U.S. Bankruptcy filing statistics in Q2 2013, released last week, declined 13% from the same period one year ago. However, total filings increased 8% over Q1 2013. As the U.S. economy recovers, filing trends per U.S. District are changing.

U.S. bankruptcy filing statistics for the second quarter of 2013, reported by the Federal Judiciary on uscourts.gov, show an increase in total filings in all Districts over Q1.

But the largest increase in Q2 U.S. bankruptcy filings occurred in District 10 and District 1, signalling continued – and possibly even growing –  economic struggles by residents of these states. States most affected by the housing downturn, such as Florida and Arizona, are now seeing a comparatively smaller percentage increase in filings.

While Nevada remains ranked with the nation’s highest number of per capita Chapter 7 U.S. bankruptcy filings, Midwest states now round out the top 5.

What are the implications for bankruptcy attorneys?

Even though the number of available cases has declined from 2012 levels,  the trend through the first half of 2013 shows the number of available cases back on the upswing.

If your firm is continuing to see a decline in caseloads, or you would like to significantly increase the number of cases you are currently handling, you may want to consider using advanced digital lead generation services, such as those provided by Legal LeadQ. The bankruptcy firms that we work with have all experienced significant growth in the number of monthly cases they file — even over 2012 levels.