Filing Bankruptcy in Georgia: Means Test, Exemptions and Courts

Georgia has three federal bankruptcy districts: the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District (https://www.ganb.uscourts.gov), Middle District (https://www.gamb.uscourts.gov), and Southern District (https://www.gasb.uscourts.gov) of Georgia.

1 person: $68,478; 2 people: $84,965; 3 people: $101,479; 4 people: $123,481; add $11,100 for each additional person over 4. These figures apply to bankruptcy cases filed on or after July 15, 2026 (the Census median income data was last updated for cases filed on or after April 1, 2026).

Georgia filers must use Georgia's exemptions: a Georgia-domiciled debtor "is prohibited from applying or utilizing 11 U.S.C. Section 522(d)."

Up to $21,500 in real or personal property used as a residence; $43,000 where the property is titled solely in one of two spouses who is a debtor.

Up to $5,000 total in motor vehicles.

Any property up to $1,200, plus up to $10,000 of any unused homestead exemption.

The debtor's interest in funds held in qualifying retirement plans (public, nonprofit and private-sector plans, and IRAs) that have not yet been distributed is exempt; payments from pension, annuity or similar plans are exempt to the extent reasonably necessary for support.

Garnishment may not take more than the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings (15% for a private student loan judgment) or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed $217.50.

N.D. Ga. has a "Filing without an Attorney" section with tips for pro se debtors, required forms, filing options, and a Pro Se Assistance Center guide. M.D. Ga. has a "Filing Without an Attorney" page. S.D. Ga. has a "Filing Without an Attorney" menu with "What to Know Before You File," required forms and local forms.

Middle District of Georgia: Administrative Order 2024-01 (Amended Order on Attorneys' Fees in Chapter 13 Cases, superseding Administrative Order #147 dated October 6, 2022), effective as to cases filed on or after February 1, 2024, allows a "Single Set Fee" agreed between debtor and attorney of a specific amount up to, but not to exceed, $3,900.00. The fee is expected to cover costs and expenses (other than the filing fee) and all services from the filing of the petition to the closing of the case; an attorney receiving it is excused from filing an initial fee application or reporting hours or expenses, and no supplemental fee application may be filed unless a significant matter arises that could not be anticipated. The order states it does not set any minimum or maximum fee; attorneys may instead seek fees by itemized application. Southern District of Georgia: General Order 2017-2 (Order on Compensation of Debtors' Attorneys in Chapter 13 Cases) provides that, effective in all chapter 13 cases filed on or after July 24, 2017, a claim for attorney's fees and expenses will be deemed automatically approved, absent objection, so long as it does not exceed $4,500.00 (commonly referred to as the no look fee). The fee is expected to cover costs and expenses (other than the initial filing fee) and all services from the filing of the petition to the closing of the case, including appearance at the section 341 meeting and all hearings.