# bankruptcykansascity.org -- Full Content > Last updated: 2026-09-25 This file contains the full text content of all pages on bankruptcykansascity.org. Part of the Open Bankruptcy Project (openbankruptcyproject.org). --- ## Kansas City Bankruptcy Statistics - Chapter 13 Dismissal Rates [2026] Source: https://bankruptcykansascity.org/ Skip to main content Bankruptcy Kansas City HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Rule 9037 Compliance Guide Kansas City Bankruptcy Statistics - Chapter 13 Dismissal Data Kansas City straddles two federal districts with notably different Chapter 13 outcomes. The data below compares the Western District of Missouri and the District of Kansas side by side. W.D. Mo.: 93.5% preliminary dismissal rate in 2024* 40.4% WDMO Rate (2008-2019) 46,548 WDMO Cases Filed (2008-2024) 31.4% D. Kansas Rate 44,949 D. Kansas Cases 93.5% WDMO 2024 Rate 4,555 Est. 1328(f) Screening Flags 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. WDMO Dismissal Rate by Year (2008--2024) Chapter 13 Dismissal Rate - Western District of Missouri Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database, 2008--2024. Analysis by Open Bankruptcy Project. Methodology note: Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years. Cases filed 2020-2024 are preliminary - successful plans are still active, so only early dismissals are reflected. The headline rate uses 2008-2019 data where most cases have reached final disposition. Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. Two Districts, Two Outcomes Western District of Missouri 40.4% 46,548 cases filed - 16,844 dismissed, 21,878 discharged. 28.6% prior filer rate. 3.8% pro se. An estimated 2,134 potential 1328(f) prior-filer screening flags. Preliminary 2024 rate: 93.5% (cases still maturing). Kansas City MO (400 E. 9th St) District of Kansas 31.4% 44,949 cases filed - 11,748 dismissed, 25,615 discharged. 26.1% prior filer rate. 1.6% pro se. An estimated 2,421 potential 1328(f) prior-filer screening flags. Kansas City KS (500 State Ave) The Kansas City Divide Side-by-Side Comparison Kansas City consumers on opposite sides of State Line Road see different Chapter 13 outcomes in the data: Missouri side: 40.4% overall dismissal rate; preliminary 2024 rate of 93.5% Kansas side: 31.4% overall dismissal rate, relatively stable over time Missouri prior filer rate: 28.6% Missouri trend: Rose from 35.5% in 2010 to 93.5% in preliminary 2024 data The Missouri side's rate increased significantly between 2020 and 2023. However, recent-year rates are preliminary because Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years and many successful cases are still active. Estimated 1328(f) Screening Flags Across both districts, an estimated 4,555 cases may involve potential 1328(f) eligibility issues - filings where the debtor had a prior discharge within the statutory time bar. In these cases, a new discharge may not be available under current law. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Chapter 13 dismissal rate in Kansas City? 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. Why is the Missouri side worse than Kansas? 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. How many Chapter 13 cases are filed in Kansas City? 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. What is the 1328(f) discharge bar? 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 be flagged for prior-discharge-bar review (a screening estimate, not confirmed violations). Should I file on the Kansas or Missouri side? 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. Check Your Eligibility Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility. Free Discharge Screener Browse Other Cities Houston Miami Phoenix Minneapolis St. Louis New York Newark San Antonio Kansas City View All Cities → Open Bankruptcy Project Network OBP Home 1328(f) Screener New York Chicago Atlanta Bankruptcy Mills Ch. 7 vs 13 Dismissed? Cost File Again? Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network Real information, no strings. Discharge Screener Open Bankruptcy Project Ch.7 vs Ch.13 Bankruptcy Cost Automatic Stay 341 Meeting Exemptions by State Means Test File Without a Lawyer Rebuild Credit 1099cdebt.com Free bankruptcy education for the public interest. Not legal advice. If you need legal help, contact a licensed attorney in your state. A project of the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631). Privacy | Terms ♥ Donate Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestion 26-BK-3 Have a Question? Open Bankruptcy Project provides free educational information. We are not a law firm. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney. Select your state... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands I understand this is educational information, not legal advice. Submit Question Thank you! We typically respond within one business day. Need Free Bankruptcy Help? If you cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, free help is available. 