Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Ohio

Yes, the Chapter 7 process is largely the same throughout the nation, but no two bankruptcy cases are exactly alike. Although the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is organized under federal law and applies in similar fashion throughout the country, each state has its own laws that govern local bankruptcy cases.

The Ohio legislature has enacted laws, known as exemptions, which allow debtors filing for bankruptcy to protect assets while discharging their debts. Federal bankruptcy exemptions are not available in Ohio.

Ohio is one of a handful of states where the legislature has passed “bankruptcy-only” exemptions. This means that the exemptions can only be utilized in a bankruptcy case, not against a judgment creditor in a state collection action. Take note: courts are split on whether “bankruptcy-only” exemption regimes are constitutional; be sure to consult with an Ohio bankruptcy attorney to confirm exactly how the laws will apply to your case and if you will qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Cost to file chapter 7 in Ohio

The chapter 7 filing fees in Ohio are $338, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of the real cost to file bankruptcy. Bankruptcy lawyers usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 to file a chapter 7 case, in addition to the filing fee.

Ohio Bankruptcy Court Locations

If you do decide to file bankruptcy, you’ll need to know the court locations in your area. Most people don’t actually go to court, but will instead attend a 341 meeting of creditors, possibly at one of the following locations.

Northern District of Ohio

Akron: John F. Seiberling Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 455 U.S. Courthouse, 2 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44308, 330-252-6100

Canton: Ralph Regula Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 401 McKinley Ave. SW, Canton, Ohio 44702-1745, 330-458-2120

Cleveland: Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse, 201 Superior Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1235, 216-615-4300

Toledo: James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse, 1716 Spielbusch Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604, 419-213-5600

Youngstown: Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 10 Ea. Commerce St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503-1621, 330-742-0900

Southern District of Ohio

Cincinnati: 221 E. Fourth St., Atrium Two Suite 800, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, 513-684-2572

Columbus: 170 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, 614-469-6638

Dayton: 120 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402, 937-225-2516

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