The Northern District of Illinois is one of the busiest bankruptcy courts in America. Two mandatory courses are required before you can receive a discharge. This guide covers every detail specific to Chicago filers, including the court at 219 S. Dearborn, ARDC attorney oversight, and Illinois's unique exemption choice.
Federal law requires two educational courses for every individual bankruptcy filing. The N.D. Ill. enforces these strictly -- missing either certificate will delay or prevent your discharge.
Must be completed within 180 days before filing. A DOJ-approved counselor reviews your income, expenses, and debts, and discusses whether alternatives to bankruptcy exist. Takes 60--90 minutes online, by phone, or in person.
You receive a certificate and file it as Official Form 301 with your petition at the Dirksen Building.
Completed after your case is filed but before discharge. Covers budgeting, financial planning, and responsible credit use. About 2 hours. The provider must be DOJ-approved for the Northern District of Illinois specifically.
File the certificate as Official Form 423. The N.D. Ill. clerk's office tracks whether this has been filed and will not enter a discharge without it.
The N.D. Ill. is divided into the Eastern Division (Chicago) and the Western Division (Rockford). Nearly all Cook County cases are filed in Chicago.
Everett McKinley Dirksen Federal Building
219 S. Dearborn Street, 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 435-5694
Serves Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, LaSalle, and Will counties, among others. The clerk's office accepts filings electronically via CM/ECF or in person at the 7th floor window.
341 meetings are conducted at the Dirksen Building or by telephone/video depending on case type and current procedures.
327 S. Church Street, Suite 100
Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: (815) 987-4350
Serves Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties.
Illinois is one of roughly 20 states that allows debtors to choose between state exemptions (735 ILCS 5/12-1001 et seq.) and federal exemptions (11 U.S.C. section 522(d)). This choice can make a significant difference in what property you keep. You cannot mix-and-match -- pick one system entirely.
| Homestead | $15,000 ($30,000 married) |
| Vehicle | $2,400 |
| Personal property | $4,000 |
| Wildcard | $4,000 |
| Wages (head of family) | 85% of gross wages |
| Retirement (ERISA) | Unlimited |
| Life insurance proceeds | Unlimited |
| Tools of trade | $1,500 |
735 ILCS 5/12-1001 through 12-1006
| Homestead | $27,900 |
| Vehicle | $4,450 |
| Household goods | $14,875 total ($700/item) |
| Wildcard | $1,475 + $13,950 unused homestead |
| Jewelry | $1,875 |
| Retirement (ERISA) | Unlimited |
| Tools of trade | $2,800 |
| Health aids | Unlimited |
11 U.S.C. 522(d) -- amounts adjusted April 2025
Every attorney practicing bankruptcy law in Illinois must be registered with the ARDC. Before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, verify their standing.
The ARDC has taken disciplinary action against attorneys engaged in high-volume bankruptcy practices that failed to provide adequate representation. The N.D. Ill. has seen multiple enforcement actions against firms that collect fees while providing minimal service.
Bankruptcy attorneys in the N.D. Ill. must disclose all fees under 11 U.S.C. section 329 and Bankruptcy Rule 2016. The court reviews fee applications and can order disgorgement of excessive fees. In Chapter 13 cases, attorney fees are typically paid through the plan and reviewed by the Chapter 13 trustee.
(312) 341-1070
Formerly the Legal Assistance Foundation. Provides free bankruptcy representation to low-income Cook County residents. Intake hours: Monday--Friday 9 AM -- 12 PM. Main office: 120 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603.
(312) 738-2452
Handles consumer bankruptcy and debt defense for qualifying Chicago residents. Known for thorough case evaluation before filing. 740 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642.
(312) 332-1624
Pro bono attorney matching for Chapter 7 cases. Qualifying residents are paired with experienced volunteer attorneys. 33 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602.
Law students supervised by faculty handle consumer bankruptcy cases. Free for qualifying individuals. Located in Chicago's South Loop near the Dirksen Building.
(312) 915-7837
Loyola law students provide free representation in bankruptcy and consumer debt cases under attorney supervision. 25 E. Pearson Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
(815) 965-2134
Serves collar counties and the Western Division (Rockford). Free legal help for low-income residents outside Cook County but within the N.D. Ill.
Two courses: (1) pre-filing credit counseling within 180 days before filing, and (2) post-filing financial management before discharge. Both must come from DOJ-approved agencies for the N.D. Ill. Courses cost $10--$50 each and can be done online. Illinois imposes no additional state-level course requirements.
The Dirksen Federal Building at 219 S. Dearborn Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604. Phone: (312) 435-5694. The court is accessible via CTA Blue and Red lines (Jackson station) and is two blocks from the Metra at LaSalle Street Station.
It depends on your assets. Renters and people without home equity often benefit from federal exemptions because the unused homestead rolls into a large wildcard ($15,425 total). Homeowners with moderate equity may prefer state exemptions. You must choose one system entirely -- no mixing. Compare both against your property before deciding.
Search the ARDC registry at iardc.org/lawyersearch. Every Illinois attorney has an ARDC registration number. Look for "Active" status and check the disciplinary history section. You can also call the ARDC at (312) 565-2600.
Legal Aid Chicago at (312) 341-1070 is the largest provider. Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and the UIC John Marshall Bankruptcy Clinic also offer free representation. Intake typically requires proof of income at or below 125--200% of the federal poverty level.
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