Bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts jumped 25 percent in the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2009, according to a new report from The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman.

A total of 11,847 filers statewide sought protection under Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code in the first two quarters, up from 9,461 a year earlier. The number of filings was also 13.7 percent higher than the previous two quarters, when there were 10,419 filings.

"Bankruptcy filings are considered a lagging indicator, and these bankruptcy filings really reflect earlier economic conditions. Many people struggle to hold on for as long as they can before seeking bankruptcy protection, but even though the economy is recovering, consumers are still hurting and struggling to pay off the debt they’ve accrued over the years," said The Warren Group CEO Timothy M. Warren Jr.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is the most common option for individuals who are seeking relief from their debts and accounted for 77 percent of all bankruptcy filings tracked by The Warren Group from January through June. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings totaled 9,142 in the first six months of 2010, a 17.6 percent increase from 7,774 during the same months last year.

People filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most debt after non-exempt assets are used to pay off creditors. In contrast, Chapter 13 requires debtors to arrange for a three- or five-year debt-repayment plan.

Filings under Chapter 13 of the U.S. bankruptcy code surged 62.2 percent to 2,586 in the first half of the year from 1,594 last year. The number of Chapter 13 filings rose 32.4 percent from the third and fourth quarters of 2009 when there were 1,953 filings.