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Find Free Help in Missouri You May Also Find Helpful Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Open Bankruptcy Project -- openbankruptcyproject.org Most-read OBP guides Brunner Test (§523(a)(8)) 3-prong analysis for discharging student loans Car Loan After Bankruptcy Buy a car and get financing post-discharge Student Loans in Bankruptcy Can you discharge them? 2026 guide Federal Exemptions §522(d) Complete list of federal exemptions Nondischargeable Debts List Debts that survive bankruptcy discharge Site Map Additional resources on this site Index --- ## Kansas City Bankruptcy Resources - Courts, Legal Aid, Free Tools | Bankruptcy Kansas City Source: https://bankruptcykansascity.org/resources.html Bankruptcy Kansas City HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›Kansas City Bankruptcy Resources - Courts, Legal Aid, Free Tools | Bankruptcy Kansas City›Kansas City Bankruptcy Resources Kansas City Bankruptcy Resources Courts, legal aid organizations, free tools, and research resources for Kansas City area bankruptcy filers. Federal Bankruptcy Courts Western District of Missouri mow.uscourts.gov Kansas City Division: 400 E. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106. Also serves Springfield, Jefferson City, and St. Joseph divisions. District of Kansas ksb.uscourts.gov Kansas City Division: 500 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101. Also serves Topeka and Wichita divisions. Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services Legal Aid of Western Missouri lawmo.org Free civil legal services for low-income residents in western Missouri, including bankruptcy assistance. Multiple offices in the KC metro. Kansas Legal Services kansaslegalservices.org Free legal help for Kansans who qualify financially. Offices in Kansas City KS, Topeka, and Wichita. Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association - Lawyer Referral Service kcmba.org Referral service connecting consumers with attorneys. Initial consultations available at reduced cost. UMKC School of Law - Legal Clinics law.umkc.edu Law school clinics providing supervised legal assistance in various practice areas. Free Screening and Research Tools 1328(f) Discharge Eligibility Screener 1328f.com Free tool to check whether a prior discharge creates a time bar under 11 U.S.C. section 1328(f). Runs entirely in your browser - no data collected. Open Bankruptcy Project openbankruptcyproject.org National research platform analyzing Chapter 13 outcomes across all 94 federal districts. 1328(f) Research Platform 1328f.org In-depth research on repeat filing patterns and 1328(f) eligibility screening flags. Federal Resources U.S. Trustee Program - Region 13 justice.gov/ust Oversees bankruptcy case administration in W.D. Mo. File complaints about attorney or trustee misconduct. PACER - Public Access to Court Electronic Records pacer.uscourts.gov Access federal court records including bankruptcy dockets. Fee-based ($0.10/page, capped at $3.00/document). Federal Judicial Center - Integrated Database fjc.gov/research/idb The source database for all statistics on this site. State Bar Associations Missouri Bar - Attorney Complaint mobar.org File complaints about Missouri-licensed attorneys through the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. Kansas Disciplinary Administrator kscourts.org File complaints about Kansas-licensed attorneys through the Kansas Disciplinary Administrator. More from the OBP Network Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 chapter7vs13.org Side-by-side comparison to help understand which chapter may be appropriate. Bankruptcy Dismissed - What Now? bankruptcydismissed.com Information for people whose case was dismissed - next steps and options. Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network Real information, no strings. Discharge Screener Open Bankruptcy Project Ch.7 vs Ch.13 Bankruptcy Cost Automatic Stay 341 Meeting Exemptions by State Means Test File Without a Lawyer Rebuild Credit 1099cdebt.com Free bankruptcy education for the public interest. Not legal advice. If you need legal help, contact a licensed attorney in your state. A project of the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631). Privacy | Terms ♥ Donate Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestion 26-BK-3 You May Also Find Helpful Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org Free Means Test Calculator -- meanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com --- ## Kansas City Chapter 13 Statistics [2026]: WDMO Year-by-Year Filing and Discharge Data Source: https://bankruptcykansascity.org/statistics.html Bankruptcy Kansas City HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›WDMO Chapter 13 Statistics - Year-by-Year Data | Bankruptcy Kansas City›Kansas City Chapter 13 Statistics - Complete Data Kansas City Chapter 13 Statistics - Complete Data Year-by-year breakdown of Chapter 13 bankruptcy outcomes in the Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas. All data sourced from the Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. 