Where to file bankruptcy in the District of Columbia
Which the District of Columbia court you file in, its divisions and phone, and what happens after you file.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The District of Columbia is one bankruptcy district with one courthouse, so every D.C. filer uses the same court.
- Federal bankruptcy courts
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The District of Columbia bankruptcy courts and divisions
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The District of Columbia is one bankruptcy district with one courthouse, so every D.C. filer uses the same court.
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408
Divisions: One courthouse: E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
Clerk's phone: (202) 354-3280
In nearby states
Your next steps in the District of Columbia
Pick the right court
Your district depends on where you lived most of the last 180 days.
Check local rules
Each court lists its divisions, hours and local rules: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia.
Do the first course
Take it before you file and keep the certificate. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.
Prepare the forms
The forms are free: official bankruptcy forms.
Where to get free help in the District of Columbia
- Bankruptcy Assistance Center (free walk-in clinic at the courthouse, 1st and 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Room 1131A)
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center – Bankruptcy Clinic (free Chapter 7 representation for D.C. residents of limited means)
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center – Advice & Referral Clinic and Legal Information Help Line · 202-626-3499
- Bar Association of the District of Columbia – Bankruptcy Access to Justice Project (free or reduced-fee Chapter 7 / Chapter 13 help)
- LawHelp.org/DC
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia – Court's self-help page
Questions about filing in the District of Columbia
Where do I file bankruptcy in the District of Columbia?
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The District of Columbia is one bankruptcy district with one courthouse, so every D.C. filer uses the same court.
What income passes the means test in the District of Columbia?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $85,391; 2 people: $161,397; 3 people: $161,397; 4 people: $166,598; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Who helps with bankruptcy for free in the District of Columbia?
Bankruptcy Assistance Center (free walk-in clinic at the courthouse, 1st and 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Room 1131A), D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center – Bankruptcy Clinic (free Chapter 7 representation for D.C. residents of limited means) and D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center – Advice & Referral Clinic and Legal Information Help Line.