Total Arizona bankruptcy filings
10,622Cases filed from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. That is a 11.3% increase from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Arizona Bankruptcy Laws: What to Know Before You File
Written by Casey Yontz, JD, Bankruptcy Legal Content Editor
Legally reviewed by Benjamin Wright, Bankruptcy Attorney (18+ years experience)
Last reviewed on
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If you’re searching Arizona bankruptcy laws, you may be dealing with collection calls, past-due payments, a lawsuit threat, or concern about wage garnishment, foreclosure, or vehicle repossession. This page explains what bankruptcy in Arizona typically looks like, where federal rules apply, and where Arizona-specific rules matter most, especially Arizona exemptions (the laws that may protect certain property).
Who Can File Bankruptcy in Arizona in 2026?
Facing financial difficulty can be overwhelming, and it can happen to anyone, whether because of job loss, illness, rising living costs, or an unexpected family emergency. If you live in Arizona and are considering bankruptcy, your options depend on things like the kind of debt you have, your income, your past bankruptcy filings, and which chapter you want to file under. We're here to offer tools and resources to help you understand your choices and find the best path for your unique situation.
2026 Updates for Bankruptcy in Arizona
The Arizona personal property exemption amounts currently in effect continue to apply unless Arizona law changes or an applicable adjustment takes effect. Arizona’s homestead exemption is subject to periodic adjustment, so anyone considering bankruptcy in Arizona should confirm the current amount before filing. In some situations, the timing of a bankruptcy filing may affect how much property can be protected.
“The Arizona homestead exemption is adjusted on January 1, each year.”
When Arizona Exemption Amounts May Change
Arizona's homestead exemption is adjusted each year on January 1 based on cost-of-living changes, so anyone considering bankruptcy in Arizona should confirm the current amount before filing. Because the homestead exemption can affect how much home equity is protected, filing dates can matter for some Arizona homeowners.
When Other Arizona Property Protections Change
Some other Arizona exemption amounts may also be updated on that annual schedule, while others change only if state law is revised. For that reason, anyone considering bankruptcy in Arizona should verify the current exemption amounts before filing rather than relying on older figures.
Timing Concerns Before Filing
Exemption updates are not the only reason timing matters when filing bankruptcy in Arizona. A tax refund can matter too. If you expect to receive a refund, the timing of your case may affect whether that money is protected or exposed. Before filing, it is wise to look at your expected refund, your available exemptions, and any other assets that could be affected by the filing date.
Current Arizona Bankruptcy Filing Statistics
Most current court data: the court's latest matched Arizona F-5A and national F-2 reporting period is the rolling 12-month period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Cases filed from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. That is a 11.3% increase from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
| Category | Current period | Previous corresponding period | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | 7,384 | 6,492 | 13.7% increase |
| Chapter 9 | 0 | 0 | Not available |
| Chapter 11 | 342 | 310 | 10.3% increase |
| Chapter 12 | 0 | 0 | Not available |
| Chapter 13 | 2,896 | 2,742 | 5.6% increase |
| Chapter 15 | 0 | 0 | Not available |
| Other chapters | 0 | 0 | Not available |
| Business | 351 | 318 | 10.4% increase |
| Nonbusiness | 10,271 | 9,226 | 11.3% increase |
Expand for five-year history, per-capita ranking, sources, and methodology.
The current view uses the court's rolling 12-month total for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and compares it with the previous corresponding 12-month period where available.
Five-year Arizona filing totals by year
| Year | Arizona filings | Arizona index | National index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (through June 30, 2026) | 10,622 | 160.7 | 159.9 |
| 2025 | 9,544 | 144.4 | 142.5 |
| 2024 | 8,420 | 127.4 | 127.8 |
| 2023 | 7,308 | 110.5 | 110.0 |
| 2022 | 6,611 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
Arizona filings per 100,000 residents: 140.1. National filings per 100,000 residents: 177.9. Arizona ranking: #26 among the 50 states and D.C.
Source and methodology: U.S. Courts F-5A state/county filings and F-2 national filings, matched by identical quarter-ending dates. Zero chapter values are displayed only when verified in the normalized dataset; unavailable values are not displayed as zero. Population rates use Census population estimates. See the national bankruptcy statistics page.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona
For Arizona filers who want faster relief from dischargeable debt, Chapter 7 is often the primary choice. It is designed to quickly eliminate unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Because the exact procedures, local court rules, and property protections are specific to the state, we highly recommend reading our complete, in-depth guide: The Complete Guide to Arizona Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Property in Chapter 7
The most critical question in an Arizona Chapter 7 case is whether your property is fully protected by Arizona's exemption laws. Our dedicated Arizona Chapter 7 guide covers exactly how state exemptions interact with liquidation risk.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona?
