United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware is a unit of the District Court for the District of Delaware and operates within the Third Circuit. It holds jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases filed in the state of Delaware, covering the entire geographic area of the state. The court sits primarily in Wilmington.
The District of Delaware Bankruptcy Court is widely regarded as one of the most significant and active bankruptcy courts in the United States. Because Delaware is a preferred state of incorporation for a large number of major corporations, the court handles a disproportionately high volume of large, complex Chapter 11 reorganization cases involving publicly traded companies and nationally prominent debtors.
The court has developed extensive experience and a well-established body of local precedent in complex commercial bankruptcy matters. Its judges and practitioners are frequently involved in cases with substantial national and international implications, making it a focal point for large corporate restructuring practice.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the District of Delaware. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Caseload
The court is known for handling a substantial number of large Chapter 11 corporate reorganizations, often involving Fortune 500 companies and multi-billion dollar estates. It consistently ranks among the busiest bankruptcy courts in the country for complex commercial cases relative to state population.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to appear in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Attorneys not admitted to the District of Delaware bar may seek pro hac vice admission in individual cases.
Clerk's Office
824 North Market Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 252-2900
Local Rules
94 local rules extracted from this court's published rules. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.