BANKRUPTCY UPDATES

• Minnesota Distillery of Fine Vodkas Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (February 10, 2012)
• Court Approves Newspaper Magnate Lee Enterprises’ Bankruptcy Plan (February 07, 2012)
• Suspected Felon Filed for Bankruptcy Shortly Before Untimely Death (February 09, 2012)
• Ireland Overhauls Bankruptcy Laws (February 06, 2012)
• IL State Representative Files for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (February 08, 2012)

Filing Bankruptcy Facts: The Bankruptcy Court

Many people fear walking into a courtroom full of people, one like they've seen on TV, and standing in front of a judge.

Fortunately, bankruptcy courts aren't as dramatic as the legal action on "Law & Order".

Bankruptcy is a process that runs through and is supported and protected by United States Federal Court system; however, many people who file never appear before a judge.

Filing bankruptcy is largely an administrative task, with documents and motions to be filed and turned in to the proper offices in a district bankruptcy court.

If you have questions about how a bankruptcy lawyer may help you during your case, complete the free form on this page. We'll connect with you a local bankruptcy attorney who can provide a free case evaluation and discuss your questions.

Appearing Before a Bankruptcy Judge

Instead of a judge, most of your bankruptcy court dealings will be with a bankruptcy trustee. In most cases, a judge will only make ruling if there are questions about:

• Your eligibility to file bankruptcy
• Whether you should receive a discharge of some or all of your debts

In typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, you won't need to appear before a judge. For a routine Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you would only appear before a bankruptcy judge to confirm your secured debt repayment plan.

Instead of a judge, you will meet with a bankruptcy trustee at least once. The "meeting of creditors" is also know as the "341 meeting," and is an opportunity for creditors to ask questions about your debt.

You may meet with your bankruptcy trustee on other occasions, depending on the circumstances of your case. The trustee's offices may be located in a bankruptcy courthouse, but again, these meetings will be in a private office, and not a courtroom.

Bankruptcy Law Information.

Bankruptcy District Courts

While bankruptcy court is a division of the federal court system, each state has their own bankruptcy laws. You will need to work through the court in the state you are filing bankruptcy in. Bankruptcy courts are divided into districts, and each state has multiple districts. 

For information on which bankruptcy district you live in, visit one of the districts below:

• Northern District Bankruptcy Court
• Southern District Bankruptcy Court
• Eastern District Bankruptcy Court
• Western District Bankruptcy Court
• Central District Bankruptcy Court

Or, you can get information on city bankruptcy attorneys for information on sponsoring attorneys in some of America's biggest areas, including Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Chicago.

The Supreme Court Protects the Filing Bankruptcy Option

In a 1934 Supreme Court decision on bankruptcy, the court wrote:

"It gives to the honest but unfortunate debtor a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of preexisting debt."

*As quoted by US Courts' "Bankruptcy Basics" booklet.