# bankruptcyatlanta.org -- Full Content > Last updated: 2026-05-01 This file contains the full text content of all pages on bankruptcyatlanta.org. Part of the Open Bankruptcy Project (openbankruptcyproject.org). --- ## Debtor Education in Atlanta - Georgia Credit Counseling & Financial Management Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/debtor-education.html Bankruptcy Atlanta HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowDebtor EducationResourcesOBP Home›Debtor Education in Atlanta - Georgia Credit Counseling & Financial Management Debtor Education Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia Two mandatory courses stand between you and a bankruptcy discharge in Georgia. Here is exactly what the Northern and Middle Districts require, where to go, and how to get help if you cannot afford it. Two Required Courses - No Exceptions Federal law (11 U.S.C. sections 109(h) and 111) requires every individual bankruptcy filer in Georgia to complete two separate educational courses. Skipping either one will block your discharge. 1 Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Complete within 180 days before filing your petition. The course reviews your finances, explores alternatives to bankruptcy, and may result in a debt management plan. Takes 60--90 minutes. Must be from a DOJ-approved agency for the Northern District of Georgia or the Middle District of Georgia, depending on where you file. File the certificate as Official Form 301 with your petition. 2 Post-Filing Financial Management Course Complete after filing but before discharge. Covers budgeting, money management, and using credit wisely. Takes about 2 hours. Must also come from a DOJ-approved provider. File the certificate as Official Form 423. In Chapter 7, the deadline is 60 days after the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13, complete it before your final payment. Georgia does not allow debtors to opt into federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. section 522(b)(2). You must use Georgia's state exemption statutes (O.C.G.A. sections 44-13-1 and 44-13-100). Georgia Bankruptcy Courts Serving Atlanta Atlanta-area cases are filed in the Northern District of Georgia. Residents south of metro Atlanta may fall in the Middle District. Your county determines your court. Northern District of Georgia - Atlanta Division Richard B. Russell Federal Building 75 Ted Turner Drive SW, Suite 1340 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 215-1000 Serves 46 counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, and 38 others across northern Georgia. 341 meetings are held at the Office of the U.S. Trustee, 362 Richard B. Russell Building, 75 Ted Turner Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Northern District of Georgia - Newnan Division 18 Greenville Street Newnan, GA 30263 Serves Coweta, Carroll, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, and Troup counties. Northern District of Georgia - Gainesville Division 121 Spring Street SE, Suite 100 Gainesville, GA 30501 Serves Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties. Northern District of Georgia - Rome Division 600 East First Street, Room 120 Rome, GA 30161 Serves Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Middle District of Georgia - Macon Division P.O. Box 1957 Macon, GA 31202 Phone: (478) 752-3506 Serves central Georgia counties including Bibb, Houston, Peach, Monroe, and Jones. Georgia Bankruptcy Exemptions Georgia requires debtors to use state exemptions exclusively. You cannot elect federal exemptions. These amounts are current as of 2026. Married couples filing jointly may double most exemptions. PropertyGeorgia ExemptionStatute Homestead$21,500 per person ($43,000 married)O.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(1) Motor vehicle$5,000 per personO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(3) Personal property (household goods, clothing, appliances)$5,000 per personO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(4) Jewelry$500O.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(5) Wildcard (any property)$1,200 plus up to $10,000 unused homesteadO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(6) Tools of trade$1,500O.