West Virginians are filing for bankruptcy at a higher rate than 2007, reflecting a national trend blamed in part on credit-addicted consumers.
In the first quarter of 2008, there were 1,202 filings in West Virginia. At that rate, there would be 4,808 this year, compared to 4,492 filed in 2007.
Charleston bankruptcy lawyer William Pepper said consumer spending has begun to catch up with people, especially as they struggle with mortgages.
Bankruptcy filings had been low since a federal law took effect that makes it harder for individuals to declare bankruptcy.
In 2005, the last year with the old laws in place, there were 17,757 bankruptcy filings in West Virginia. In 2006, there were just over 3,000.