United States Bankruptcy Court, District of North Dakota
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota is a unit of the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota and operates within the Eighth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over all bankruptcy proceedings arising under Title 11 of the United States Code filed within the state of North Dakota, including cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13.
North Dakota is a single-district state, and the bankruptcy court serves the entire geographic area of the state. The court's primary operations are based in Fargo, which is the largest city in the state and a regional commercial center.
Given North Dakota's agricultural and energy-based economy, the court handles a notable volume of farm-related bankruptcies, including Chapter 12 family farmer cases, as well as cases connected to the oil and gas industry concentrated in the western part of the state.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the District of North Dakota. 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's docket reflects North Dakota's agricultural and energy economy, with significant numbers of Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman reorganizations alongside Chapter 7 liquidations and Chapter 13 individual debt adjustment cases. Energy sector downturns have historically influenced commercial bankruptcy filings in the district.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in order to appear before the bankruptcy court. Admission to the state bar of North Dakota is generally a prerequisite for district court admission.
Clerk's Office
655 1st Avenue North, Suite 210, Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 297-7100
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.