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(7) Health aidsUnlimitedO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(9) Retirement accounts (ERISA-qualified)UnlimitedO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(2.1) Workers' compensationUnlimitedO.C.G.A. 34-9-84 Alimony/Child supportAmount reasonably necessaryO.C.G.A. 44-13-100(a)(2)(D) Georgia's homestead exemption is modest compared to states like Florida (unlimited) or Minnesota ($450,000). If you own significant home equity above $21,500, discuss this with an attorney before filing Chapter 7. Atlanta Legal Aid & Free Resources If you cannot afford an attorney, these organizations serve Atlanta and greater Georgia. Atlanta Legal Aid Society (404) 524-5811 Serves Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties. Provides free civil legal help including bankruptcy assistance for residents at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Main office: 54 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Georgia Legal Services Program (404) 206-5175 Serves 154 counties outside metro Atlanta, including Middle District counties. Offers free legal assistance to low-income Georgians. Statewide intake line helps route to the nearest office. Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (404) 521-0790 Pro bono attorney matching for qualifying Atlanta residents. Saturday Lawyers Program at the Fulton County courthouse offers brief consultations. 235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303. Emory Law Volunteer Clinic for Veterans Emory University School of Law, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322. Law students supervised by faculty assist veterans with bankruptcy-related issues. Georgia State University Law Clinic GSU College of Law, 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Student attorneys provide free representation in select consumer bankruptcy cases under faculty supervision. DOJ-Approved Credit Counseling Agencies (N.D. Ga.) The U.S. Trustee maintains a list of approved agencies for each district. Many offer fee waivers for low-income debtors. Online and telephone options are available statewide. View approved agencies Georgia-Specific Rules to Know No Federal Exemption Election Unlike roughly 20 states that let debtors choose between state and federal exemptions, Georgia is a state-exemptions-only jurisdiction. O.C.G.A. section 44-13-100(b) expressly opts out of the federal exemption scheme. Georgia's 730-Day Residency Rule Under 11 U.S.C. section 522(b)(3), you must have been domiciled in Georgia for at least 730 days (2 years) before filing to use Georgia exemptions. If you moved to Atlanta recently, you may need to use the exemptions from your prior state. Means Test and Georgia Median Income Chapter 7 eligibility depends on the means test under 11 U.S.C. section 707(b)(2). Georgia median income figures are updated by the U.S. Trustee and vary by household size. If your income exceeds the Georgia median, you may need to file Chapter 13 instead. Reaffirmation Practices in N.D. Ga. The Northern District of Georgia requires reaffirmation agreements to be filed before discharge. If you want to keep a financed car or other secured property, your attorney must review and sign the agreement, or the court will hold a hearing to ensure it does not impose undue hardship. Frequently Asked Questions What debtor education courses are required in Georgia? Georgia filers must complete two courses: (1) a pre-filing credit counseling course from a DOJ-approved agency within 180 days before filing, and (2) a post-filing debtor education (financial management) course before discharge. Both are required under 11 U.S.C. sections 109(h) and 111. Courses cost $10--$50 each and can be completed online, by phone, or in person. Where is the bankruptcy court in Atlanta? The Northern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court is at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building, 75 Ted Turner Drive SW, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30303. The clerk's office phone is (404) 215-1000. The court has additional divisions in Newnan, Gainesville, and Rome. What are Georgia's bankruptcy exemptions? Georgia uses state-specific exemptions only. Key exemptions: homestead up to $21,500 ($43,000 married), vehicle up to $5,000, personal property up to $5,000, wildcard up to $1,200 plus unused homestead up to $10,000. Georgia exemptions are in O.C.G.A. sections 44-13-1 and 44-13-100. How do I get free bankruptcy help in Atlanta? Atlanta Legal Aid Society at (404) 524-5811 provides free bankruptcy help to low-income residents in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties. Georgia Legal Services Program covers rural areas. