Ohio Bankruptcy Guide

Complete guide to filing bankruptcy in Ohio, including current median income requirements, Ohio's homestead exemption up to $145,425, bankruptcy court information, and how to find qualified bankruptcy attorneys throughout Ohio.

Ohio Median Income for Bankruptcy (2026)

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Ohio, your household income must be below these median income levels. If your income exceeds these amounts, you may still qualify through the means test or need to file Chapter 13 instead.

Household Size	Annual Median Income	Monthly Median Income
1 person	$55,594	$4,633
2 people	$70,301	$5,858
3 people	$81,464	$6,789
4 people	$98,043	$8,170
5 people	$107,043	$8,920
6 people	$116,043	$9,670

Note: For households larger than 4, add $9,000 per additional person. These figures are updated annually by the U.S. Trustee Program.

Calculate Your Ohio Eligibility

Ohio Bankruptcy Exemptions

Ohio allows filers to choose between Ohio state exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions. Most Ohio filers choose the exemption system that best protects their specific assets.

Ohio Homestead Exemption

Up to $145,425 (Ohio state exemptions) or $27,900 (federal exemptions).

Under Ohio state exemptions, you can protect up to $145,425 of equity in your primary residence. This is one of the more generous state homestead exemptions in the country and is often preferable to the federal homestead exemption for Ohio homeowners with significant equity.

Under federal exemptions, you can protect up to $27,900 in homestead equity ($55,800 for married couples filing jointly). Any unused portion of the federal homestead exemption can be added to the wildcard exemption to protect other property.

Ohio Vehicle Exemption

Up to $4,000 (OH state) or $4,450 (federal exemptions).

Under Ohio state exemptions, you can protect up to $4,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. Under federal exemptions, you can protect $4,450 in vehicle equity per person, and married couples can each claim this exemption for separate vehicles.

Ohio Exemption System Choice

Ohio allows you to choose between two exemption systems:

Ohio State Exemptions Include:

• Homestead: $145,425
• Vehicle: $4,000
• Household Goods: $625 per item, up to $13,125 total
• Jewelry: $1,600 total
• Cash and Bank Accounts: $500
• Tools of Trade: $2,500
• Wildcard: $1,325 for any property
• Personal Injury Awards: Up to $25,000
• Wrongful Death Awards: Protected for person you depended on for support

Federal Exemptions Include:

• Homestead: $27,900 ($55,800 for married couples)
• Vehicle: $4,450 per person
• Household Goods: $700 per item, up to $14,875 total
• Jewelry: $1,875
• Tools of Trade: $2,800
• Wildcard: $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption (total up to $15,425)

Other Protected Assets (Both Systems)

• Retirement Accounts: Fully protected including 401(k), IRA, pension plans, and government retirement benefits
• Public Benefits: Social Security, unemployment, workers' compensation, veteran's benefits, disability benefits
• Life Insurance: Life insurance proceeds for spouse, child, or dependent; cash value protected under federal exemptions
• College Savings: 529 plans and Coverdell education savings accounts (federal)
• Wages: Minimum of 30 times federal minimum wage per week (Ohio law)

Filing Bankruptcy in Ohio

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Ohio

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commonly filed throughout Ohio. The process typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge and eliminates most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and past-due utility bills.

To qualify for Chapter 7 in Ohio, you must pass the means test by having income below the Ohio median or by showing that after allowable expense deductions, you lack sufficient disposable income to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan. You must also complete credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days before filing.

Ohio filers benefit from the ability to choose between state and federal exemptions, allowing you to maximize asset protection based on your specific situation. The Ohio homestead exemption of $145,425 is particularly valuable for homeowners.

Learn more about Chapter 7 bankruptcy →

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Ohio

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows Ohio residents to keep property while repaying some or all debts through a court-approved 3-5 year payment plan. This option is particularly beneficial if you're behind on mortgage or car payments and want to catch up while stopping foreclosure or repossession.

