Portland Bankruptcy Attorney Michael D. O’Brien Publishes Updated Third Edition of “Oregon Bankruptcy Relief” as a Free Guide for Oregonians in Debt
Nov 4, 2026
Michael D. O’Brien, founder of Portland consumer bankruptcy firm Michael D. O’Brien & Associates, P.C., has published an updated third edition of Oregon Bankruptcy Relief, a free guide for Oregonians weighing debt relief options. The book draws on more than 30 years and roughly 7,000
Portland, United States, November 4, 2026 -- Updated 2026 guide draws on more than 30 years and roughly 7,000 bankruptcy cases to answer the questions Oregonians ask most about debt, bankruptcy and the alternatives
Michael D. O’Brien, founder of Portland consumer bankruptcy firm Michael D. O’Brien & Associates, P.C., has published an updated third edition of Oregon Bankruptcy Relief: Stop Looking Back and Face a Future Free of Debt. The updated guide walks Oregon residents through how bankruptcy works, who qualifies, what happens to their home, car and retirement savings, and when a non-bankruptcy option may be the better path. The firm distributes the book free of charge to Oregonians weighing their debt relief options.
O’Brien wrote the book for people who are behind on bills, living paycheck to paycheck, fielding collection calls, or weighing a payday loan or a retirement-account withdrawal to stay afloat. Its 25 short chapters are organized around the questions he hears in consultations, written in plain language rather than legal jargon.
“Bankruptcy should never be the first option, nor is it the only option, but it is sometimes the best option,” said O’Brien. “My goal with this book is to take away the fear of the unknown so people can make an informed decision about their own situation.”
The third edition covers:
- Eligibility and qualification, including updated Oregon median income figures as of April 1, 2026, prior filings and citizenship questions
- Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13, whether to file with or without an attorney, and how the automatic stay addresses creditor calls
- Property and assets, including the family home, vehicles and retirement accounts
- Family law and debt, including one-spouse filing, jointly owed debt, past-due support and property settlements with an ex-spouse
- Taxes and credit, including when IRS debt can be discharged and how a filing affects a credit score
- Alternatives to bankruptcy, including debt negotiation companies and consumer credit counseling agencies
- Privacy concerns, including whether employers, neighbors or family will find out
Throughout the book, O’Brien illustrates each topic with composite stories drawn from real clients, with names changed: a family whose budget collapsed after a job loss, a small-business owner left with equipment debt when work dried up, and a 72-year-old grandmother pursued for a co-signed car loan.
O’Brien has practiced bankruptcy law in Oregon for more than 30 years, during which he has been involved in about 7,000 bankruptcy cases and counseled roughly 20,000 Oregonians on debt relief options. He notes in the book that about one-third of the people he meets become bankruptcy clients, one-third resolve their debt in other ways, and one-third need no legal help at all. He is certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification, an ABA-accredited certifying organization.
A Southwest Portland native and U.S. Air Force Reserve medic veteran, O’Brien earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Availability
Oregon Bankruptcy Relief (Third Edition, ISBN 978-1-63944-152-5) is available free of charge. Oregonians can request a copy by calling 503-303-0525 or visiting www.pdxlegal.com. Readers can receive the book through a digital download, a physical copy sent by mail, or both options. Readers who call and mention the book can also schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute case evaluation.
About Michael D. O’Brien & Associates, P.C.
Michael D. O’Brien & Associates, P.C. is a Portland, Oregon, law firm focused on consumer bankruptcy and debt relief. Led by attorney Michael D. O’Brien, the firm helps individuals and families evaluate Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and non-bankruptcy options, pursues creditors who violate the law, and helps clients rebuild credit after their case. The firm has four locations throughout Oregon. Learn more at www.pdxlegal.com.
Contact Info:
Name: Michael D. O’Brien
Email: Send Email
Organization: Michael D. O’Brien & Associates, P.C.
Phone: 503-303-0525
Website: https://www.pdxlegal.com
Release ID: 89208379
Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours – taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information.
More News
China’s new nightmare: a Japanese containment arc in the Indo-Pacific
Just weeks after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping invoked their countries’ World War II alliance at the White House, Keen Sword 27 turned symbolism into hardware. The 11-day exercise, which wrapped up on October 29, deployed US Marine NMESIS anti-ship launchers and MADIS air-defence systems to Yonaguni – Japan’s westernmost island, just 110km (70 miles) from Taiwan. Japan mobilised its new Type 25 missile, with a reported 1,000km range, from Kumamoto for the system’s...
Afghan Woman Is Among Dozens to Be Deported to Afghanistan
The Trump administration has arranged a flight to send dozens of Afghan immigrants back to Afghanistan, despite the risk of persecution by the Taliban.
Australian Court Hears Challenge to Social Media Ban
Reddit and an Australian digital advocacy group are claiming a law that restricts children younger than 16 from popular platforms infringes on their constitutional rights.
The China-Pakistan Information Corridor Is Made to Silence Journalists
CPIC arrives in a country where the words "fake news" can already put a reporter in prison.
How China Is Building Influence in Central Asia, One Laboratory at a Time
Scientific and educational cooperation may be less visible than a railway, but it may also have longer lasting and broader results.
Indonesian police arrest 3 for tapping Prabowo’s phone
Indonesian authorities have arrested three people for allegedly tapping President Prabowo Subianto’s phone, according to police on Tuesday, with media reports suggesting one of the suspects may be a senior official. Prabowo, who took office in 2024, has come under increasing pressure for his government’s handling of the economy and destructive wildfires in the Southeast Asian archipelago. Top detective Asep Safrudin identified the suspects only by their initials, LSP, ASN, and EH, and said they...
Amid Stock Troubles, Is South Korea’s $880 Billion AI Infrastructure Buildout Under Threat?
South Korea has emerged as one of the world leaders in the AI buildout. But now, as investor sell-offs continue to force the KOSPI lower, are its AI ambitions under threat?
Decouple Taiwan From China-Vatican Negotiations
Archbishop Gallagher’s remarks about the “price” of setting up an office in Beijing have struck a nerve in Taiwan. But the two aren’t actually related.
Indian navy frees hijacked Iranian fishing crew off Somalia
Indian naval forces freed an Iranian fishing boat and its crew of 20 hijacked off Somalia after an operation lasting more than 48 hours, India’s Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The rescue of the Azini was completed on Monday in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000km (1,860 miles) from Mumbai, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. An official with the Puntland Maritime Police Force said Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected Somali pirates, confiscated their mobile phones and released them. He...
Does Reliance on China Undermine Iran’s Grand Strategy?
China’s interests in the Middle East increasingly conflict with Iran’s cooperation with regional proxies and use of coercive threats.
German tourist missing in Indonesia’s Bali after landslide amid rainy season
A German tourist was among two men still missing on Tuesday after a landslide struck a glamping resort on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Heavy rains on Sunday afternoon caused the landslide, which struck the Eco Park Pelaga Glamping Retreat in Petang district at around 11pm, The Bali Times reported. Three tents collapsed while a fourth fell into the Tukad Yeh Kilap River and was swept away by the currents. The 4-hectare (10-acre) property, which houses 25 tents, sits on a steep cliff beside...
Why Chinese AI stars like Z.ai, MiniMax struggle to match Anthropic’s profit margin
US artificial intelligence giant Anthropic’s initial public offering prospectus has exposed a vast profitability gap between it and rivals Z.ai and MiniMax, highlighting the challenges facing China’s AI model developers in turning technological advances into sustainable businesses. The Claude developer’s filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last week revealed a significant financial advantage over its most direct Chinese counterparts, despite the latter’s continued...
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.