Your eligibility for relief under Chapter 7 depends on your average monthly income and whether you can pass the Arizona Chapter 7 means test. If your household income falls below Arizona’s median income, you generally qualify right away.
| Household Size | Annual Median Income (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $73,935 |
| 2 | $89,027 |
| 3 | $104,965 |
| 4 | $121,174 |
| Add $11,100 for each person over 4. | |
These figures reflect cases filed on or after April 1, 2026, and they are updated periodically.
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Arizona?
Use our free Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator to get an educational estimate based on your income. Select Arizona from the state dropdown to apply local median income rules. No contact info required.
Open the Means Test CalculatorChapter 13 Bankruptcy in Arizona: Repayment Plans and Property Protection
Chapter 13 bankruptcy uses a court-approved repayment plan that typically lasts three to five years. It is generally used by filers who need time to catch up on missed mortgage or vehicle payments to prevent foreclosure and repossession.
Because Chapter 13 relies heavily on local district rules regarding plan payments, trustee fees, and acceptable expenses, we strongly encourage reviewing our comprehensive guide: The Complete Guide to Arizona Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
Income and Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 13 in Arizona
To succeed in Chapter 13, you need regular income to support your monthly plan payments.
Estimate Your Chapter 13 Plan Payment
Use our free Chapter 13 Payment Plan Estimator to calculate an educational estimate of what your monthly payment could look like based on your Arizona household budget.
Open the Plan Payment EstimatorComparing Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona
Chapter 13 can help Arizona filers keep important property by catching up on missed payments over time. Chapter 7 does not offer that catch-up option, but it discharges debt much faster.
| Topic | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Often a better fit for | People with lower income, fewer assets at risk, and a need for faster debt relief | People with regular income who need time to catch up on secured debts or protect property | 11 U.S.C. § 101(30); 11 U.S.C. § 109(e) |
| How long the case usually lasts | Usually about three to six months | Usually three to five years | 11 U.S.C. § 727(a); 11 U.S.C. § 1322(d) |
| What happens to property | Property that is not fully protected by exemptions may be sold to pay creditors | Filers usually keep their property, but may need to pay for nonexempt value through the repayment plan | 11 U.S.C. § 541; 11 U.S.C. § 726; 11 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(4) |
| Can it help you catch up on a house or car? | Not usually. Chapter 7 does not provide a repayment plan to catch up on missed secured payments | Yes. Chapter 13 can allow missed mortgage or car payments to be cured over time through the plan | 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(5) |
| Who can qualify | Income and allowed expenses are reviewed under the means test to see whether chapter 7 is available | You must have enough regular income to support a feasible repayment plan | 11 U.S.C. § 707(b); 11 U.S.C. § 1325(b) |
| Main advantages | Can erase many unsecured debts relatively quickly without requiring a repayment plan | Can help stop foreclosure or repossession, allow catch-up payments, and protect assets that might be at risk in chapter 7 | 11 U.S.C. § 362; 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(5) |
| Main drawbacks | Property that is not protected by exemptions may be lost | Requires years of monthly payments, budget discipline, and court oversight | 11 U.S.C. § 727(a); 11 U.S.C. § 1307 |
| How nondischargeable debts are treated | Debts such as child support, many taxes, and most student loans usually remain after the case | These debts usually are not erased, but some can be paid over time through the plan | 11 U.S.C. § 523(a) |
| Debt limits | No debt limits | Unsecured debts less than $526,700; secured debts less than $1,580,125 | 11 U.S.C. § 109(e); adjusted effective April 1, 2025 |
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 | 28 U.S.C. § 1930; U.S. Courts fee schedule |
| When a prior bankruptcy can affect eligibility | Usually eight years after a prior chapter 7 discharge; six years after a prior chapter 13 discharge | Usually four years after a prior chapter 7 discharge; two years after a prior chapter 13 discharge | 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(8); 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(9); 11 U.S.C. § 1328(f) |
Not Sure Which Chapter Is Right for You?
Use our interactive Decision Tool to evaluate which bankruptcy chapter best fits your financial situation, goals, and assets. Select "Arizona" to apply local median income rules.
Open the Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 ToolArizona Exemptions
Arizona exemptions are the laws that help protect certain property when someone files bankruptcy in Arizona. These exemptions may apply to assets such as home equity, motor vehicles, household goods, tools used for work, and many retirement accounts, although limits and conditions apply.
In most cases, Arizona filers must use Arizona’s exemptions rather than the federal bankruptcy exemptions because Arizona is an opt-out state. It is also important to understand that recent moves out of state can affect which exemption system applies under the strict 730-day residency rule.