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation matches qualifying residents with pro bono attorneys. How long does debtor education take? The pre-filing credit counseling takes 60--90 minutes. The post-filing financial management course takes about 2 hours. In Chapter 7, the post-filing certificate must be filed within 60 days of the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13, complete it before final payment. File certificate using Official Form 423. Open Bankruptcy Project Network Open Bankruptcy Project 1328(f) Screener 1328(f) Research Chapter 7 vs 13 Means Test 341 Meeting Automatic Stay How to File Exemptions by State Free, open-source bankruptcy transparency. No ads. No affiliate links. Supported by donations. An Open Bankruptcy Project resource This site provides general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation. © 2026 Open Bankruptcy Project. GitHub You May Also Find Helpful Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org Student Loans in Bankruptcy -- bankruptcystudentloans.org Open Bankruptcy Project -- openbankruptcyproject.org --- ## Atlanta Bankruptcy Statistics - Chapter 13 Dismissal Rates [2026] Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/ Skip to main content Bankruptcy Atlanta HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Rule 9037 PII Scanner Atlanta Bankruptcy Statistics - Chapter 13 Dismissal Data The Northern District of Georgia processes one of the highest case volumes in the country - 245,569 filings, 159,456 dismissed. Nearly half of all filers are repeats. The 2024 dismissal rate hit 99.0%. N.D. Ga.: 99.0% dismissal rate in 2024 70.8% Dismissal Rate (2008-2019) 245,569 Cases Filed (2008-2024) 159,456 Cases Dismissed 59,258 Cases Discharged 44.8% Prior Filer Rate 7,815 Est. 1328(f) Violations NDGA Dismissal Rate by Year (2008--2024) Chapter 13 Dismissal Rate - Northern District of Georgia Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database, 2008--2024. Analysis by Open Bankruptcy Project. Methodology note: Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years. Cases filed 2020-2024 are preliminary - successful plans are still active, so only early dismissals are reflected. The headline rate uses 2008-2019 data where most cases have reached final disposition. Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. Georgia District Comparison Northern District (NDGA) 70.8% 245,569 cases filed - 159,456 dismissed, 59,258 discharged. 44.8% prior filer rate. 11.7% pro se. 7,815 estimated 1328(f) violations. The highest volume of any top-10 worst district. Richard B. Russell Building (75 Ted Turner Dr SW) Middle District (MDGA) 50.0% 95,513 cases filed - 40,978 dismissed, 41,034 discharged. 33.5% prior filer rate. Only 2.5% pro se. 4,587 estimated 1328(f) violations. Macon - Columbus - Albany Southern District (SDGA) 49.7% 94,058 cases filed. Similar rate to MDGA but covering the southern portion of the state. Savannah - Augusta - Brunswick Key Statistics Highest Volume Among the Worst Districts NDGA processes more Chapter 13 cases than almost any district in America: 245,569 total filings - one of the largest caseloads nationally 159,456 dismissed - the majority of all cases filed Only 59,258 discharges - a 24.1% success rate 44.8% prior filer rate - nearly half have failed before 99.0% dismissal in 2024 - very few cases have reached discharge so far 7,815 estimated 1328(f) violations - cases that were legally doomed The Acceleration NDGA's dismissal rate was relatively stable in the low 70s for over a decade. Post-2020, the preliminary rate rose sharply: 2020: 69.0% - within the historical range 2021: 79.3% - a 10-point jump 2022: 92.3% - among the highest in the database 2023: 97.3% - continuing to rise 2024: 99.0% - the highest preliminary rate recorded In four years, NDGA went from a district where roughly 3 in 10 filers succeeded to one where 1 in 100 does. The Repeat Filer Machine 44.8% of NDGA filers have filed bankruptcy before - the highest prior filer rate of any major district. The rate has been near 50% for a decade (peaking at 49.7% in 2017). This creates an enormous cycle: Consumer files Chapter 13 Case is dismissed (70.8% chance historically, 99.0% now) Consumer's situation has not improved - may be worse Consumer files again, now as a "prior filer" Many repeat filers are ineligible under 1328(f) time bars Case is dismissed again, perpetuating the cycle An estimated 7,815 cases may have been filed in violation of 1328(f) - meaning those filers paid fees and invested time in cases where discharge was legally impossible. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Chapter 13 dismissal rate in Atlanta? The Northern District of Georgia has a 70.8% Chapter 13 dismissal rate based on mature 2008-2019 data where most cases have reached final disposition. 