Chapter 7 - Liquidation Bankruptcy
According to AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics, Chapter 7 (Liquidation Bankruptcy) filings are tracked nationally FY2015–FY2024, with state-level rankings.
National trend FY2015–FY2024 · 59.6% of chapter-book filings in FY2024 · HEAVY/STEADY/BALANCED
Statistical information only, not legal advice. This page does not recommend whether to file.
What is Chapter 7?
The most common form of bankruptcy. Eliminates most unsecured debts, credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, after a court-appointed trustee liquidates non-exempt assets. Most filers have few non-exempt assets.
Who Files
Individuals and businesses with little income or assets who want a fresh start. Requires passing the means test (income below state median or disposable income too low).
Timeline
Typically 4–6 months from filing to discharge.
FY2024 National
296,845
Total Chapter 7 filings (Dominant chapter)
59.6%
Share of chapter-book filings (HEAVY)
Chapter 7 Filings by Year
States Ranked by Chapter 7 Filings
| Rank | State | Ch. 7 Filings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 36,372 |
| 2 | Florida | 23,205 |
| 3 | Ohio | 17,433 |
| 4 | Texas | 16,228 |
| 5 | Illinois | 14,726 |
| 6 | Michigan | 13,655 |
| 7 | New York | 13,291 |
| 8 | Georgia | 11,454 |
| 9 | Indiana | 9,080 |
| 10 | Arizona | 8,786 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 8,136 |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,081 |
| 13 | New Jersey | 7,314 |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,713 |
| 15 | Nevada | 6,469 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 6,456 |
| 17 | Washington | 6,277 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,912 |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,888 |
| 20 | Colorado | 5,870 |
| 21 | Kentucky | 5,791 |
| 22 | Alabama | 5,660 |
| 23 | Oklahoma | 5,282 |
| 24 | Missouri | 5,185 |
| 25 | Oregon | 4,836 |
| 26 | Utah | 4,138 |
| 27 | Mississippi | 3,755 |
| 28 | North Carolina | 2,895 |
| 29 | Massachusetts | 2,806 |
| 30 | Connecticut | 2,691 |
| 31 | Iowa | 2,622 |
| 32 | Arkansas | 2,579 |
| 33 | Louisiana | 2,053 |
| 34 | Kansas | 1,929 |
| 35 | Idaho | 1,735 |
| 36 | Nebraska | 1,596 |
| 37 | South Carolina | 1,442 |
| 38 | West Virginia | 1,290 |
| 39 | New Mexico | 1,174 |
| 40 | Delaware | 949 |
| 41 | Hawaii | 741 |
| 42 | Montana | 654 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | 636 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | 609 |
| 45 | North Dakota | 486 |
| 46 | South Dakota | 483 |
| 47 | Maine | 435 |
| 48 | Wyoming | 425 |
| 49 | District of Columbia | 266 |
| 50 | Vermont | 207 |
| 51 | Alaska | 149 |
Heavy-third chapter caseload
296,845 FY2024 Chapter 7 filings put this book in the heaviest third of chapters (#1 of 4 by volume; 59.6% of the chapter book).
Chapter 7 in the heavy-volume third
Chapter 7 (Liquidation Bankruptcy) is a heavy-third book: 296,845 FY2024 filings (#1 of 4 by volume; 59.6% of the chapter book). Across the 10-year AOUSC window (FY2015–FY2024), Chapter 7 volumes fell 45.6% (latest YoY +20.0%).
In FY2024, California led with 36,372 Chapter 7 filings; the highest-volume states include California, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Illinois. Who uses this chapter: Individuals and businesses with little income or assets who want a fresh start. Requires passing the means test (income below state median or disposable income too low). Expected timeline: Typically 4–6 months from filing to discharge.
Aggregate chapter stats only, not legal advice
FY2024 Chapter 7 figures (HEAVY · STEADY · BALANCED) describe aggregate court activity under the heavy-third chapter caseload 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 7
What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
The most common form of bankruptcy. Eliminates most unsecured debts, credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, after a court-appointed trustee liquidates non-exempt assets. Most filers have few non-exempt assets.
Who is eligible to file Chapter 7?
Individuals and businesses with little income or assets who want a fresh start. Requires passing the means test (income below state median or disposable income too low).
How long does Chapter 7 take?
Typically 4–6 months from filing to discharge.
How many Chapter 7 cases were filed in FY2024?
There were 296,845 Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings nationally in FY2024 (#1 of 4 by volume; 59.6% of the chapter book). Filing data is from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Which states have the most Chapter 7 filings?
The top states for Chapter 7 filings in FY2024 are California, Florida, Ohio; California holds 12.3% of this chapter book.
Read with Chapter 7
Nearest chapter-volume peer and stamp poles for Chapter 7 (HEAVY · STEADY · BALANCED), replacing the fixed Guides/Related strip.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.