Bankruptcy filings are rising across the United States.
Total bankruptcy filings increased 11% during the 12-month period ending December 31, 2025, with increases in both business and non-business bankruptcies.
According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, annual bankruptcy filings reached 574,314 in 2025, compared with 517,308 during the previous year.
Business bankruptcy filings increased 7.1%, rising from 23,107 to 24,737, while non-business filings climbed 11.2% to 549,577, compared with 494,201 in December 2024.
While bankruptcy filings remain well below their historical highs—including nearly 1.6 million filings in 2010—they have increased every quarter since reaching a low of 380,634 in June 2022.
So, what do these numbers tell us about the financial pressures facing individuals, families, and businesses? And when someone finds themselves overwhelmed by debt, how can bankruptcy become part of a broader conversation about rebuilding rather than simply financial failure?
On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, I’m joined by Chad Van Horn, Esq., a South Florida attorney, entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist committed to helping people navigate financial challenges and create a path forward.
Chad is the founder of Van Horn Law Group, P.A., one of South Florida’s leading bankruptcy law firms. Beyond his legal practice, he has been involved in developing startup ventures that contribute to the local economy and has served his community through organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.
Throughout his career, Chad has built his philosophy around the importance of relationships, shared values, and connecting people with the resources and individuals who can help them succeed.
As Chad says:
“It’s always better to have a team pulling together than to try to go it alone. However, you need to have the right team with shared values to achieve your true aspirations.”
During our conversation, we explore what the continued rise in bankruptcy filings says about today’s financial environment, the misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, why financial hardship shouldn’t eliminate someone’s opportunity to rebuild, and how individuals and business owners can make more informed decisions when debt becomes overwhelming.
We also discuss Chad’s journey as an attorney and entrepreneur, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, how relationships can accelerate personal and professional growth, and why helping people regain a sense of possibility can be just as important as solving the immediate financial problem.
This conversation goes beyond bankruptcy law. It’s about financial resilience, second chances, entrepreneurship, relationships, leadership, and creating a roadmap forward when circumstances become difficult.
For more information: https://www.vanhornlawgroup.com/
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