245,569 total cases were filed between 2008 and 2024. Recent years show higher preliminary rates because successful 3-5 year plans are still active. How many Chapter 13 cases are dismissed in Atlanta? 159,456 out of 245,569 Chapter 13 cases filed in NDGA between 2008 and 2024 ended in dismissal. Only 59,258 resulted in discharge. What is the prior filer rate in Atlanta bankruptcy? 44.8% of Chapter 13 filers in NDGA have filed bankruptcy before - nearly half. An estimated 7,815 cases may involve potential 1328(f) eligibility violations. How does Atlanta compare to other Georgia districts? NDGA has the worst rate at 70.8% (2008-2019 mature data). The Middle District has 50.0% and the Southern District has 49.7%. Atlanta is significantly worse than the rest of Georgia. Should I file Chapter 13 in Atlanta? With a 99.0% dismissal rate in 2024, consult a qualified attorney who can explain their personal track record. Ask about Chapter 7 as an alternative. See our consumer guide for questions to ask before filing. Check Your Eligibility Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility. Free Discharge Screener Browse Other Cities Houston Miami Phoenix Minneapolis St. Louis New York Newark San Antonio Kansas City View All Cities → Open Bankruptcy Project Network OBP Home 1328(f) Screener New York Chicago Kansas City Bankruptcy Mills Ch. 7 vs 13 Dismissed? Cost File Again? Free, open-source bankruptcy transparency. No ads. No affiliate links. Supported by donations. An Open Bankruptcy Project resource Data sourced from the Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database (2008--2024). This site provides general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation. © 2026 Open Bankruptcy Project. GitHub Privacy Policy Cited by the Federal Rules Committee (26-BK-3) Have a Question? Open Bankruptcy Project provides free educational information. We are not a law firm. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney. Select your state... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands I understand this is educational information, not legal advice. Submit Question Thank you! We typically respond within one business day. Need Free Bankruptcy Help? If you cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, free help is available. Legal aid organizations, law school clinics, and court self-help programs can assist you at no cost. Find Free Help in Georgia You May Also Find Helpful Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Open Bankruptcy Project -- openbankruptcyproject.org --- ## Atlanta Bankruptcy Resources - Courts, Legal Aid, Free Tools | Bankruptcy Atlanta Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/resources.html Bankruptcy Atlanta HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›Atlanta Bankruptcy Resources - Courts, Legal Aid, Free Tools | Bankruptcy Atlanta›Atlanta Bankruptcy Resources Atlanta Bankruptcy Resources Courts, legal aid organizations, free tools, and research resources for Atlanta area bankruptcy filers. Federal Bankruptcy Courts - Georgia Northern District of Georgia (NDGA) ganb.uscourts.gov Richard B. Russell Federal Building, 75 Ted Turner Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Also serves Newnan, Gainesville, and Rome divisions. Middle District of Georgia (MDGA) gamb.uscourts.gov Serves Macon, Columbus, Albany, Athens, and Valdosta divisions. Southern District of Georgia (SDGA) gasb.uscourts.gov Serves Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, Dublin, Statesboro, and Waycross divisions. Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services Atlanta Legal Aid Society atlantalegalaid.org Free civil legal services for low-income residents in metro Atlanta. Serves Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. Georgia Legal Services Program glsp.org Free legal help for low-income Georgians outside metro Atlanta. Covers 154 counties with offices statewide. Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation avlf.org Pro bono legal assistance connecting low-income Atlantans with volunteer attorneys. State Bar of Georgia - Lawyer Referral Service gabar.org Referral service connecting consumers with attorneys. Initial consultations available. Free Screening and Research Tools 1328(f) Discharge Eligibility Screener 1328f.com Free tool to check whether a prior discharge creates a time bar. Runs entirely in your browser - no data collected. Open Bankruptcy Project openbankruptcyproject.org National research platform analyzing Chapter 13 outcomes across all 94 federal districts. 