Bankruptcy in New Braunfels, TX

New Braunfels is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, located between San Antonio and Austin along the I-35 corridor. With a population approaching 99,000, it is known for its German heritage, the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, and Schlitterbahn waterpark.

Key Filing Information

County

Population: 98,857 (approx.)

Federal District

Western District of Texas
San Antonio Division

Bankruptcy Courthouse

615 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
341 meetings and hearings held here

Zip Codes

78130, 78131, 78132, 78133, 78135
All file in W.D. Tex.

Texas Exemptions in New Braunfels

PropertyTexas Exemption
HomesteadUNLIMITED (up to 10 acres urban / 100 acres rural)
Vehicle1 motor vehicle per licensed household member
Personal Property$50,000 (single) / $100,000 (family)
WagesFully exempt (current wages cannot be garnished in Texas, except for child support, taxes, and student loans)
Retirement AccountsFully exempt (IRAs, 401(k), pensions)
Life InsuranceFully exempt

Texas does not allow federal bankruptcy exemptions. You must use Texas state exemptions. Texas has some of the most debtor-friendly exemptions in the nation.

See the complete exemptions guide →

Filing Bankruptcy in New Braunfels

The Process

  1. Credit counseling -- Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
  2. File your petition -- Filed with the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. The automatic stay stops collections, garnishments, and foreclosures immediately.
  3. 341 meeting -- About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at 615 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205. Most last 5-10 minutes.
  4. Debtor education -- Complete a second financial course before discharge ($10-25).
  5. Discharge -- Chapter 7: ~60 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing your 3-5 year plan.

Cost Estimates

  • Chapter 7 filing fee: $338 (installment payments available)
  • Chapter 13 filing fee: $313 (can be paid through your plan)
  • Attorney fees: Typically $1,000-$2,000 for Chapter 7; $2,500-$4,500 for Chapter 13 in the SA area
  • Credit counseling: $15-25 per course (two required)

Full cost breakdown →

District Statistics

Chapter 13 Dismissal Rate

62.6%
W.D. Tex. (2008-2024) -- one of the highest in the nation

Prior Filer Rate

32.0%
Nearly 1 in 3 filers had a previous bankruptcy case

View full district statistics →

Local Resources

  • Comal County Courthouse -- 150 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
  • Texas RioGrande Legal Aid -- 1-888-988-9996 (statewide intake)
  • Lone Star Legal Aid -- 1-800-733-8394

Full legal aid and resource directory →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bankruptcy court handles New Braunfels, TX cases?

New Braunfels is in Comal County / Guadalupe County, which files in the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. The courthouse is at 615 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205. The W.D. Tex. has a 62.6% Chapter 13 dismissal rate.

What exemptions apply in New Braunfels, TX?

Texas exemptions apply: unlimited homestead (up to 10 acres urban / 100 acres rural), one motor vehicle per licensed household member, personal property up to $50,000 (single) or $100,000 (family), fully exempt retirement accounts and life insurance. Full exemptions guide.

Can my wages be garnished in Texas?

Texas is one of the most protective states for wage garnishment. Current wages generally cannot be garnished in Texas, except for child support, taxes, and federally guaranteed student loans. This protection exists even outside of bankruptcy.

Will I lose my home if I file bankruptcy in New Braunfels?

Almost certainly not, thanks to Texas's unlimited homestead exemption. As long as your home is on 10 acres or less (urban) or 100 acres or less (rural) and is your primary residence, it is fully protected in bankruptcy regardless of its value.

What about New Braunfels specifically?

New Braunfels' rapid growth has pushed home values up significantly. Fortunately, Texas's unlimited homestead exemption (up to 10 acres urban) means even high-equity homeowners can protect their primary residence in bankruptcy.

Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information about bankruptcy, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney licensed in Texas for advice about your specific circumstances. This site does not recommend or endorse any specific attorney or law firm.

Check Your Eligibility

Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.

Free Discharge Screener

Other San Antonio Area Cities

Open Bankruptcy Project Network