40.4% WDMO Rate (2008-2019) 46,548 WDMO Total Cases 31.4% D. Kansas Overall Rate 44,949 D. Kansas Total Cases 93.5% WDMO 2024 Rate 4,555 Combined Est. Screening Flags Year-by-Year Breakdown - Western District of Missouri YearCases FiledDismissal RatePrior Filer RateTrend 20083,42042.2%24.5% 20093,63736.4%22.1%-5.8 20104,27435.5%23.3%-0.9 20113,72839.2%24.2%+3.7 20123,41441.8%25.5%+2.6 20132,97242.5%27.9%+0.7 20142,67239.9%29.8%-2.6 20152,50744.0%31.8%+4.1 20162,46443.2%33.3%-0.8 20172,56242.4%34.3%-0.8 20182,69642.5%36.1%+0.1 20192,80939.1%32.6%-3.4 2020*2,08042.4%33.3%+3.3 2021*1,47857.1%30.0%+14.7 2022*1,79478.8%31.8%+21.7 2023*2,03692.3%30.9%+13.5 2024*2,00593.5%27.4%+1.2 * Preliminary - Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years, so successful plans filed in these years are still active. Only early dismissals are reflected. Methodology note: Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years. Cases filed 2020-2024 are preliminary - successful plans are still active, so only early dismissals are reflected. The headline rate uses 2008-2019 data where most cases have reached final disposition. Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. Rate Trend: 2020-2024 WDMO's dismissal rate was in the low 40s for over a decade (2008-2020). Preliminary data for recent years shows a sharp increase: 2020: 42.4% 2021: 57.1% (preliminary) 2022: 78.8% (preliminary) 2023: 92.3% (preliminary) 2024: 93.5% (preliminary) These recent rates are preliminary because Chapter 13 plans run 3-5 years. Many cases filed in 2020-2024 are still in active repayment and have not yet reached final disposition. The mature 2008-2019 rate of 40.4% provides a more reliable baseline. Prior Filer Analysis The prior filer rate in WDMO peaked at 36.1% in 2018 but has declined in recent years (27.4% in 2024). This suggests the rising preliminary dismissal rate is not driven by an increase in repeat filers. In D. Kansas, the prior filer rate has remained around 26%, and the dismissal rate has stayed in the low 30s. The two districts serve similar metro populations but show different outcome patterns. District of Kansas Comparison D. Kansas has maintained relatively stable outcomes throughout the same period: Overall dismissal rate: 31.4% 44,949 total cases - similar volume to WDMO 25,615 discharges (57.0% success rate) Only 1.6% pro se rate vs. 3.8% in WDMO 26.1% prior filer rate vs. 28.6% in WDMO The Kansas side shows different outcome patterns with a comparable filing population. The reasons for the divergence may include differences in local rules, trustee practices, and attorney representation patterns. Explore the full methodology and national data at the Open Bankruptcy Project. Visit OBP Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network Real information, no strings. Discharge Screener Open Bankruptcy Project Ch.7 vs Ch.13 Bankruptcy Cost Automatic Stay 341 Meeting Exemptions by State Means Test File Without a Lawyer Rebuild Credit 1099cdebt.com Free bankruptcy education for the public interest. Not legal advice. If you need legal help, contact a licensed attorney in your state. A project of the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631). Privacy | Terms ♥ Donate Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestion 26-BK-3 You May Also Find Helpful Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Comparison -- chapter7vs13.org Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Student Loans in Bankruptcy -- bankruptcystudentloans.org --- ## Kansas City Chapter 13 Consumer Guide [2026]: WDMO Local Rules, Trustees, and Plan Norms Source: https://bankruptcykansascity.org/what-to-know.html Bankruptcy Kansas City HomeStatisticsWhat to KnowResourcesOBP Home›What to Know About Chapter 13 in Kansas City - Consumer Guide | Bankruptcy Kansas City›What Kansas City Consumers Should Know About Chapter 13 What Kansas City Consumers Should Know About Chapter 13 If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the Kansas City metro - or have already been dismissed - this page explains what the data means for you. Missouri Side: Rising Preliminary Rates The Western District of Missouri's preliminary dismissal rate rose from 42.4% in 2020 to 93.5% in 2024. Recent-year rates are preliminary because many plans are still active. If you are filing on the Missouri side, understanding local outcomes can help you prepare. Ask how their clients' completion rates compare to the district average. An attorney who tracks this data can help set realistic expectations. What Does "Dismissed" Mean? When