Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization
Open-data reference.
National trend FY2015–FY2024 · 2.1% of chapter-book filings in FY2024 · MID/SURGE/CONCENTRATED
Statistical information only, not legal advice. This page does not recommend whether to file.
What is Chapter 11?
Primarily used by businesses to restructure debts while continuing operations. Allows renegotiating contracts, leases, and debt terms. Can also be used by high-income individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 limits.
Who Files
Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and high-debt individuals. Complex and expensive, typically requires experienced bankruptcy counsel.
Timeline
Highly variable. Plan confirmation can take 6 months to several years.
FY2024 National
12,009
Total Chapter 11 filings
2.1%
Share of chapter-book filings (MID)
Chapter 11 Filings by Year
States Ranked by Chapter 11 Filings
| Rank | State | Ch. 11 Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 1,930 |
| 2 | New York | 1,434 |
| 3 | Texas | 1,127 |
| 4 | Florida | 906 |
| 5 | Illinois | 527 |
| 6 | Georgia | 428 |
| 7 | New Jersey | 425 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 424 |
| 9 | Virginia | 250 |
| 10 | Washington | 250 |
| 11 | Michigan | 243 |
| 12 | North Carolina | 243 |
| 13 | Ohio | 242 |
| 14 | Tennessee | 242 |
| 15 | Nevada | 200 |
| 16 | Delaware | 192 |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 191 |
| 18 | Arizona | 190 |
| 19 | Alabama | 189 |
| 20 | Oregon | 150 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 150 |
| 22 | Colorado | 149 |
| 23 | Indiana | 149 |
| 24 | Louisiana | 149 |
| 25 | Maryland | 149 |
| 26 | Minnesota | 149 |
| 27 | Missouri | 149 |
| 28 | Oklahoma | 99 |
| 29 | South Carolina | 99 |
| 30 | Utah | 99 |
| 31 | Connecticut | 90 |
| 32 | Kentucky | 89 |
| 33 | Kansas | 73 |
| 34 | Iowa | 69 |
| 35 | Mississippi | 69 |
| 36 | Arkansas | 68 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 48 |
| 38 | New Mexico | 48 |
| 39 | District of Columbia | 43 |
| 40 | Hawaii | 42 |
| 41 | West Virginia | 38 |
| 42 | Idaho | 28 |
| 43 | Maine | 28 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | 28 |
| 45 | Rhode Island | 28 |
| 46 | Montana | 21 |
| 47 | Vermont | 19 |
| 48 | Alaska | 18 |
| 49 | Wyoming | 14 |
| 50 | North Dakota | 12 |
| 51 | South Dakota | 12 |
Top-state concentrated chapter book
California alone holds 16.1% of FY2024 Chapter 11 filings (1,930 cases).
Chapter 11's upper-band YoY move
Chapter 11 (Business Reorganization) posted 12,009 FY2024 filings (#3 of 4 by volume; 2.1% of the chapter book). Across the 10-year AOUSC window (FY2015–FY2024), Chapter 11 volumes rose 6.4% (latest YoY +22.7%).
Geographic weight is concentrated: California alone recorded 1,930 Chapter 11 filings in FY2024 (16.1% of this chapter); the highest-volume states include California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois. Who uses this chapter: Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and high-debt individuals. Complex and expensive, typically requires experienced bankruptcy counsel. Expected timeline: Highly variable. Plan confirmation can take 6 months to several years.
Aggregate chapter stats only, not legal advice
FY2024 Chapter 11 figures (MID · SURGE · CONCENTRATED) describe aggregate court activity under the top-state concentrated chapter book read; they do not predict any individual filing outcome. Chapter choice, means-test eligibility, exemptions, and outcomes depend on state of residence, income, assets, and district practice. Statistical information only, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chapter 11
What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Primarily used by businesses to restructure debts while continuing operations. Allows renegotiating contracts, leases, and debt terms. Can also be used by high-income individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 limits.
Who is eligible to file Chapter 11?
Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and high-debt individuals. Complex and expensive, typically requires experienced bankruptcy counsel.
How long does Chapter 11 take?
Highly variable. Plan confirmation can take 6 months to several years.
How many Chapter 11 cases were filed in FY2024?
There were 12,009 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings nationally in FY2024 (#3 of 4 by volume; 2.1% of the chapter book). Filing data is from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Which states have the most Chapter 11 filings?
The top states for Chapter 11 filings in FY2024 are California, New York, Texas; California holds 16.1% of this chapter book.
Read with Chapter 11
Nearest chapter-volume peer and stamp poles for Chapter 11 (MID · SURGE · CONCENTRATED), replacing the fixed Guides/Related strip.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.