United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California is a unit of the United States District Court for the Central District of California and operates within the Ninth Circuit. It has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed under Title 11 of the United States Code, including proceedings under Chapters 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15. The court serves one of the most populous federal judicial districts in the country, covering Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Given the size and economic activity of its geographic area, this court handles one of the largest bankruptcy caseloads of any bankruptcy court in the United States. It regularly administers complex corporate reorganizations, large consumer bankruptcy dockets, and significant real estate-related insolvency matters. The court is known for its active roster of judges and well-developed local rules and procedures.
The court maintains multiple divisional offices to serve its broad geographic area, including locations in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Riverside, and San Fernando Valley. Each division handles cases arising from its respective geographic region, though certain matters may be transferred between divisions.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Central District of California. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Los Angeles Division (Los Angeles), Santa Ana Division (Santa Ana), Riverside Division (Riverside), San Fernando Valley Division (San Fernando Valley/Woodland Hills)
Caseload
The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court consistently ranks among the highest-volume bankruptcy courts in the nation, with a heavy mix of consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings alongside a significant number of complex Chapter 11 business reorganizations.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Central District of California to appear in the bankruptcy court. Electronic filing registration through the court's CM/ECF system is also required for most practitioners.
Clerk's Office
255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 894-3118
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.