Massachusetts Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy laws and resources vary from state to state. The following page provides information and resource links for the state of Massachusetts.
If you are not looking for information regarding Massachusetts, please use the links on the left to find information for your state.
- Courts - Location and Contact Information
- Bankruptcy Laws
- Approved Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Agencies
- Massachusetts Attorneys
- Other Bankruptcy Massachusetts Resources
Bankruptcy Courts - Location and Contact Information
Massachusetts bankruptcy courts consist of two divisions. Generally, the debtor’s county of residence will determine which division the bankruptcy petition is filed. It may also be determined by the location of the debtor’s principal place of business or principal assets.
| DIVISION | STREET ADDRESS | MAILING ADDRESS | TELEPHONE |
| Eastern Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 1101 Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02222 |
Same | (617) 565-8950 |
| Eastern Div. @ Hyannis |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Barnstable Town Hall 376 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 1101 Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02222 |
(617) 565-8950 |
| Western Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Donahue Federal Building 595 Main Street, Room 211 Worcester, MA 01608 |
Same |
(508) 770-8900 |
| Western Div. @ Springfield |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Federal Building and Courthouse 1550 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Donahue Federal Building 595 Main Street, Room 211 Worcester, MA 01608 |
(508) 770-8900 |
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Laws and Exemptions
The U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows individual debtors to exempt certain property from creditor claims based on exemptions under either federal law or state law. Exemptions vary from state to state. Some states have adopted their own set of bankruptcy exemptions that are used in place of the federal exemptions. However, other states give debtors an option to choose between either state or federal exemptions.
Massachusetts bankruptcy law allows residents to use either the federal set of exemptions or state exemptions.
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Click the following links for common bankruptcy exemptions pursuant to Massachusetts law: homestead exemption, personal property, retirement accounts.
Contact a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer for more information regarding Massachusetts bankruptcy exemptions.
The new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 also require that debtors pass a means test before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are two ways to pass the means test:
1. the debtor's annual income (calculated using the average gross income for the six month period prior to filing) must be below the state median. Census Bureau statistics for state median income by family size can be found here (for cases filed between April 1, 2013 and April 30, 2013).
2. If income exceeds the median income, individuals may still file Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on results of Form 22A: Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means-Test Calculation. .
Massachusetts Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Agencies
Pursuant to the new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005, individuals who file personal bankruptcy (with limited exceptions) in Massachusetts must:
1. take a credit counseling course from an approved Massachusetts credit counseling provider within six months before filing bankruptcy; and
2. complete a debtor education course from an approved Massachusetts debtor education agency prior to receiving a bankruptcy discharge.
Massachusetts Personal Bankruptcy Attorneys
To find Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers in your area, you may want to contact your local county bar association or the Massachusetts Bar Association:
Massachusetts Bar Association
20 West Street
Boston, MA 02111-1204
(617) 338-0500
Based on income, free bankruptcy advice and representation may also be obtained from the following organizations: Contact the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
If you are concerned about the representation provided to you
by a Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney, contact the Attorney
and Consumer Assistance Program of the Office of the Bar Counsel:
Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program
The Office of the Bar Counsel
99 High Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(617) 728-8750
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Resources for Massachusetts Bankruptcy Laws
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts - administrative and procedural information for Massachusetts bankruptcy filings
Office of the U.S. Trustee for Region 1 - oversees the administration of Massachusetts personal bankruptcy cases and case trustees
Massachusetts Bar Association - information about the Massachusetts bar, membership, ethics, continuing legal education, and resources for the public.