timing and exemption requirements to prevent losing your home. Find out more about keeping your home in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 or consult a bankruptcy lawyer.

Need More Bankruptcy Help?

Did you know Nolo has made the law easy for over fifty years? It's true, and we want to ensure you find what you need. Below you'll find more articles explaining how bankruptcy works. And don't forget that our bankruptcy homepage is the best place to start if you have other questions!


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Helpful Bankruptcy Sites

Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program

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We wholeheartedly encourage research and learning, but online articles can't address all bankruptcy issues or the facts of your case. The best way to protect your assets in bankruptcy is by hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer.

Updated October 4, 2023

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