States Texas Northern District of Texas

Northern District of Texas

Federal Judicial District · FY2024 · AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics

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

11,039

Total Filings

mid-volume district (FY2024)

6,645

Chapter 7

liquidation cases (FY2024)

4,196

Chapter 13

wage-earner plans (FY2024)

678

Business

corporate cases (FY2024)

Filing History

Year Total Ch. 7 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13
FY2024 11,039 6,645 183 15 4,196
FY2023 9,863 6,184 150 18 3,511
FY2022 8,817 6,031 106 19 2,661
FY2021 9,406 6,763 109 23 2,511
FY2020 12,382 8,804 162 16 3,400
FY2019 17,624 10,945 158 12 6,509
FY2018 17,735 11,049 155 12 6,519
FY2017 17,460 11,349 164 14 5,933
FY2016 18,069 12,232 166 17 5,654
FY2015 19,206 13,041 172 16 5,977

Year-over-Year Trend & Chapter Mix

60%

Chapter 7 share

10,361

Consumer filings

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

What the Northern District of Texas Data Shows

In FY2024, the Northern District of Texas processed 11,039 federal bankruptcy petitions. Chapter 7 liquidations made up 60% of the caseload (6,645 cases), while Chapter 13 wage-earner repayment plans represented 38% (4,196 cases). Chapter 11 reorganizations — the path used by most complex corporate debtors — totaled 183, and Chapter 12 cases for family farmers and fishermen totaled 15. Business filings accounted for 6.1% of the district's total activity, with the remaining 10,361 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 Texas before relying on district-level averages for a personal decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Northern District of Texas had 11,039 total bankruptcy filings in FY2024. Of those, 6,645 were Chapter 7 (liquidation), 4,196 were Chapter 13 (wage earner plans), 183 were Chapter 11 (business reorganization), and 15 were Chapter 12 (family farmer/fisherman).

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

All four bankruptcy chapters (7, 11, 12, 13) can be filed in the Northern District of Texas. 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 Texas 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 Texas had 678 business filings and 10,361 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