Guides & Resources
Plain-language guides on U.S. bankruptcy types, eligibility, exemptions, and what the federal filing data shows. According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) Judicial Caseload Statistics, 463,885 nonbusiness (consumer) bankruptcy cases were filed in U.S. federal courts during fiscal year 2024, with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 representing the bulk of filings. See our methodology for the exact AOUSC release vintage.
Rate is not volume
According to AOUSC Judicial Caseload Statistics FY2024, Alabama leads filings per 100,000 residents at 329.7 (#1 of 51) but ranks #11 by volume; California leads raw filings at 63,245 (#1 of 51) at a #29 per-capita rate.
- 329.7
- Alabama per 100k #1
- #11
- Alabama volume rank
- 63,245
- California filings #1
- #29
- California rate rank
Per-capita uses Census population in the denominator. Registry voice only: this is not legal advice and does not recommend whether to file. Source: AOUSC Table F-2, FY2024. National total in FY2024: 485,341 filings across 90 districts. These guides place chapter mix, exemptions, and timeline facts next to that registry split.
National case mix, FY2024
AOUSC consumer vs business split of the same 485,341 filings, the registry context these guides sit next to (not chapter share).
The Bankruptcy Timeline: Filing to Discharge
What to expect in a bankruptcy case from pre-filing counseling through discharge. Chapter 7 typically takes 4–6 months; Chapter 13 takes 3–5 years.
Business Bankruptcy (Chapter 11): Trends and Patterns
Chapter 11 business reorganization filing trends FY2015–FY2024. Who files, what restructuring involves, and how outcomes vary by industry.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13: What the Data Shows
A data-driven comparison of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. National filing trends, state patterns, and which path most filers choose.
Understanding the Bankruptcy Means Test
The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. Learn how income comparisons, allowable expenses, and disposable income calculations work.
State Bankruptcy Exemptions Compared
How state exemption laws affect what you can keep in bankruptcy. Homestead exemptions, vehicle exemptions, and retirement account protections by state.
Bankruptcy and Credit: Impact and Recovery
What happens to your credit score after bankruptcy, how the recovery timeline works, and practical steps for rebuilding credit post-discharge.
Medical Debt and Bankruptcy
How medical debt drives bankruptcy filings, what options exist before filing, and how bankruptcy handles medical bills in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.
Download the AOUSC state-filings extract cited on this page: aousc-state-filings.csv (same CSV as /statistics/, CC0).