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<h1>Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Explained: Family Farmer and Fisherman</h1>
<p class="subtitle">Chapter 12 is a specialized reorganization bankruptcy for family farmers and fishermen. It combines the flexibility of Chapter 11 with the simplicity of Chapter 13.</p>
<h2>What Chapter 12 is</h2>
<p>Chapter 12 is governed by <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/chapter-12">11 U.S.C. Chapter 12</a>. It was created in 1986 during the farm debt crisis because the existing bankruptcy chapters did not work well for agricultural operations. Chapter 7 meant losing the farm. Chapter 13 had debt limits too low for farm debt. Chapter 11 was too expensive and complex for a family operation.</p>
<p>Chapter 12 allows qualifying farmers and fishermen to propose a <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repayment plan</a> lasting 3 to 5 years while continuing to operate. A standing trustee oversees the case, keeping costs lower than Chapter 11. Originally temporary, Chapter 12 was made permanent in 2005.</p>
<h2>Who qualifies</h2>
<p>Chapter 12 eligibility is defined in <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/101">Section 101(18)</a> for family farmers and <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/101">Section 101(19A)</a> for family fishermen.</p>
<table>
<tr><th scope="col">Requirement</th><th scope="col">Family Farmer</th><th scope="col">Family Fisherman</th></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Debt limit</strong></td><td>$11,097,350</td><td>$2,268,550</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Debt from operation</strong></td><td>At least 50%</td><td>At least 80%</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Income from operation</strong></td><td>Over 50% (prior year)</td><td>Over 50% (prior year)</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Entities eligible</strong></td><td>Individuals, family-owned corps/partnerships</td><td>Individuals, family-owned corps/partnerships</td></tr>
</table>
<div class="statute-box">
<div class="label">Debt limits adjust periodically</div>
<p>The dollar thresholds above are adjusted every three years. Verify the current limits before filing. The farm debt limit was significantly increased by the Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019.</p>
</div>
<h2>How it differs from Chapter 13</h2>
<p>Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 share the same basic structure -- a trustee-supervised <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repayment plan</a> over 3 to 5 years. The key differences reflect the realities of agricultural and fishing income:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Higher debt limits.</strong> Chapter 13 caps at $2.75 million combined. Chapter 12 allows over $11 million for farmers.</li>
<li><strong>Seasonal payment flexibility.</strong> Chapter 12 plans can account for seasonal income -- farmers and fishermen do not earn income evenly throughout the year.</li>
<li><strong>Home mortgage modification.</strong> Chapter 13 prohibits modifying the mortgage on a primary residence. Chapter 12 allows it if the home is part of the farming or fishing operation.</li>
<li><strong>Restricted eligibility.</strong> Chapter 12 is only for qualifying farmers and fishermen. Chapter 13 is available to any individual with regular income.</li>
</ul>
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<p>A Chapter 12 discharge counts as a prior discharge for purposes of <a href="explainer.html">Section 1328(f)</a>. If you received a Chapter 12 discharge, you must wait 4 years before receiving a Chapter 13 discharge, and 2 years before receiving another Chapter 12 discharge. The period is measured from filing date to filing date.</p>
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<h2>Related resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="chapter-13.html">Chapter 13 Explained</a> -- <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Repayment plan</a> for individuals</li>
<li><a href="chapter-7.html">Chapter 7 Explained</a> -- Liquidation and <a href="https://bankruptcyfreshstart.org" title="Fresh Start After Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fresh start</a></li>
<li><a href="chapter-11.html">Chapter 11 Explained</a> -- Business reorganization</li>
<li><a href="compare.html">Compare All Discharge Bars</a> -- Timing rules for repeat filings</li>
<li><a href="glossary.html">Glossary</a> -- Bankruptcy terms in plain English</li>
<li><a href="check.html">Eligibility Checker</a> -- Check dates against statutory windows</li>
</ul>
<h2>Legal references</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/chapter-12">11 U.S.C. Chapter 12</a> -- Adjustment of debts of a family farmer or fisherman with regular annual income</li>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/101">11 U.S.C. Section 101(18)-(19A)</a> -- Definitions (family farmer, family fisherman)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/1228">11 U.S.C. Section 1228</a> -- Discharge (Chapter 12)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/chapter-12-bankruptcy-basics">Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Basics</a> -- U.S. Courts</li>
</ul>
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