States Georgia Northern District of Georgia

Northern District of Georgia

Federal Judicial District · FY2024 · AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics

Statistical information only — not legal advice. Consult a bankruptcy attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

20,197

Total Filings

high-volume district (FY2024)

12,158

Chapter 7

liquidation cases (FY2024)

7,677

Chapter 13

wage-earner plans (FY2024)

824

Business

corporate cases (FY2024)

Filing History

Year Total Ch. 7 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13
FY2024 20,197 12,158 335 27 7,677
FY2023 18,046 11,315 273 33 6,425
FY2022 16,135 11,036 195 35 4,869
FY2021 17,212 12,375 200 42 4,595
FY2020 22,657 16,109 297 30 6,221
FY2019 32,246 20,025 289 22 11,910
FY2018 32,450 20,216 283 23 11,928
FY2017 31,946 20,765 299 26 10,856
FY2016 33,060 22,382 303 30 10,345
FY2015 35,141 23,861 315 28 10,937

Year-over-Year Trend & Chapter Mix

60%

Chapter 7 share

19,373

Consumer filings

Filings increased 11.9% from FY2023 to FY2024 in the Northern District of Georgia.

What the Northern District of Georgia Data Shows

In FY2024, the Northern District of Georgia processed 20,197 federal bankruptcy petitions. Chapter 7 liquidations made up 60% of the caseload (12,158 cases), while Chapter 13 wage-earner repayment plans represented 38% (7,677 cases). Chapter 11 reorganizations — the path used by most complex corporate debtors — totaled 335, and Chapter 12 cases for family farmers and fishermen totaled 27. Business filings accounted for 4.1% of the district's total activity, with the remaining 19,373 filings classified as consumer cases.

AOUSC data for this district covers 10 fiscal years (FY2015–FY2024). Across that window, total filings fell 42.5%, with a pronounced trough during FY2020–FY2022 when federal pandemic relief programs suppressed filings nationwide. The district's Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13 mix is shaped by the presiding state's exemption laws, local attorney fee conventions, standing orders from the bankruptcy judges, and trustee practices — factors that can shift material outcomes like whether a debtor keeps a home or surrenders it.

These counts describe the population of filings in this district; they do not describe the success rate of any given case or predict how an individual filing will resolve. Chapter 13 completion rates, for example, vary widely between districts even within the same state, and Chapter 11 outcomes depend heavily on case-specific financing, creditor negotiations, and court-approved plans. This page is statistical information only and is not legal advice; anyone considering bankruptcy should consult a licensed attorney who practices in the Northern District of Georgia before relying on district-level averages for a personal decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bankruptcy cases were filed in the Northern District of Georgia in FY2024?

The Northern District of Georgia had 20,197 total bankruptcy filings in FY2024. Of those, 12,158 were Chapter 7 (liquidation), 7,677 were Chapter 13 (wage earner plans), 335 were Chapter 11 (business reorganization), and 27 were Chapter 12 (family farmer/fisherman).

What types of bankruptcy can be filed in the Northern District of Georgia?

All four bankruptcy chapters (7, 11, 12, 13) can be filed in the Northern District of Georgia. Chapter 7 liquidation is the most common nationwide. Chapter 13 allows wage earners to repay debts over 3-5 years. Chapter 11 is primarily for businesses. Chapter 12 is reserved for family farmers and fishermen.

How have bankruptcy filings changed over time in this district?

The Northern District of Georgia has filing data from FY2015 through FY2024. Filings dropped sharply during 2020-2022 due to pandemic relief programs, and have been rising since as those programs expired. Nationally, the 2022 trough was the lowest in decades.

What is the difference between business and non-business bankruptcy filings?

In FY2024, the Northern District of Georgia had 824 business filings and 19,373 non-business (consumer) filings. Business filings typically use Chapter 11 for reorganization, while consumer filings are predominantly Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBankruptcy Editorial