In the U.S., total bankruptcy filings rose by 12.3 % in the 12 months ending June 30, 2026, compared to the previous year.
In the Northern District of California, Oakland Division Bankruptcy Court (covering Alameda and Contra Costa Counties) reported that its “Grand Total” bankruptcy filings were the lowest in 2022, then rose by 29.3% in 2023, 21.7% in 2024 and is up 10.6% year to date in 2026.
Al of this data suggests that bankruptcy activity in California continues to trend upward.
the increases in filings However have not eclipsed past peaks (e.g. pre-pandemic levels) in many jurisdictions.
During the post-recession years of 2010 and 2011, the bankruptcy filings were at their high point. From 2011 to 2022 there was a steady decline each and every year. Now the trend is reversing. Although the increases that last few years look like big jumps, they are actually small steps back to more normal bankruptcy filing numbers. From 2011 to 2022 the number of bankruptcy filings dropped by 90% so the recent increases are merely increases from a very low filing number.
Note that some federal bankruptcy districts in California may see stronger increases than others; local economies, cost of living, and debt burdens differ. Economic stressors (e.g. inflation, interest rates, housing costs) may take time to translate into filings, so some of the increase may be catching up with earlier pressures. Also most of the filings that last two years are attributed to SBA, EDIL and other Covid related government funding that came due. That trend should continue and we expect more consumer filings.
If you have questions about the trends in bankruptcy filings, call certified specialist bankruptcy attorney David A. Arietta at (925) 472-8000.