Bankruptcy in Harris County

Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the core of the Houston metro area. As the county seat of Houston, it handles the largest volume of bankruptcy filings in the Southern District of Texas.

Harris County bankruptcy cases are filed in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. The courthouse is located at 515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Harris County residents are handled at this location.

Key Information

Federal District

Southern District of Texas (Houston Division)
All bankruptcy cases from Harris County are filed in this district.

Nearest Courthouse

515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002
341 meetings and court hearings are typically held at this location.

Texas Exemptions in Harris County

Texas offers some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the country. The homestead exemption is unlimited in acreage for urban properties up to 10 acres (or 100 acres for rural). Personal property exemptions include up to $50,000 for a single filer or $100,000 for a family in aggregate personal property. Vehicle exemption: one motor vehicle per licensed household member. Texas does not allow federal exemptions - you must use the state exemptions.

Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.

Filing Bankruptcy in Harris County

The Process

  1. Credit counseling - Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
  2. File your petition - The petition is filed with the Southern District of Texas (Houston Division). The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
  3. 341 meeting - About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at 515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002.
  4. Debtor education - Complete a second financial course before discharge ($10-25).
  5. Discharge - Chapter 7: approximately 60 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing 3-5 year plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bankruptcy court handles Harris County cases?

Harris County bankruptcy cases are filed in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. The courthouse is located at 515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Harris County residents are handled at this location.

What exemptions apply in Harris County?

Texas state exemptions apply. The homestead exemption is unlimited in value for urban properties up to 10 acres. Personal property exemptions total up to $50,000 (single) or $100,000 (family). Each licensed driver can exempt one motor vehicle.

How many bankruptcy cases are filed in Harris County?

Harris County consistently has the highest volume of bankruptcy filings in the Houston metro area, reflecting its large population of over 4.7 million residents. The Southern District of Texas - Houston Division handles thousands of cases annually.

Check Your Eligibility

Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.

Free Discharge Screener

Other Houston Area Counties

Open Bankruptcy Project Network

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Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestions 26-BK-3 and 26-BK-5