1328(f) Research Platform 1328f.org In-depth research on repeat filing patterns and eligibility violations. Federal Resources U.S. Trustee Program - Region 21 justice.gov/ust Oversees bankruptcy case administration in N.D. Ga. File complaints about attorney or trustee misconduct. PACER pacer.uscourts.gov Access federal court records. Fee-based ($0.10/page, capped at $3.00/document). Federal Judicial Center - Integrated Database fjc.gov/research/idb The source database for all statistics on this site. Georgia State Resources State Bar of Georgia - Consumer Assistance Program gabar.org File complaints about Georgia-licensed attorneys. Also provides fee dispute resolution. Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Protection consumer.georgia.gov Consumer protection resources and complaint filing for Georgia residents. More from the OBP Network Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 chapter7vs13.org Side-by-side comparison of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy Dismissed - What Now? bankruptcydismissed.com Next steps after a dismissed bankruptcy case. Can I File Bankruptcy Again? filebankruptcyagain.com Time bar rules and eligibility information for repeat filers. Free, open-source bankruptcy transparency. No ads. No affiliate links. Supported by donations. An Open Bankruptcy Project resource This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney. © 2026 Open Bankruptcy Project You May Also Find Helpful Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Section 727(a)(8) Discharge Waiting Period -- 727a8.com --- ## NDGA Chapter 13 Statistics - Year-by-Year Data | Bankruptcy Atlanta Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/statistics.html Bankruptcy Atlanta HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›NDGA Chapter 13 Statistics - Year-by-Year Data | Bankruptcy Atlanta›Atlanta Chapter 13 Statistics - Complete Data Atlanta Chapter 13 Statistics - Complete Data Year-by-year breakdown of Chapter 13 bankruptcy outcomes in the Northern District of Georgia. All data from the Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. 70.8% Dismissal Rate (2008-2019) 245,569 Total Cases (2008--2024) 159,456 Total Dismissed 59,258 Total Discharged 44.8% Prior Filer Rate 99.0% 2024 Dismissal Rate Year-by-Year Breakdown - N.D. Ga. YearCases FiledDismissal RatePrior Filer RateTrend 200817,44772.5%38.8% 200918,16567.4%38.3%-5.1 201019,70766.0%37.0%-1.4 201121,97469.5%40.0%+3.5 201219,95769.3%43.0%-0.2 201317,21571.3%46.3%+2.0 201415,08771.7%46.7%+0.4 201515,59574.0%48.7%+2.3 201615,38174.8%49.0%+0.8 201714,87272.4%49.7%-2.4 201814,82472.0%49.6%-0.4 201914,43470.6%48.5%-1.4 2020*9,53569.0%49.5%-1.6 2021*5,83779.3%48.3%+10.3 2022*7,44992.3%49.3%+13.0 2023*8,96897.3%48.0%+5.0 2024*9,12299.0%46.2%+1.7 * Preliminary - Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years, so successful plans filed in these years are still active. Only early dismissals are reflected. Methodology note: Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years. Cases filed 2020-2024 are preliminary - successful plans are still active, so only early dismissals are reflected. The headline rate uses 2008-2019 data where most cases have reached final disposition. Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. Volume Analysis NDGA's raw case volume is enormous: Peak: 21,974 cases in 2011 - one of the highest single-year totals of any district Pre-COVID average: ~16,000 cases/year COVID low: 5,837 in 2021 2024: 9,122 cases - and 99.0% dismissed At 2024 rates, roughly 9,030 of those 9,122 cases will end in dismissal. Fewer than 100 filers per year are now receiving a discharge in this district. Prior Filer Analysis NDGA has the highest sustained prior filer rate of any major district. Key patterns: The prior filer rate has been above 40% every year since 2011 It peaked at 49.7% in 2017 - nearly one in two filers was a repeat Even in 2024, 46.2% are prior filers despite the near-100% dismissal rate The combination of high volume + high repeat rate + high dismissal = maximum consumer harm An estimated 7,815 cases may have violated 1328(f) time bars - the highest estimated violation count of any district studied. Georgia Comparison Georgia's three districts show significant variation: NDGA (Atlanta): 70.8% dismissal, 245,569 cases, 44.8% prior filer rate MDGA (Macon): 50.0% dismissal, 95,513 cases, 33.5% prior filer rate SDGA (Savannah): 49.7% dismissal, 94,058 cases The Atlanta district is dramatically worse than the rest of the state. Middle and Southern Georgia have dismissal rates in the 50% range - still high, but far below NDGA's 70.8% overall and 99.0% current rate. Key Findings 159,456 dismissed cases represent one of the largest concentrations of Chapter 13 failure in the country The dismissal rate jumped from 69.0% to 99.0% in