a Chapter 13 case is dismissed, the repayment plan failed and the case was thrown out. You do not receive a discharge of your debts. Common causes include: Missed plan payments - failing to make required monthly payments to the trustee Failure to file required documents - tax returns, pay stubs, certificates Plan not confirmable - the proposed plan does not meet legal requirements Ineligibility - the debtor was never eligible (including 1328(f) time bars) Voluntary dismissal - the debtor requests dismissal Dismissal means creditors can resume collection. You have spent time and money with no debt relief. The State Line Matters Kansas City is unusual because the state line creates two completely different bankruptcy systems: Missouri side (WDMO): 93.5% preliminary dismissal rate in 2024 (cases still maturing) Kansas side (D. Kan.): 31.4% overall dismissal rate (2008-2019 mature data) You file in the district where you live - you cannot choose. But understanding your district's track record is essential before committing to a 3-5 year plan. Questions to Ask an Attorney Before Filing 1. What is your firm's Chapter 13 completion rate in this district? Ask how their clients' completion rates compare to the district average. An attorney who tracks this data can help set realistic expectations. 2. Have you checked my eligibility under 1328(f)? If you have a prior discharge, statutory time bars may prevent you from receiving another one. Your attorney must screen for this before filing. 3. Why Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7? Chapter 7 cases complete in months with much higher success rates. Make sure your attorney explains specifically why Chapter 13 is recommended for your situation. 4. How many cases does your firm file per month? High-volume practices may not provide the individual attention needed to navigate a 3-5 year plan. Ask what ongoing support you will receive after filing. 5. What happens to my fees if the case is dismissed? Most Chapter 13 attorney fees are paid through the plan. If dismissed, the attorney may have been paid while you received no benefit. 6. What is your plan to prevent dismissal? Your attorney should have a specific strategy for keeping your case on track through the full 3-5 year plan period. Red Flags to Watch For Warning Signs No eligibility screening - no check of prior filing history before accepting your case Limited attorney contact - you do not meet the attorney who signs your petition No discussion of Chapter 7 - Chapter 13 presented as the only option No explanation of the district's dismissal rate - your attorney should be transparent about the environment Unreachable after filing - once the case is filed, you cannot get responses Multiple prior dismissals - if you have failed before, the same firm and approach is unlikely to work If You Have Been Dismissed Review the dismissal order - understand the specific reason your case failed Check time bars - sections 109(g) and 362(c) may limit your automatic stay if you refile Evaluate your attorney - did they file documents on time? Communicate with you? Attend hearings? Consider alternatives - Chapter 7, debt negotiation, or waiting may be better than refiling Get a second opinion - if the same firm wants to refile, consult a different attorney first Check Your Eligibility - Free Screener Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network Real information, no strings. Discharge Screener Open Bankruptcy Project Ch.7 vs Ch.13 Bankruptcy Cost Automatic Stay 341 Meeting Exemptions by State Means Test File Without a Lawyer Rebuild Credit 1099cdebt.com Free bankruptcy education for the public interest. Not legal advice. If you need legal help, contact a licensed attorney in your state. A project of the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631). Privacy | Terms ♥ Donate Our research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestion 26-BK-3 You May Also Find Helpful Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Comparison -- chapter7vs13.org Bankruptcy Means Test by State -- bankruptcymeanstest.org 1099-C Cancellation of Debt Tax Guide -- 1099cdebt.com Section 727(a)(8) Discharge Waiting Period -- 727a8.com --- ## Privacy Policy - bankruptcykansascity.org Source: https://bankruptcykansascity.org/privacy.html bankruptcykansascity.org Home Privacy Privacy Policy How we handle your data. Short version: we don't sell it, share it, or use it for advertising. Data We Collect We use Google Analytics (GA4) to measure aggregate site traffic. This includes page views, session duration, approximate geographic region (country and city level), and device type. We do not collect names, email addresses, or personally identifiable information through analytics. Aggregate event data from Google Analytics is also exported to Google BigQuery for research use. 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