States New Hampshire District of New Hampshire

District of New Hampshire

Federal Judicial District · FY2024 · AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics

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

1,821

Total Filings

lower-volume district (FY2024)

1,096

Chapter 7

liquidation cases (FY2024)

693

Chapter 13

wage-earner plans (FY2024)

98

Business

corporate cases (FY2024)

Filing History

Year Total Ch. 7 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13
FY2024 1,821 1,096 30 2 693
FY2023 1,627 1,020 25 3 579
FY2022 1,455 995 18 3 439
FY2021 1,552 1,116 18 4 414
FY2020 2,043 1,453 27 3 560
FY2019 2,908 1,806 26 2 1,074
FY2018 2,926 1,823 26 2 1,075
FY2017 2,880 1,872 27 2 979
FY2016 2,981 2,018 27 3 933
FY2015 3,169 2,152 28 3 986

Year-over-Year Trend & Chapter Mix

60%

Chapter 7 share

1,723

Consumer filings

Filings increased 11.9% from FY2023 to FY2024 in the District of New Hampshire.

What the District of New Hampshire Data Shows

In FY2024, the District of New Hampshire processed 1,821 federal bankruptcy petitions. Chapter 7 liquidations made up 60% of the caseload (1,096 cases), while Chapter 13 wage-earner repayment plans represented 38% (693 cases). Chapter 11 reorganizations — the path used by most complex corporate debtors — totaled 30, and Chapter 12 cases for family farmers and fishermen totaled 2. Business filings accounted for 5.4% of the district's total activity, with the remaining 1,723 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 District of New Hampshire before relying on district-level averages for a personal decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bankruptcy cases were filed in the District of New Hampshire in FY2024?

The District of New Hampshire had 1,821 total bankruptcy filings in FY2024. Of those, 1,096 were Chapter 7 (liquidation), 693 were Chapter 13 (wage earner plans), 30 were Chapter 11 (business reorganization), and 2 were Chapter 12 (family farmer/fisherman).

What types of bankruptcy can be filed in the District of New Hampshire?

All four bankruptcy chapters (7, 11, 12, 13) can be filed in the District of New Hampshire. 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 District of New Hampshire 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 District of New Hampshire had 98 business filings and 1,723 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