Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy cases are generally filed in U.S. Bankruptcy courts. The U.S. Trustee offers a court locator to help locate the correct court for the initial filing. In Ohio this is typically either:

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, or

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio. 

Information about U.S. Bankruptcy Courts

• U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
• Bankruptcy Cases

Procedural rules

U.S. Bankruptcy courts abide by procedural rules to determine the process for a case. These include:

• Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and
• Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (some aspects).

For more information about which rules apply and under what circumstances see Rule 81of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and and Part VII of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.

Local rules

Bankruptcy courts also typically have local rules which apply to bankruptcy cases as well.

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio local rules.
• Other potentially relevant codes and rules as provided by the Northern District of Ohio.

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio local rules, forms and procedures.
• Other potentially relevant codes, rules and practices as provided by the Southern District of Ohio.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Code is found in Title 11 of the United States Code.

U.S. Code Title 11

• For Chapter 7
• For Chapter 9
• For Chapter 11
• For Chapter 12
• For Chapter 13

Below you will find some basic information about bankruptcy laws, procedures and fees.

• U.S. Trustee Program Information - U.S. Department of Justice
• Bankruptcy Information Sheet - U.S. Department of Justice (available in multiple languages)
• Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Information - U.S. Department of Justice
• Bankruptcy Basics - United States Courts
• Bankruptcy Court Fees - United States Courts
• Bankruptcy Forms - United States Courts
• Bankruptcy description by type - Legal Information Institute (Cornell)
• Bankruptcy Information - Nolo
• Bankruptcy Fee Waiver - Nolo

Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA) - United States Courts

Bankruptcy for Military Personnel - Nolo

Disclaimer: Hamilton County Law Library staff, as a service to its patrons, provides reference services and information, including these research guides. To protect the public interest, Ohio law requires that legal advice and services be rendered only by qualified attorneys who are subject to the guidelines of the courts. Library staff members do not interpret the law, provide legal advice, or explain court procedures. The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.  None of our services shall be construed as giving legal advice.