Last Updated September 18, 2026
Short answer
Bankruptcy is federal, but exemption law, garnishment, foreclosure procedures, and the proper federal bankruptcy district can depend on state law, federal venue rules, and local practice. Brock & Stout handles consumer bankruptcy throughout Alabama and through our Columbus, Georgia office.
Bankruptcy itself is federal. What you can keep, how a paycheck can be garnished, and how a house is sold still follow Alabama or Georgia law. The automatic stay, discharge, and debt guides apply in both states. Use the Alabama and Georgia pages for the statutes and courts that actually differ.
Active states
In this section
- Alabama Bankruptcy: Exemptions, Courts, and What to Expect — Alabama Bankruptcy: Exemptions, Courts, and What to Expect
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are federal proceedings. For a debtor whose applicable exemption law is Alabama, Alabama exemptions generally apply instead of the federal § 522(d) exemption list. A recent move from another state can change which exemption law applies. Federal venue rules determine which bankruptcy district is proper.
- Georgia Bankruptcy: Exemptions, Courts, and Columbus Representation — Georgia Bankruptcy: Exemptions, Courts, and Columbus Representation
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are federal proceedings. For a debtor whose applicable exemption law is Georgia, Georgia’s exemption statute generally applies instead of the federal § 522(d) exemption list. A recent interstate move can change the exemption analysis. Brock & Stout’s Georgia consumer-bankruptcy practice is currently handled through our Columbus office.
Choose the Alabama or Georgia resource below for state-specific bankruptcy information. Brock & Stout’s Georgia consumer-bankruptcy practice is currently handled through our Columbus office.
How Brock & Stout can help
We help Alabama clients through offices across the state and Georgia bankruptcy clients through our Columbus office. During a free consultation, we can review the likely bankruptcy district, applicable exemption law, and whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 may fit your situation.
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When you want answers about your situation, call or request a free consultation. Our Alabama offices and Columbus, Georgia team handle consumer bankruptcy.
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This page is general educational information about bankruptcy as of the date shown. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee results. Outcomes depend on individual facts and current federal and state law. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.


