Where to file bankruptcy in Washington

Which Washington 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 Eastern District covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties; the Western District covers Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties (28 U.S.C. 128; Eastern District meeting locations by county: https://www.waeb.uscourts.gov/creditor-meeting-locations).

Federal bankruptcy courts
2
Courts
Western District and Eastern District

The bankruptcy courts in Washington

You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The Eastern District covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties; the Western District covers Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties (28 U.S.C. 128; Eastern District meeting locations by county: https://www.waeb.uscourts.gov/creditor-meeting-locations).

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

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

Divisions: Seattle and Tacoma courthouses (Vancouver courthouse also listed for hearings)

Clerk's phone: Seattle 206-370-5200; Tacoma 253-882-3900

Court's self-help page

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

Divisions: Spokane and Yakima clerk's offices (since October 1, 2026 the Spokane clerk's office is in the Thomas S. Foley U.S. Courthouse, 920 West Riverside Avenue, Room 840; the Yakima office is by appointment only)

Clerk's phone: 509-458-5300

Court's self-help page

In nearby states

  • Oregon: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon
  • Idaho: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho
  • Montana: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana

What to do now in Washington

  1. Check where you lived

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

  2. Visit the court's website

    Court websites: Western District and Eastern District.

  3. Get your counseling certificate

    You need the certificate when you file. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.

  4. Prepare the forms

    Download the official bankruptcy forms.

Where to get free help in Washington

Questions about filing in Washington

How do I find my bankruptcy court in Washington?

You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The Eastern District covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties; the Western District covers Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties (28 U.S.C. 128; Eastern District meeting locations by county: https://www.waeb.uscourts.gov/creditor-meeting-locations).

What is the median income for the means test in Washington?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $88,585; 2 people: $107,100; 3 people: $131,737; 4 people: $156,567; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Is there free bankruptcy help in Washington?

Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR intake line (free civil legal aid), Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program and King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics.

More for Washington