Iowa Bankruptcy Attorneys
Find qualified bankruptcy attorneys in Iowa. 4,821 bankruptcy cases filed in FY2024. Compare Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 lawyers near you.
Top Bankruptcy Attorneys in Iowa
1278 listed
Peter Hansen - Hansen Law Offices - Burlington, IA Lawyer
Peter Hansen - Hansen Law Offices - Burlington, IA Lawyer
Hansen Law Offices has filed thousands of consumer bankruptcy cases for over 37 years, is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and has been recognized several times as an expert in Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy by the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers guide. At Hansen Law Offices, we have assisted our clients for over 37 years in successfully providing debt relief through the bankruptcy code. We pride ourselves on quick personal service, compassion, and expertise in the field of consumer bankruptcy. Together, we can stop creditor harassment, bill collector phone calls and letters, prevent property loss, and create a plan to move past overwhelming debt burden and get you on the road to financial recovery.
Rachel A Yaggi
Rachel A Yaggi has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Eric W. Lam
Eric W. Lam has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
University Park Place LLC
University Park Place LLC has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Matthew L DeBoth
Matthew L DeBoth has handled 2 federal bankruptcy cases in federal court.
Paramount Credentialing Verification Organization, Inc.
Paramount Credentialing Verification Organization, Inc. has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Benjamin Andrew Craighton
Benjamin Andrew Craighton has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Julia Cutler
Julia Cutler has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Turquoise, LLC
Turquoise, LLC has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Jaden Glen Banks
Jaden Glen Banks has handled 2 federal bankruptcy cases in federal court.
Jennifer Lynn Pratt
Jennifer Lynn Pratt has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Herman Robinson
Herman Robinson has handled 1 federal bankruptcy case in federal court.
Iowa Bankruptcy Filing Statistics
Filings by Chapter Type (2024)
Source: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, 12-month period ending December 2024. uscourts.gov
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Federal Bankruptcy Courts in Iowa
Source: U.S. Courts — uscourts.gov
Bankruptcy Law in Iowa: What You Need to Know
Iowa bankruptcy court resources
Iowa bankruptcy cases are handled through the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa. Each court provides its own official information for case access, electronic filing, payment, and local procedures.
Northern and Southern District resources
The Northern District of Iowa identifies bankruptcy-court locations in Cedar Rapids and Sioux City and provides PACER, CM/ECF, online payment, and electronic proof-of-claim access. The Southern District of Iowa identifies its Des Moines court location and links to PACER, CM/ECF, its electronic-filing manual, and electronic proof-of-claim resources.
Forms and current court directions
The U.S. Courts bankruptcy-forms directory provides current national forms. Before submitting any document, identify the applicable district and confirm its current filing method, payment options, local rules, and deadlines directly with the court. Court staff cannot give legal advice.
Filing Tips for Iowa
- Verify your correct judicial district and division (Northern District in Cedar Rapids or Southern District in Des Moines) before submitting paperwork.
- Complete your mandatory pre-filing credit counseling course from an approved agency well in advance of your target filing date.
- Gather accurate documentation for all income sources, including farm revenue, small business earnings, or W-2 wages from the past six months.
- Carefully review Iowa's unique property exemption laws with a qualified attorney to maximize the protection of your personal belongings and home equity.
- Disclose all creditors, assets, and past financial transactions honestly to avoid dismissal of your case or allegations of bankruptcy fraud.
- Keep copies of all tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs organized, as the bankruptcy trustee will request these documents prior to your creditors' meeting.
Bankruptcy Filing Process in Iowa
Evaluate Your Financial Situation
Begin by compiling a complete inventory of your debts, assets, monthly income, and living expenses. Reviewing your financial standing helps determine whether Chapter 7 liquidation or Chapter 13 restructuring aligns with your goals.
Complete Credit Counseling
Before filing your petition, federal law requires you to complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days. This session can be completed online or over the phone and provides an overview of your financial management options.
Determine Means Test Eligibility
Compare your household income against the Iowa median income standard for your household size. Passing this means test establishes your eligibility to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief.
Prepare Bankruptcy Schedules
Work alongside your attorney or use filing software to accurately draft your voluntary petition, schedules of assets and liabilities, and statement of financial affairs. Ensure all Iowa-specific exemption laws are properly applied to protect your property.
File Your Petition in Federal Court
Submit your completed paperwork to the appropriate federal court, whether that is the Northern District of Iowa in Cedar Rapids or the Southern District of Iowa in Des Moines. Pay the required court filing fees or submit an application to pay in installments.
Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors
Approximately 20 to 40 days after filing, you must attend the meeting of creditors presided over by your assigned bankruptcy trustee. Answer questions under oath regarding your financial disclosures and asset listings.
Complete Financial Management Course
Finish a second instructional course concerning debtor education and personal financial management. Filing your certificate of completion with the court is mandatory to secure your final debt discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bankruptcy in Iowa
Can I use federal bankruptcy exemptions if I live in Iowa?
No. Iowa is an 'opt-out' state, which means residents filing for bankruptcy must use Iowa state exemptions rather than the federal exemption scheme. You must structure your asset protection according to Iowa's specific statutes.
Where do I file my bankruptcy case in Iowa?
Your filing location depends on your county of residence. Cases are handled by either the Northern District of Iowa, with its main office in Cedar Rapids, or the Southern District of Iowa, headquartered in Des Moines.
What is the median income threshold for the means test in Iowa?
The means test threshold varies based on household size, with the base annual median income for a single-earner household in Iowa starting around $58,000, adjusted periodically by the Census Bureau.
How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case take in Iowa?
A typical, straightforward Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Iowa takes approximately four to six months from the initial date of filing to the final entry of discharge by the bankruptcy court.
Will I lose my home if I file for bankruptcy in Iowa?
Not necessarily. Iowa provides a generous homestead exemption that protects a significant amount of equity in your primary residence, subject to certain acreage limitations for rural versus urban properties.
Are agricultural debts treated differently in Iowa bankruptcy courts?
Yes. Due to Iowa's strong agricultural sector, family farmers often utilize Chapter 12 bankruptcy, which offers tailored debt adjustment provisions designed specifically to handle seasonal farm income and asset structures.
Bankruptcy FAQ for Iowa
Common questions about filing for bankruptcy in Iowa, including costs, eligibility, exemptions, and timelines.
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Economic Context
Below AvgIowa has a relatively low unemployment rate.
Household Financial Profile · ACS 2023
$71k
Median household income
$62k
Per capita income
$185k
Median home value
71.0%
Homeownership rate
10.7%
Poverty rate
66%
of filers chose Ch. 7
Means test note: The Chapter 7 means test compares your income to Iowa's median household income of $71k. If your household income is below this threshold, you likely qualify for Chapter 7 without further calculation.