Sources and methodology
Which sources we use
We build our educational content and estimate logic around authoritative, publicly available sources rather than opinion or marketing material. These include federal agencies that oversee bankruptcy and consumer protection, the federal court system, individual bankruptcy courts, and state agencies, courts, and legal aid organizations that publish exemption amounts, filing rules, and consumer guidance for their jurisdictions.
How figures are kept current
Figures such as means-test income limits, exemption amounts, and filing fees are set by statute or by the courts and change periodically. We check the pages that cite these figures against their original sources on a recurring basis and update them when a change is identified. Because updates are not instantaneous, always confirm current numbers with the cited source or a qualified professional before relying on them for a decision.
Primary sources
- U.S. Trustee ProgramMeans-test figures, credit counseling and debtor education requirements.
- uscourts.govFederal bankruptcy procedures, forms, and filing statistics.
- Individual bankruptcy courtsLocal rules, filing fees, and district-specific procedures.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Debt collection, credit reporting, and consumer protection guidance.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Rules on debt relief services, credit repair, and unfair practices.
- State agencies and courtsState-specific exemptions, wage garnishment limits, and court procedures.
- Legal aid organizationsGuidance for low-income consumers and referrals to local legal help.