⚖️ Automatic stay stops most collection calls & wage garnishments the moment you file — see how it works
Local court locations, trustee contacts, fee tables, and step-by-step filing guides for Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Hamilton counties — the only resource built specifically for this two-state metro.
Northern Kentucky residents file in U.S. Bankruptcy Court — Eastern District of Kentucky, while Ohioans across the river file in the Southern District of Ohio. The courts are different, the exemptions are different, and the means test income thresholds differ by state. This guide covers both sides of the river.
Whether you're dealing with medical debt, credit cards, a lawsuit judgment, or a wage garnishment, bankruptcy offers a federally protected path to relief. Understanding your local options — trustees, free legal aid clinics, and court filing windows — is the first step.
The two most common personal bankruptcy options serve different situations.
Wipes out most unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) in 3–6 months. Requires passing the means test. Best for: low income, no significant assets, need fast relief.
Keep your assets while repaying debts over 3–5 years under a court-approved plan. Best for: homeowners behind on mortgage, higher income, want to save a car or home.
For businesses or individuals with very high debt loads who don't qualify for Chapter 13. Expensive and complex — typically requires an attorney.
Which state you file in matters. Exemptions, median income thresholds, and trustee processes vary significantly.
Filing locations, 341 meeting rooms, trustee offices, and legal aid contacts for the two-state metro.
221 E. Fourth Street, Suite 800
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(Atrium Two Building)
215 E. Ninth Street, Suite 200
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Also serves NKY residents
Detailed county-level filing guides:
From first consultation to discharge — what to expect and when.
You must complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. Cost is $10–$50 online. Keep your certificate — you'll attach it to your petition. Approved providers: DOJ approved list.
If your household income is below your state's median (KY ~$53K single / OH ~$54K single), you automatically qualify. Above median? A detailed income/expense calculation determines eligibility. Most filers pass.
Your petition includes schedules of assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and recent financial transactions. KY filers file at Covington or via PACER; OH filers file at Atrium Two or via PACER. Filing fee: $338 (waivers available for very low income).
The moment you file, collection calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and repossession attempts must stop. This stay is immediate and federal. Violations are taken seriously by bankruptcy courts.
20–40 days after filing, you meet with the trustee (not a judge). Typical KY meetings: Room 106, Covington courthouse. Typical OH meetings: 8th floor, Atrium Two. Bring your ID and Social Security card. Meeting usually lasts 5–10 minutes. Creditors rarely appear.
60 days after the 341 meeting (if no objections), the court issues your discharge order. Most unsecured debt is wiped. You'll also complete a debtor education course online ($10–$50) before discharge is granted.
Documents you'll need: tax returns (2 yrs), pay stubs (6 months), bank statements (3 months), loan statements, property records, and proof of credit counseling completion.
Download PDF ChecklistGet a rough estimate of total costs before you consult an attorney. Attorney fees vary widely — this covers court fees and required course costs.
This calculator provides rough estimates only. Actual costs depend on your attorney, case complexity, and whether the court grants a fee waiver. Always confirm fees with your attorney and the court.
Chapter 13 is the most powerful tool for NKY and Cincinnati homeowners facing foreclosure.
Chapter 13 requires steady income to fund a repayment plan. This includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, or rental income. There's no means test income ceiling — but you must afford the plan.
Your attorney proposes a plan to pay back priority debts (taxes, mortgage arrears) and a portion of unsecured debts. For KY filers, Chapter 13 trustees Phaedra Spradlin's office reviews plan feasibility and may object if cash flow is too tight.
A judge confirms your plan — usually 45–90 days after filing. Most confirmation hearings in Covington are brief if no creditor objects. Ohio's Cincinnati division tends to have faster confirmation timelines than the Dayton division.
Payments go to the trustee, who distributes to creditors according to the plan. KY trustee office in Lexington handles Covington division cases. Set up automatic payroll deduction if possible — it dramatically reduces missed payment risk.
After 3–5 years of successful payments, remaining eligible unsecured debt is discharged. You'll have kept your home, caught up on arrears, and exited with a clean(er) balance sheet.
| Chapter | Court Filing Fee | Typical Attorney Fee (NKY/Cincy) | Timeline | Fee Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | $1,000–$2,500 | 3–6 months | Yes — income below 150% poverty line; form B3B |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | $3,500–$5,500 | 3–5 years (plan duration) | No (can pay in installments) |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | $10,000–$50,000+ | 1–3+ years | No |
| Credit Counseling Course | — | $10–$50 (online) | Required before filing | Yes — waiver available for inability to pay |
| Debtor Education Course | — | $10–$50 (online) | Required before discharge | Yes — waiver available |
Court filing fees current as of 2024. Attorney fees represent typical NKY/Cincinnati market ranges and vary by complexity. Fees subject to change — verify with the court at the time of filing.
Everything you need to bring to your first attorney consult — or to file pro se.
Download PDFMortgage statements, arrears calculation, and foreclosure timeline tracker for NKY homeowners.
Download PDFSide-by-side table of all major exemptions for Kentucky and Ohio filers.
Download PDFCurrent median income thresholds by household size for Kentucky and Ohio Chapter 7 filers.
Download PDFLocal court schedules, trustee contacts, and county-specific legal aid resources.
Campbell County KY · Clermont County OH · Warren County OH — coming soon