Indiana Bankruptcy Law

Bankruptcy Courts in Indiana

If you live in Indiana and are considering filing for bankruptcy, your case will be handled in one of the state’s two federal bankruptcy courts: the Northern District of Indiana or the Southern District of Indiana. Each district serves specific counties and has its own court locations and trustee panels. You’ll file your case in the district that covers the county where you live or where your primary property or business is located.

All bankruptcy cases in Indiana follow federal bankruptcy law, but each district also has local rules and procedures that supplement those laws. Court decisions are guided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which also covers Illinois and Wisconsin. Because each district has detailed filing requirements, it’s best to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney to ensure your case is filed correctly and your assets are fully protected.

Bankruptcy Filing Trends in Indiana

Indiana records tens of thousands of consumer bankruptcy filings each year. Chapter 7 cases remain the most common, providing a way to discharge unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 repayment plans are also frequently used by homeowners and wage earners to catch up on missed mortgage or car payments while keeping their property.

The Northern District—which includes Fort Wayne, Hammond, South Bend, and Lafayette—typically handles the majority of the state’s filings, followed by the Southern District, which covers Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville, and New Albany. Each year, thousands of Indiana residents use bankruptcy to stop collection actions, prevent foreclosure, and rebuild financial stability.

Indiana Exemptions — What You Can Keep

Bankruptcy does not mean losing everything you own. Indiana law protects certain property called exempt property, which includes items you need to live and work. Exempt property is protected by law and cannot be taken or sold to pay creditors.

Indiana does not permit the use of federal bankruptcy exemptions, meaning debtors must use   exemptions provided by state law. A married couple filing jointly may each claim the full amount of every exemption in property they jointly own.

Below are examples of the most common exemptions available to Indiana residents:

Because exemption limits can be complex—especially when determining what counts as “tangible” versus “intangible” property—it’s important to speak with a bankruptcy attorney to make sure your property is protected under Indiana law.

Steps and Local Requirements

Credit counseling. Before filing, you must complete a short credit counselling course from an approved provider. A second debtor education course is required before your debts can be discharged.

Means test. To qualify for Chapter 7, your household income must be below Indiana’s median income or pass a means test comparing income and expenses.

Filing fees. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. If you cannot pay in full, you can request to pay in installments or apply for a waiver.

Meeting of creditors. About a month after filing, you’ll attend a short “341 meeting.” This is not held before a judge. A bankruptcy trustee will ask basic questions to confirm your identity and review your paperwork.

In Indiana, meetings are typically held virtually or in person at the courthouse serving your division—such as Indianapolis, Evansville, New Albany, Fort Wayne, Hammond, South Bend, or Lafayette.

Local rules and forms. Each district follows its own local rules and provides forms on its website. Following them carefully helps your case move forward without delay.

What This Means for You

Filing for bankruptcy in Indiana can give you a fresh financial start and immediate relief from creditor pressure. The process stops lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures.

Most filers keep their homes, vehicles, and retirement accounts. Because bankruptcy involves complex eligibility rules, strict deadlines, local procedures, and specific property protections under Indiana law, it’s best to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing.

An attorney can help you:

• Choose between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
• Apply Indiana’s exemptions correctly
• Complete the required counseling courses
• File all forms accurately and on time

With careful preparation and professional guidance, bankruptcy can help you regain control of your finances and begin rebuilding your future.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Indiana

Federal Circuit: Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Fort Wayne, Hammond, South Bend, Lafayette

Where You File Depends on Where You Live

The Northern District of Indiana covers the northern half of the state and has four main courthouse locations: Fort Wayne, Hammond, South Bend, and Lafayette. Each division serves specific counties and has its own trustee panels and local filing requirements.

Fort Wayne Division

• Adams County
• Allen County
• DeKalb County
• Grant County
• Huntington County
• Kosciusko County
• LaGrange County
• Noble County
• Steuben County
• Wabash County
• Wells County
• Whitley County

Hammond Division

• Jasper County
• Lake County
• LaPorte County
• Newton County
• Porter County

South Bend Division

• Elkhart County
• Fulton County
• Marshall County
• Miami County
• Pulaski County
• St. Joseph County
• Starke County

Lafayette Division

• Benton County
• Carroll County
• Cass County
• Clinton County
• Howard County
• Tippecanoe County
• Tipton County
• White County

If you’re unsure which division handles your county, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can confirm your filing location and make sure all forms are submitted correctly.

Recent Filing Statistics

The Northern District of Indiana consistently records some of the highest bankruptcy filing volumes in the state. Most cases are filed under Chapter 7, providing individuals and families with debt relief through discharge of unsecured debts. Chapter 13 repayment plans are also common among homeowners seeking to prevent foreclosure or catch up on mortgage payments.

The Hammond and Fort Wayne divisions report the largest share of filings, reflecting the region’s mix of urban and industrial communities. Thousands of residents each year use bankruptcy here to stop creditor actions and start rebuilding financially.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Southern District of Indiana

Federal Circuit: Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Indianapolis, Evansville, New Albany, Terre Haute

Where You File Depends on Where You Live

The Southern District of Indiana covers the southern half of the state and has four main courthouses: Indianapolis, Evansville, New Albany, and Terre Haute. Each division serves specific counties and handles its own trustee appointments and meeting locations.

Indianapolis Division

• Bartholomew County
• Boone County
• Brown County
• Clay County
• Decatur County
• Delaware County
• Fayette County
• Fountain County
• Franklin County
• Greene County
• Hamilton County
• Hancock County
• Hendricks County
• Henry County
• Johnson County
• Marion County
• Monroe County
• Montgomery County
• Morgan County
• Owen County
• Parke County
• Putnam County
• Randolph County
• Rush County
• Shelby County
• Sullivan County
• Tipton County
• Union County
• Vermillion County
• Vigo County
• Wayne County

Evansville Division

• Daviess County
• Dubois County
• Gibson County
• Knox County
• Martin County
• Perry County
• Pike County
• Posey County
• Spencer County
• Vanderburgh County
• Warrick County

New Albany Division

• Clark County
• Crawford County
• Floyd County
• Harrison County
• Jackson County
• Jefferson County
• Jennings County
• Lawrence County
• Orange County
• Scott County
• Switzerland County
• Washington County

Terre Haute Division

• Primarily serves cases transferred from nearby western counties or reassigned from Indianapolis as needed.

If you’re uncertain which division covers your county, a bankruptcy attorney can help identify the correct filing location and ensure your case is filed properly under local rules.

Recent Filing Statistics

The Southern District of Indiana handles several thousand bankruptcy filings each year, with Indianapolis accounting for the majority of cases. Chapter 7 filings remain the most common, followed by Chapter 13 repayment plans that allow debtors to keep property while catching up on secured debts.

Filings in the Evansville and New Albany divisions reflect steady use of bankruptcy as a financial recovery tool for individuals and families across southern Indiana.