How to File for Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania: Step-by-Step

Filing for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania follows the same federal process as the rest of the country, but with Pennsylvania-specific exemptions and three local bankruptcy courts. Here's how the process actually unfolds.

Step 1: Credit counseling (within 180 days before filing)

You must complete a short online credit counseling course from a court-approved provider before your case is filed. It takes about an hour.

Step 2: Choose the right chapter

Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in about 90–120 days. You qualify by passing the means test — generally, household income at or below the Pennsylvania median.

Chapter 13 is a 3- to 5-year repayment plan. It's the right tool if you're behind on a mortgage, over the means test, or have non-exempt assets you want to protect.

Step 3: Gather your documents

You'll need 6 months of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, recent bank statements, a list of every creditor, and proof of ownership for major assets. Your attorney provides a checklist.

Step 4: File the petition

Your case is filed electronically in the appropriate district — Eastern (Philadelphia), Middle (Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre), or Western (Pittsburgh, Erie). The moment it's filed, the automatic stay stops creditor calls, lawsuits, wage garnishment, and foreclosure sales.

Step 5: The 341 meeting of creditors

About 4–6 weeks after filing, you meet with the trustee on a short video call. Creditors rarely attend. Most meetings last under 10 minutes.

Step 6: Debtor education and discharge

Complete the second required course, and the court issues your discharge — about 90 days after filing for Chapter 7, or at the end of the plan for Chapter 13.

Pennsylvania-specific notes

Pennsylvania lets you choose between state and federal exemptions. Most filers choose federal because they protect more home equity. We walk through that choice on the practice areas page.