Pennsylvania Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Guide
State-specific exemptions, filing fees, and local court information to help you understand your options in Pennsylvania.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in Pennsylvania
Understanding the difference between these two paths is the first step in deciding which option fits your situation.
| Factor | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Type | Liquidation - most unsecured debts discharged | Reorganization - repay over 3-5 years |
| Timeline | 3-6 months to discharge | 3-5 year repayment plan |
| Income Requirement | Must pass the means test (below median income) | Must have regular income to fund a plan |
| Filing Fee in Pennsylvania | $338 | $313 |
| Property | Non-exempt assets may be sold by trustee | Keep all property while repaying creditors |
| Best For | Lower income, limited assets, urgent discharge needed | Higher income, saving home from foreclosure, catching up on arrears |
Find Help by City in Pennsylvania
Browse city-specific guides for local bankruptcy court locations, median income figures, and debt relief resources.
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
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Frequently Asked Questions
To file for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania, you'll need to file a petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Pennsylvania has the following federal court districts that handle bankruptcy cases: Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania. You'll file in the district where you've lived for the majority of the past 180 days. Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider.
The homestead exemption in Pennsylvania is $0 (no homestead exemption under state law; use federal if choosing federal). This is the amount of equity in your primary residence that is protected from creditors during bankruptcy. Pennsylvania uses the choice exemption system.
The court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Pennsylvania is $338, and the filing fee for Chapter 13 is $313. Attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the complexity of your case and your location within the state. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request to pay in installments.
Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy that typically takes 3-6 months and discharges most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 is a reorganization plan where you repay debts over 3-5 years. In Pennsylvania, you must pass the means test (income below $44,600 for a single filer or $99,800 for a family of four) to qualify for Chapter 7. If your income is above these thresholds, Chapter 13 may be your option.
To qualify for Chapter 7 in Pennsylvania, your income must generally be below the state median. For a single filer, the median income is $44,600; for a family of four, it is $99,800. If your income is above these amounts, you may still qualify through a more detailed means test calculation that accounts for certain allowed expenses.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, and a Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. This applies in Pennsylvania and all other states, as credit reporting is governed by federal law. Many people begin rebuilding their credit score within 1-2 years of discharge.
In many cases, yes. Pennsylvania's homestead exemption protects up to $0 (no homestead exemption under state law; use federal if choosing federal) in equity in your primary residence. If your home equity is within this limit, you can keep your home in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you can keep your home while catching up on missed mortgage payments through your repayment plan.