San Antonio Bankruptcy Statistics

Data from 64,677 cases in the Western District of Texas, analyzed from the Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database (2008-2024).

64,677
Total Cases (2008-2024)
62.6%
Dismissal Rate
37.4%
Discharge Rate
32.0%
Prior Filer Rate
2,181
Est. 1328(f) Violations
6.5%
Pro Se Rate

What These Numbers Mean for You

If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy in San Antonio, these statistics should inform your decision:

  • 62.6% of cases are dismissed. That means the majority of filers spent months or years making payments and got no debt relief at the end.
  • Only 37.4% receive a discharge. This is the percentage of filers who successfully complete their plan.
  • 32.0% are prior filers. This high rate suggests many people cycle through the system without achieving lasting relief.
  • An estimated 2,181 cases may involve potential 1328(f) eligibility violations -- filings where the debtor could never have received a discharge.
  • Quality of representation matters. The data shows that representation quality is one of the strongest predictors of plan completion.

District Overview: Western District of Texas

MetricW.D. Tex.
Total cases (2008-2024)64,677
Dismissal rate62.6%
Discharge rate37.4%
Prior filer rate32.0%
Pro se rate6.5%
Est. 1328(f) violations2,181

Key Takeaways

The Prior Filer Problem

32.0% of W.D. Tex. filers had a prior bankruptcy case. This cycling suggests the first filing failed to provide lasting relief -- and raises questions about whether filers were properly screened under section 1328(f).

2,181 Potential 1328(f) Violations

An estimated 2,181 cases may involve eligibility violations under 11 U.S.C. section 1328(f) -- filings where the debtor had a prior discharge within the statutory time bar and could never have received a new discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bankruptcy cases are filed in San Antonio?

The Western District of Texas has had 64,677 cases filed between 2008 and 2024.

What is the Chapter 13 success rate?

The discharge rate is 37.4% and the dismissal rate is 62.6%.

What is the prior filer rate?

32.0% of filers had a previous bankruptcy case, suggesting many cycle through the system without lasting relief.

Check Your Eligibility

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

Free Discharge Screener

Open Bankruptcy Project Network