Chapter 12 - Family Farmer & Fisherman
According to AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics, Chapter 12 (Family Farmer & Fisherman) filings are tracked nationally FY2015–FY2024, with state-level rankings.
National trend FY2015–FY2024 · 0.0% of chapter-book filings in FY2024 · LIGHT/SURGE/BALANCED
Statistical information only, not legal advice. This page does not recommend whether to file.
What is Chapter 12?
Specialized reorganization for family farmers and commercial fishermen. Similar to Chapter 13 but with higher debt limits and provisions tailored to seasonal income patterns.
Who Files
Family farmers (at least 50% of income from farming, debt $12.4M or under for individuals/$12.4M for family partnerships) and family fishermen with similar criteria.
Timeline
3–5 year repayment plan, similar to Chapter 13.
FY2024 National
192
Total Chapter 12 filings (Niche chapter)
0.0%
Share of chapter-book filings (LIGHT)
Chapter 12 Filings by Year
States Ranked by Chapter 12 Filings
| Rank | State | Ch. 12 Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 18 |
| 2 | Florida | 8 |
| 3 | Texas | 5 |
| 4 | Georgia | 12 |
| 5 | Illinois | 3 |
| 6 | Ohio | 4 |
| 7 | New York | 12 |
| 8 | Michigan | 8 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 2 |
| 10 | Alabama | 6 |
| 11 | Indiana | 1 |
| 12 | Virginia | 1 |
| 13 | New Jersey | 2 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 2 |
| 15 | Kentucky | 2 |
| 16 | Arizona | 1 |
| 17 | Maryland | 2 |
| 18 | Missouri | 4 |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 2 |
| 20 | Louisiana | 13 |
| 21 | Mississippi | 3 |
| 22 | North Carolina | 4 |
| 23 | Minnesota | 2 |
| 24 | Washington | 1 |
| 25 | Nevada | 0 |
| 26 | Colorado | 2 |
| 27 | Utah | 0 |
| 28 | Oregon | 6 |
| 29 | Arkansas | 17 |
| 30 | Oklahoma | 1 |
| 31 | South Carolina | 0 |
| 32 | Massachusetts | 2 |
| 33 | Kansas | 14 |
| 34 | Connecticut | 0 |
| 35 | Iowa | 9 |
| 36 | Delaware | 0 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 15 |
| 38 | Idaho | 1 |
| 39 | West Virginia | 0 |
| 40 | New Mexico | 0 |
| 41 | Hawaii | 0 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | 0 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | 1 |
| 44 | Montana | 2 |
| 45 | South Dakota | 1 |
| 46 | Maine | 0 |
| 47 | North Dakota | 1 |
| 48 | Wyoming | 0 |
| 49 | District of Columbia | 1 |
| 50 | Vermont | 0 |
| 51 | Alaska | 1 |
Upper-band YoY chapter move
Chapter 12 FY2024 filings rose 41.2% vs the prior fiscal year, among the sharpest chapter moves in the AOUSC window.
Chapter 12 in the light-volume third
Chapter 12 (Family Farmer & Fisherman) is a light-third book: 192 FY2024 filings (#4 of 4 by volume; 0.0% of the chapter book). Across the 10-year AOUSC window (FY2015–FY2024), Chapter 12 volumes fell 47.5% (latest YoY +41.2%).
In FY2024, California led with 18 Chapter 12 filings; the highest-volume states include California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Illinois. Who uses this chapter: Family farmers (at least 50% of income from farming, debt $12.4M or under for individuals/$12.4M for family partnerships) and family fishermen with similar criteria. Expected timeline: 3–5 year repayment plan, similar to Chapter 13.
Aggregate chapter stats only, not legal advice
FY2024 Chapter 12 figures (LIGHT · SURGE · BALANCED) describe aggregate court activity under the upper-band yoy chapter move 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 12
What is Chapter 12 bankruptcy?
Specialized reorganization for family farmers and commercial fishermen. Similar to Chapter 13 but with higher debt limits and provisions tailored to seasonal income patterns.
Who is eligible to file Chapter 12?
Family farmers (at least 50% of income from farming, debt $12.4M or under for individuals/$12.4M for family partnerships) and family fishermen with similar criteria.
How long does Chapter 12 take?
3–5 year repayment plan, similar to Chapter 13.
How many Chapter 12 cases were filed in FY2024?
There were 192 Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings nationally in FY2024 (#4 of 4 by volume; 0.0% of the chapter book). Filing data is from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Which states have the most Chapter 12 filings?
The top states for Chapter 12 filings in FY2024 are California, Florida, Texas; California holds 9.4% of this chapter book.
Read with Chapter 12
Nearest chapter-volume peer and stamp poles for Chapter 12 (LIGHT · SURGE · BALANCED), replacing the fixed Guides/Related strip.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.