Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Attorney

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    Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Attorney

    If you live in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, or Delaware County, your bankruptcy case will be filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court (EDPA). Filing in the correct federal district — and understanding its local rules and procedures — is critical to protecting your rights, stopping creditor actions, and successfully completing your case.

    At Ginsburg Law Group, we represent individuals and families filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and guide clients through every step of the process.

    What Is the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court?

    The Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court is a federal court that handles all bankruptcy cases filed by residents of southeastern Pennsylvania. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, but each district has its own local rules, trustees, and procedures, which makes experience in the correct district especially important.

    If you file in the wrong district or fail to comply with EDPA requirements, your case can be delayed or dismissed.

    Counties Served by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    You generally must file your bankruptcy case in the Eastern District if you live in one of the following counties:

    • Philadelphia County

    • Bucks County

    • Montgomery County

    • Chester County

    • Delaware County

    If you recently moved, special venue rules apply. In most cases, you must file where you lived for the majority of the 180 days before filing bankruptcy.

    Where Is the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court Located?

    The Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court has multiple locations, including:

    • Philadelphia (primary courthouse)

    • Reading (for certain cases)

    Most filings are done electronically, and many hearings — including 341 meetings of creditors — may be conducted remotely depending on the trustee and case type.

    Types of Bankruptcy Cases Filed in the Eastern District

    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

    Chapter 7 is often used to eliminate unsecured debt such as:

    • Credit cards

    • Medical bills

    • Personal loans

    • Certain collection judgments

    Most Chapter 7 cases in the Eastern District are completed in approximately 3–4 months.

    Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

    Chapter 13 is used by individuals who:

    • Have regular income

    • Need to stop foreclosure

    • Are behind on mortgage or car payments

    • Do not qualify for Chapter 7

    Chapter 13 cases involve a 3–5 year repayment plan supervised by the court and a trustee.

    Filing Bankruptcy in the Eastern District: What to Expect

    While every case is unique, most Eastern District bankruptcy cases follow this general process:

    1. Credit Counseling
      You must complete a court-approved credit counseling course before filing.

    2. Filing the Bankruptcy Petition
      Once your case is filed, the automatic stay immediately stops:

      • Collection calls

      • Lawsuits

      • Wage garnishments

      • Foreclosure actions

    3. Trustee Assignment
      An Eastern District trustee is assigned to review your case and documents.

    4. 341 Meeting of Creditors
      This is a short meeting where the trustee asks basic questions under oath. Most creditors do not appear.

    5. Additional Requirements (if any)
      Some cases require additional documents or follow-up.

    6. Discharge or Plan Confirmation

      • Chapter 7: discharge entered after trustee review

      • Chapter 13: plan confirmation and ongoing payments

    Local Rules and Procedures in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    The Eastern District has specific local rules that affect bankruptcy cases, including:

    • Document submission deadlines

    • Trustee documentation requirements

    • Procedures for reaffirmation agreements

    • Rules for motions and objections

    Failing to comply with EDPA local rules can result in delays, dismissal, or loss of protections. Working with an attorney familiar with Eastern District practice helps ensure compliance from the start.

    Common Reasons Clients File Bankruptcy in the Eastern District

    Clients in the Eastern District often seek bankruptcy relief due to:

    • Credit card and medical debt

    • Foreclosure or sheriff’s sale threats

    • Wage garnishment

    • Lawsuits and judgments

    • Job loss or reduced income

    • Divorce-related debt

    Bankruptcy can provide immediate relief and a structured path forward.

    Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney for the Eastern District?

    While it is possible to file bankruptcy without an attorney, many people run into problems due to:

    • Incorrect exemption selection

    • Missed deadlines

    • Incomplete paperwork

    • Failure to follow local rules

    • Trustee objections

    An experienced Eastern District bankruptcy attorney helps protect your assets, ensure compliance, and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the

    Eastern District Bankruptcy Court

    Which Pennsylvania counties file in the Eastern District?

    Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties file in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

    Can I file bankruptcy in Philadelphia?

    Yes. Philadelphia County residents file in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court.

    How long does bankruptcy take in the Eastern District?

    Most Chapter 7 cases take about 3–4 months. Chapter 13 cases last 3–5 years, depending on the repayment plan.

    Do I have to go to court?

    Most clients only attend the 341 meeting of creditors, which is often remote. Court appearances are rare in standard cases.

    Will bankruptcy stop collection calls immediately?

    Yes. The automatic stay goes into effect the moment your case is filed.

    Speak With an Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Attorney

    If you are facing overwhelming debt, foreclosure, or creditor harassment, understanding your options under Eastern District bankruptcy rules is essential.

    Ginsburg Law Group represents consumers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and offers free consultations to discuss whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you.

    📞 Call us today for a free, confidential bankruptcy consultation – 855-978-6564 or email us at bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com.

    CLICK HERE for your free case assessment.

    Contact our Bankruptcy Team: bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com

    We work with most major legal services and legal insurance plans.  Some cover your legal fees for bankruptcy services.  Give us a call today to see if your bankruptcy is covered!

    BANKRUPTCY TEAM

    AMY GINSBURG – aginsburg@ginsburglawgroup.com

    GRACIE KLEIN – gklein@ginsburglawgroup.com

    NICOLE LOMBARDI – nlombardi@ginsburglawgroup.com