Bankruptcy in Savannah, GA

Filing for bankruptcy in Savannah gives you immediate protection. Once you submit your petition, an automatic stay goes into effect that can pause wage garnishments, foreclosures, and collections. It can also give you time to breathe and begin evaluating your options.

If you’re ready to explore your next step, help is available. We can connect you with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Savannah who understands local court procedures and Georgia exemption laws. 

Let’s take the pressure off your shoulders and move toward resolution.

Types of Bankruptcy in Savannah, Georgia

Bankruptcy offers a legal framework for individuals and businesses in Savannah, Georgia, to eliminate or restructure overwhelming debt. To qualify, you’ll need to show that financial hardship is preventing you from staying current with your obligations. If approved, the court can help you discharge certain debts or create a payment plan.

However, not every type of debt is eligible for discharge. You’ll still be responsible for obligations like child support, most student loans, recent taxes, and court-ordered alimony. 

If you’re exploring your options, the right path—whether Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13—will depend on your income, the nature of your debts, and what you hope to protect. An experienced bankruptcy attorney in Savannah can help you evaluate your circumstances and determine the best strategy.

Bankruptcy filings in Savannah are handled through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia. There are six court locations throughout the district, and one of them is conveniently located right here in Savannah.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a clean break from overwhelming debt, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to first evaluate whether your income and expenses qualify, and whether liquidation is your best path forward. A bankruptcy attorney in Savannah can help you determine if Chapter 7 is the right strategy based on your assets, financial obligations, and long-term goals.

This option is generally reserved for individuals with limited or unstable income. If approved, most unsecured debts can be discharged, but there’s a tradeoff: you may need to surrender certain assets, including your vehicle, home equity, or other nonexempt property. Once your petition is filed, the court issues an automatic stay that temporarily halts foreclosures, garnishments, and collections. However, this stay doesn’t apply to all debts, such as child support or restitution, which remain your responsibility.

Before you can file, you’ll need to pass the Means Test. This calculation compares your household income to the state median for Georgia, adjusting for family size. If your income exceeds the limit, you may need to explore Chapter 13 instead. Even after qualifying, creditors in Savannah may file a motion to lift the stay and continue collections, especially if the debt is secured.

Another mandatory step is completing a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This session must occur within 180 days before your filing date and covers alternatives to bankruptcy as well as budgeting basics. The Department of Justice maintains a list of eligible courses for Georgia residents.

Without proof of credit counseling, your Chapter 7 case in Savannah could be dismissed. It’s a small but essential step in demonstrating your readiness to pursue debt relief through the court system.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is most commonly used by businesses or high-income individuals looking to reorganize debt without liquidating assets. Unlike Chapter 7, which focuses on wiping the slate clean, Chapter 11 is designed to help you stay operational while repaying creditors over time. The plan can stretch from four to 18 months or longer, depending on your financial picture and what the court approves.

In Savannah, Chapter 11 cases fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia. If you’re filing locally, you’ll need to follow all federal requirements, including:

• Filing a petition and paying the $1,738 fee
• Submitting a complete list of creditors
• Providing a certificate of credit counseling
• Including a detailed statement of income and expenses
• Summarizing your current assets and liabilities

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives working individuals in Savannah a way to reorganize debt while keeping essential property. Once you file, the court appoints a trustee to review your financial situation—including your income, assets, and liabilities—and oversee a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. This option may allow you to catch up on mortgage payments or car loans while also reducing or discharging unsecured debt.

To get started, Savannah filers must meet the local and federal requirements. You’ll need to:

• Submit a petition and pay the $313 filing fee
• Provide a full list of creditors
• Show proof of completing a credit counseling course
• File schedules detailing your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
• Submit a proposed Chapter 13 repayment plan using the local court form

The Bankruptcy Process in Savannah, Georgia

There’s rarely a perfect time to file for bankruptcy—but if your debts are outpacing your income and you can’t reasonably repay what you owe within five years, bankruptcy might offer the reset you need. It won’t erase every obligation, but it can stop the financial freefall and provide a structured path forward.

If you’re filing in Savannah, the process begins with documentation. You’ll need to gather detailed records of your debts, assets, income, and monthly expenses. The court uses this information to evaluate your eligibility and structure your case. Missing or incomplete paperwork can delay or even derail your petition.

Georgia law requires you to use state-specific bankruptcy exemptions—federal exemptions are not available. Some of the protections currently include:

• Up to $21,500 in home equity (doubled to $43,000 for joint filers)
• Up to $5,000 in vehicle equity
• Up to $5,000 in household goods and clothing
• Pensions and qualified retirement accounts
• A wildcard exemption of $1,200, plus up to $10,000 of any unused homestead exemption

In the months before filing, avoid taking on new debt or making large, unnecessary purchases. You’ll also need to complete a credit counseling course from a DOJ-approved provider—usually available online or by phone. This course is mandatory and helps prepare you to make better financial decisions moving forward. Once complete, you’ll receive a certificate required for your filing. Without it, the court will reject your case.

Work With an Experienced Savannah, Georgia Lawyer

Working with a local bankruptcy attorney in can make a significant difference in both the outcome and efficiency of your case. A knowledgeable lawyer will walk you through which debts are dischargeable, what exemptions apply, and how Georgia’s bankruptcy laws intersect with federal rules.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.