Kansas City straddles two federal districts with dramatically different outcomes. The Missouri side has seen dismissal rates triple since 2010 -- while Kansas remains significantly healthier.
Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database, 2008--2024. Analysis by Open Bankruptcy Project.
46,548 cases filed -- 16,844 dismissed, 21,878 discharged. 28.6% prior filer rate. Only 3.8% pro se. An estimated 2,134 potential 1328(f) violations. The 2024 rate of 93.5% represents a near-total collapse.
44,949 cases filed -- 11,748 dismissed, 25,615 discharged. 26.1% prior filer rate. Only 1.6% pro se. An estimated 2,421 potential 1328(f) violations. Significantly healthier outcomes.
Kansas City consumers on opposite sides of State Line Road face dramatically different bankruptcy outcomes. The data reveals a troubling divergence:
The Missouri side's collapse from the low 40s to over 90% happened rapidly -- mostly between 2020 and 2023. This acceleration coincides with post-COVID case volume recovery and suggests systemic issues beyond individual case quality.
Across both districts, an estimated 4,555 cases may involve potential 1328(f) eligibility violations -- filings where the debtor had a prior discharge within the statutory time bar and could never have received a new discharge. These cases consume court resources and cost consumers time and money for a legally impossible outcome.
Kansas City straddles two federal districts. The Western District of Missouri has a 40.4% dismissal rate based on mature 2008-2019 data. The District of Kansas has a healthier 31.4% rate. Recent years show higher preliminary rates because successful 3-5 year plans are still active.
W.D. Mo. dismissal rates have risen from 35.5% in 2010 to preliminary rates above 90% in 2023-2024. The District of Kansas has remained more stable. Contributing factors include differences in local rules, trustee practices, and attorney quality.
Between 2008 and 2024, W.D. Mo. saw 46,548 Chapter 13 filings and D. Kansas saw 44,949, for a combined 91,497 cases across the metro area.
Under 11 U.S.C. section 1328(f), debtors who received a prior discharge within specific timeframes cannot receive another discharge. An estimated 2,134 W.D. Mo. cases and 2,421 D. Kansas cases may involve potential violations.
Bankruptcy venue is determined by where you live, not by choice. However, the data underscores the importance of strong legal representation, especially on the Missouri side. Consult a qualified attorney who practices in your jurisdiction.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
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