Where to file bankruptcy in Virginia

The federal bankruptcy courts in Virginia, how to pick yours, fees, required courses and the meeting of creditors.

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. Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads are in the Eastern District; the rest of the state is in the Western District (city/town lookup: https://www.vawb.uscourts.gov/?q=counties).

Federal bankruptcy courts
2
Courts
Eastern District and Western District

The bankruptcy courts in Virginia

You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads are in the Eastern District; the rest of the state is in the Western District (city/town lookup: https://www.vawb.uscourts.gov/?q=counties).

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Divisions: Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News

Clerk's phone: Alexandria 703-258-1200; Richmond 804-916-2400; Norfolk and Newport News 757-222-7500

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia

Divisions: Roanoke, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg (hearings also in Abingdon, Charlottesville and Danville)

Clerk's phone: Roanoke and Lynchburg 540-857-2391; Harrisonburg 540-434-8327

Court's self-help page

In nearby states

Steps to file in Virginia

  1. Check where you lived

    The court is set by where you lived for most of the past 180 days.

  2. Read your court's pages

    Each court lists its divisions, hours and local rules: Eastern District and Western District.

  3. Get your counseling certificate

    Take it before you file and keep the certificate. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.

  4. Get the forms ready

    Download the official bankruptcy forms.

Where to get free help in Virginia

Questions about filing in Virginia

How do I find my bankruptcy court in Virginia?

You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads are in the Eastern District; the rest of the state is in the Western District (city/town lookup: https://www.vawb.uscourts.gov/?q=counties).

What income passes the means test in Virginia?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $78,491; 2 people: $101,171; 3 people: $123,159; 4 people: $144,826; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Where can I get free help with bankruptcy in Virginia?

Virginia Legal Aid (statewide network of legal aid offices, VirginiaLawHelp.org) and Virginia State Bar - pro bono and legal aid resources for the public (linked by the Eastern District bankruptcy court).

Keep reading about Virginia