Bankruptcy in Ohio

Ohio has three federal bankruptcy districts, with the Northern District (Cleveland, Akron, Toledo) and Southern District (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton) handling the majority of filings. Chapter 7 fees average $1,000-$2,000 while Chapter 13 fees run $2,600-$6,500. Ohio allows debtors to use only state exemptions, which include a $145,425 homestead exemption, $4,000 motor vehicle exemption, and a $1,325 wildcard exemption. The state's strong homestead exemption is beneficial for homeowners facing bankruptcy. Ohio has higher-than-average bankruptcy filing rates in Rust Belt communities impacted by manufacturing decline. The Northern District has active reaffirmation practices where debtors negotiate to keep secured property. Pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing debtor education are federal requirements costing $15-$50 each. Ohio's Means Test median income threshold is approximately $56,000 for a single filer.