just four years (2020--2024) 44.8% prior filer rate is the highest sustained rate of any major district 7,815 estimated 1328(f) violations - the highest of any district analyzed At 2024 rates, fewer than 100 out of 9,122 annual filers receive a discharge 11.7% pro se rate - most filers have attorneys, yet nearly all still fail Explore National Data at OBP Free, open-source bankruptcy transparency. No ads. No affiliate links. Supported by donations. An Open Bankruptcy Project resource Data: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database (2008--2024). Not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney. © 2026 Open Bankruptcy Project This site provides general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation. You May Also Find Helpful Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Comparison -- chapter7vs13.org Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Student Loans in Bankruptcy -- bankruptcystudentloans.org --- ## What to Know About Chapter 13 in Atlanta - Consumer Guide | Bankruptcy Atlanta Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/what-to-know.html Bankruptcy Atlanta HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›What to Know About Chapter 13 in Atlanta - Consumer Guide | Bankruptcy Atlanta›What Atlanta Consumers Should Know About Chapter 13 What Atlanta Consumers Should Know About Chapter 13 If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the Atlanta area - or have already been dismissed - this page explains what the data means for you. 99.0% of Cases Failed in 2024 The Northern District of Georgia dismissed 99.0% of Chapter 13 cases in 2024. Nearly half of all filers are repeats - people who have been through the process before and failed. Over 159,000 cases have been dismissed since 2008. What Does "Dismissed" Mean? Dismissal means your Chapter 13 repayment plan failed. You do not receive a discharge. Creditors resume collection. Common causes: Missed plan payments - failing to make monthly trustee payments Missing documents - tax returns, pay stubs, certificates Plan not confirmable - proposed plan does not meet legal requirements Ineligibility - prior discharge creates a time bar under 1328(f) What Makes Atlanta's Data Notable Several factors make NDGA particularly notable: Massive scale: 245,569 cases - more than many states combined Highest prior filer rate: 44.8% have filed before, the worst sustained rate nationally Rapid increase: From 69.0% to 99.0% in just four years (preliminary) 7,815 estimated 1328(f) violations: The most of any district - cases filed where discharge was legally impossible Most filers have attorneys (88.3%): This is not a pro se problem - represented clients are failing too Questions to Ask an Attorney Before Filing 1. What is your firm's Chapter 13 discharge rate? The district rate is 99.0% dismissal in 2024. Ask how their clients compare. A firm that cannot answer this question should raise concerns. 2. Have you screened me for 1328(f) eligibility? With 44.8% of filers being repeats, this screening is critical. 7,815 cases may have been filed despite ineligibility. 3. Why not Chapter 7? Chapter 7 completes in months with much higher success rates. Ask why a 3-5 year Chapter 13 plan is recommended over Chapter 7 for your specific situation. 4. How many active cases does your firm have right now? High-volume practices may not provide the monitoring and support needed to navigate a multi-year plan. 5. What happens to your fees if I am dismissed? If fees are paid through the plan and the case is dismissed, the attorney may have been compensated while you received nothing. 6. If I have filed before, why will this time be different? If the same firm filed your previous dismissed case, ask specifically what they will do differently. The same approach rarely produces different results. Red Flags to Watch For Warning Signs No eligibility check - the firm does not verify your prior filing history Volume-first practice - hundreds of simultaneous cases, limited individual attention Same firm, prior dismissal - if they filed your last dismissed case, why trust them again? No Chapter 7 discussion - Chapter 13 presented without evaluating faster alternatives Cannot reach attorney after filing - communication drops off once fees are flowing No data transparency - cannot or will not share their firm's discharge rate If You Have Been Dismissed Read the dismissal order - understand exactly why your case failed Check time bars - 109(g) and 362(c) may limit your automatic stay if you refile Evaluate your attorney's performance - did they file documents on time? Attend hearings? Return