Court Overview
30,412
Cases in Database
$338
Chapter 7 Fee
$313
Chapter 13 Fee
$1,738
Chapter 11 Fee
The Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court serves Houston, TX and surrounding areas.
Court website: www.txs.uscourts.gov
How to File
- Complete credit counseling. Take an approved course within 180 days before filing. Provider list at justice.gov.
- Choose your chapter. Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 13 (repayment), or Subchapter V (small business).
- Complete official forms. Download from uscourts.gov. Required: Petition, Schedules A/B-J, SOFA, means test.
- File electronically or in person. Attorneys use CM/ECF. Pro se filers may file in person.
- Pay the filing fee. Ch.7: $338. Ch.13: $313. Fee waivers for Ch.7 below 150% poverty. Installments available.
- Attend 341 Meeting of Creditors. Scheduled 20-40 days after filing. Telephone/video often available.
- Complete financial management course. Required before discharge.
- Receive discharge. Ch.7: 60-90 days after 341. Ch.13: after completing 3-5 year plan.
Filing Fees
| Chapter | Fee | Waiver | Installments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Available | Up to 4 |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | No | Up to 4 |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | No | Up to 4 |
| Chapter 12 | $278 | No | Up to 4 |
Local Rules and Resources
- Local rules: Check court website for current local rules supplementing the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
- CM/ECF: Electronic filing at the court website. PACER for case lookup at pacer.uscourts.gov.
- Legal aid: lsc.gov or our legal aid directory.
Check Attorney Performance
Use our free tool to check attorney performance data in the Southern District of Texas.
Bankruptcy Tools Network:
Discharge Screener · Research Platform · Exemptions by State · Pro Se Guide
Discharge Screener · Research Platform · Exemptions by State · Pro Se Guide