Chapter 13 is especially useful in Ohio if your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7, if you have non-exempt assets you want to protect, or if you have priority debts like recent taxes. Your monthly payment is based on your disposable income after allowable living expenses.

Learn more about Chapter 13 bankruptcy →

Bankruptcy Courts in Ohio

Ohio is divided into two federal bankruptcy court districts:

Northern District of Ohio

Main Courthouses: Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown

Covers northern Ohio including Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lorain, and surrounding counties. This is the larger of Ohio's two bankruptcy districts.

Court divisions: Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown.

Southern District of Ohio

Main Courthouses: Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton

Covers southern Ohio including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and surrounding counties in the southern portion of the state.

Court divisions: Cincinnati (Western Division), Columbus (Eastern Division), and Dayton (Western Division).

You must file in the district where you have lived for the greater part of the 180 days before filing. Visit the U.S. Courts website for specific court locations, filing procedures, and local rules.

Ohio Residency Requirements

To use Ohio bankruptcy exemptions (either state or federal, as both are available), you must have been domiciled (legally residing) in Ohio for at least 730 days (2 years) before filing. If you've lived in Ohio for less than 2 years, you must use the exemptions from the state where you lived for the 180 days immediately before the 2-year period.

Once you meet the residency requirement, you can choose between Ohio state exemptions or federal exemptions based on which system better protects your specific assets.

Find an Ohio Bankruptcy Attorney

Most Ohio bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations. Given the choice between state and federal exemptions and the complexity of bankruptcy law, consulting with an experienced Ohio bankruptcy attorney is highly recommended.

What an Ohio Bankruptcy Attorney Can Do

• Determine which bankruptcy chapter is right for your financial situation
• Analyze whether Ohio state or federal exemptions provide better protection
• Maximize the generous Ohio homestead exemption if you own property
• Navigate Ohio-specific bankruptcy procedures and local court rules
• Complete and file all required bankruptcy paperwork correctly
• Represent you at the 341 meeting of creditors
• Handle any objections from creditors or the bankruptcy trustee
• Guide you through the entire process from filing to discharge

Cost of Filing Bankruptcy in Ohio

Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney fees in Ohio vary by location:

• Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati: $1,200 to $1,800 plus $338 filing fee
• Toledo, Akron, Dayton: $1,000 to $1,500 plus $338 filing fee
• Smaller cities and rural areas: $900 to $1,300 plus $338 filing fee

Chapter 13 attorney fees typically range from $3,000 to $4,500 plus a $313 filing fee. In Chapter 13, attorney fees are usually paid through your repayment plan rather than upfront.

Many Ohio attorneys offer payment plans for Chapter 7 to make bankruptcy more accessible.

Ohio-Specific Bankruptcy FAQs

Should I use Ohio state or federal exemptions?

If you own a home with significant equity (over $27,900), Ohio state exemptions are usually better because of the $145,425 homestead exemption. If you don't own a home or have minimal home equity, federal exemptions may be better due to the flexible wildcard exemption. An Ohio bankruptcy attorney can help analyze your specific situation.

Can I keep my house in Ohio bankruptcy?

Yes, in most cases. Ohio's state homestead exemption protects up to $145,425 of equity, which is enough to protect most homes. If you have more equity than this, you may need to file Chapter 13 to keep your home or consider other strategies with your attorney.

Can I keep my car in Ohio bankruptcy?

Yes, in most cases. Ohio state exemptions protect up to $4,000 of equity in one vehicle, while federal exemptions protect up to $4,450 per person. If you owe more than your car is worth or have minimal equity, you can typically keep it by continuing to make payments.

How long does bankruptcy take in Ohio?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Ohio takes about 3-4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes 3-5 years to complete the repayment plan. The timeline is the same in Ohio as in other states, as bankruptcy is federal law.

Will bankruptcy affect my Ohio driver's license?

No. Bankruptcy does not affect your driver's license in Ohio. However, unpaid traffic tickets and court fines are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy and could affect your license if left unpaid.

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