calls? Consider alternatives - Chapter 7 (if eligible), debt negotiation, or simply waiting Get a second opinion - especially if the same firm wants to refile for you Check your 1328(f) eligibility - use the free screener before paying any new fees The Repeat Filing Trap 44.8% of NDGA filers have filed before - nearly half the docket. If you are a repeat filer: Your automatic stay may be limited to 30 days (section 362(c)(3)) or eliminated entirely (362(c)(4)) You may be ineligible for discharge under 1328(f) Courts may presume bad faith The same approach that failed is unlikely to work again Before paying another filing fee, verify your eligibility and ask hard questions about what will be different this time. Check Your Eligibility - Free Screener Free, open-source bankruptcy transparency. No ads. No affiliate links. Supported by donations. An Open Bankruptcy Project resource This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney. © 2026 Open Bankruptcy Project You May Also Find Helpful Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Comparison -- chapter7vs13.org Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org Section 727(a)(8) Discharge Waiting Period -- 727a8.com 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com --- ## Privacy Policy - bankruptcyatlanta.org Source: https://bankruptcyatlanta.org/privacy.html bankruptcyatlanta.org Home Privacy Privacy Policy How we handle your data. Short version: we don't sell it, share it, or use it for advertising. Data We Collect We use Google Analytics (GA4) to measure aggregate site traffic. This includes page views, session duration, approximate geographic region (country and city level), and device type. We do not collect names, email addresses, or personally identifiable information through analytics. Aggregate event data from Google Analytics is also exported to Google BigQuery for research use. The BigQuery data is used only for internal trajectory analysis and network health reports, is not shared with third parties, and is not used for advertising. What We Don't Do We do not sell data. We do not run advertising. We do not collect financial information. We do not use retargeting. We do not share any user data with attorneys, law firms, creditors, debt collectors, or legal service providers. Specifically, we do not enable Google Signals, Google Ads integration, User-ID collection, or any cross-device tracking feature in Google Analytics. GA4 operates in aggregate-traffic-measurement mode only on this site. Cookies We use only first-party cookies set by Google Analytics for aggregate traffic measurement. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or third-party analytics cookies. Third-Party Services Google Analytics (GA4) - aggregate traffic measurement Google BigQuery - aggregate event data warehouse for research use only; not shared, not used for advertising Google Search Console - search query measurement (clicks, impressions, our own page rankings) GitHub Pages - hosting Contact Forms & Email This site may link to contact forms or email addresses operated by the Open Bankruptcy Project. Any data you submit through those channels is handled under the Open Bankruptcy Project master privacy policy, which governs all sites in this network. Children's Privacy This site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children. Data Retention Analytics data is retained for 14 months per Google's standard retention settings. After that window, individual event data is automatically deleted by Google; aggregate report metrics remain available. Your Rights You may request deletion of any personal data we hold by contacting info@openbankruptcyproject.org. California residents have additional rights under CCPA. EU residents have additional rights under GDPR. All such requests are handled by the Open Bankruptcy Project. Network Policy This site is part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network operated by the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The same privacy standards apply across every site in the network. The authoritative master policy is maintained at https://openbankruptcyproject.org/privacy.html. Changes We may update this policy from time to time. Changes are reflected on the master policy first and then mirrored across all network sites. Check the master policy for the most current version. Effective: March 30, 2026  |  Updated: April 11, 2026 Home  ·  Privacy  ·  Open Bankruptcy Project Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network. Educational information only - not legal advice. No ads. No affiliate links. No data sold. Supported by donations.