Arizona Exemption Tools and Resources
Arizona exemptions are important to understand, and we want to do everything we can to help you become educated about how they are used. We highly recommend checking out our Arizona bankruptcy exemptions guide.
You can also use our suite of free, interactive tools to see how state laws apply to your specific assets:
- Homestead Exemption Estimator
- Vehicle Exemption Estimator
- Bankruptcy Exemption Law Finder (For the 730-Day Residency Rule)
Can You Discharge Student Loans in Arizona?
You may have heard that it is impossible to get rid of student loans in bankruptcy. This isn't true. It is possible to discharge student loans, but it requires a very fact-specific adversary proceeding.
Will Your Student Loans Be Discharged?
Use our Student Loan Discharge Checker. Enter your loan and financial details to get an educational estimate about whether you may be able to seek a discharge in bankruptcy.
Open the Discharge CheckerArizona-Specific Procedures
Bankruptcy forms are federal, but the District of Arizona has local rules, local forms, and local practices that can affect filing requirements, hearing procedures, and trustee document requests. Your case notices (and your docket) are the official source for the deadlines and instructions that apply to your specific case.
If you want a neutral reference point, the court’s website posts current local rules and basic filing information. U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona (official site).
How Do I File for Bankruptcy in Arizona?
Most Arizona filings follow the steps below. The exact documents and deadlines can vary by chapter, your circumstances, and local requirements.
Credit Counseling
Within 180 days of filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. The course is a legal prerequisite in most cases.
Prepare and File the Petition
You file a petition and a set of schedules and statements that list your assets, debts, income, expenses, recent transfers, and other information. Accuracy matters.
Practical Document Checklist (Common Starting Point)
Exact requests vary by trustee and by case. These are common items many people gather:
- Recent pay stubs or income proof (including benefits)
- Recent bank statements
- Most recent tax returns
- Vehicle and mortgage statements (if applicable)
- Debt list (credit cards, medical bills, loans, collections, lawsuits)
- Information on recent transfers, large payments, or sales
Which is the Correct Arizona Bankruptcy Court for My Case?
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona administers cases statewide. Where you live can affect division assignments and how certain matters are calendared. Because procedures can change, always follow your official notice for the 341 meeting of creditors and any hearings.
Go to the 341 Meeting of Creditors
The 341 meeting of creditors is where the trustee asks questions under oath about your finances and paperwork. Creditors can appear, but many do not in routine consumer cases.
Get Your Discharge
In chapter 7, discharge is often entered a few months after filing if the case is straightforward. In chapter 13, discharge comes after you complete your plan and meet all plan and course requirements.
Why Accuracy Matters
Bankruptcy paperwork is detailed. Missing documents or inconsistent information can lead to delays, dismissal, or disputes that cost time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Arizona
How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Arizona?
Costs commonly include the court filing fee, required courses, and attorney fees. The most reliable numbers are the current court fee schedule and course provider pricing at the time you file.
How Do You File for Bankruptcy in Arizona?
Gather financial documents, complete a credit counseling course, prepare the petition and schedules, file in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, and attend the 341 meeting of creditors.
Can Inherited Property Be Included in a Bankruptcy in Arizona?
Yes. If you become entitled to an inheritance within 180 days after filing, it may be included under bankruptcy law. Whether it is protected depends on the facts and whether an exemption applies.
Can I File Bankruptcy Without My Spouse in Arizona?
Yes. You can file an individual bankruptcy in Arizona even if you are married, but because Arizona is a community-property state, the filing can still involve community income, debts, and assets.
How Long Does Bankruptcy Take in Arizona?
A typical consumer chapter 7 case often runs about 3–4 months. A chapter 13 case lasts longer because it is built around a 3–5 year repayment plan.
How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost in Arizona?
Attorney fees vary by chapter, complexity, and local practice. Many attorneys charge a flat fee for a routine chapter 7, while chapter 13 often involves different fee structures paid partially through the plan.
How Often Can You File Bankruptcy in Arizona?
You can file bankruptcy more than once, but waiting periods apply for receiving another discharge (e.g., eight years between chapter 7 discharges).
Final Thoughts: Making a Clear Plan Under Arizona Bankruptcy Laws
Understanding Arizona bankruptcy laws can help you make calmer, more informed choices, especially when you’re deciding between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and when you’re trying to protect property using Arizona exemptions.
Explore Our Arizona Bankruptcy Guides
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Browse our state guides to learn exemptions, means test rules, costs, and local procedures. Use these links to jump between states and compare your options.
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