What is the bankruptcy means test?

The bankruptcy means test determines whether you qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to your state's median income. If you're below the median, you automatically qualify. If above, you must pass a second part examining disposable income.

How much debt do you need to file bankruptcy?

There is no minimum debt amount required to file bankruptcy. However, most bankruptcy attorneys recommend filing only when debt exceeds what you can realistically repay within 5 years, typically $10,000 or more.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for 7 years. Both affect your ability to get new credit, but the impact diminishes over time as you rebuild.

What states does this calculator support?

BankruptcyByState.net supports bankruptcy means test calculations for all 50 states using current federal and state-specific median income figures.

Advertise to Bankruptcy Filers on BankruptcyByState.net

BankruptcyByState.net attracts high-intent visitors who are actively calculating whether they qualify for bankruptcy, modeling repayment plans, and comparing their options. These are not casual browsers — they are individuals who have already decided to research bankruptcy and are evaluating their next step. Our median visitor has entered their income and household size into the means test calculator, reviewed their state's exemptions, and is now looking for professional guidance.

We offer sponsored attorney placement in the Find an Attorney directory, co-branded calculator results pages, and state-specific advertising packages for attorneys serving specific markets. Placements are visible on the most visited calculator pages in your target states — where your prospective clients are when they are most likely to act.

Advertising Packages

Package	Reach	Starting Price
Single State Placement	All calculator pages for 1 state	$97/month
Regional Package (up to 3 states)	All calculator pages for up to 3 states	$194/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the audience on BankruptcyByState.net?

Our visitors are researching bankruptcy for themselves or a family member. They are typically in the 35-55 age range, have annual household income between $30,000 and $80,000, carry $20,000-$80,000 in unsecured debt, and are evaluating whether their income qualifies them for Chapter 7. They are at the most actionable point in the consumer bankruptcy funnel — they have already decided to research filing and are now looking for professional representation.

How are sponsored attorney listings displayed?

Sponsored attorneys appear in the Find an Attorney directory with their name, firm, practice area focus, geographic coverage, and a direct contact link. Listings on state-specific calculator pages appear as contextual recommendations within the results section — for example, at the end of a means test calculation for a Texas resident, a sponsored Texas bankruptcy attorney is featured. All sponsored placements are clearly identified as sponsored to comply with bar advertising rules.

How do I get started?

Fill out the inquiry form on this page with your name, state(s) you serve, and preferred package. We will follow up within one business day with a contract and onboarding instructions. Attorney listings are typically live within 48 hours of contract signing. We verify bar membership through state bar directories before activating any listing.