United States Bankruptcy Court, District of the Northern Mariana Islands
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands is a unit of the federal district court serving the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a United States territory located in the western Pacific Ocean. The court has jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases filed within the CNMI and operates under the supervision of the Ninth Circuit. As a territorial court, it serves a geographically isolated insular community spread across a chain of islands in Micronesia.
The court is one of the smallest bankruptcy courts in the federal system, reflecting the relatively small population and economy of the CNMI. It handles consumer and business bankruptcy cases arising under Title 11 of the United States Code. The court sits in Saipan, the largest island and administrative center of the Commonwealth.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the District of the Northern Mariana Islands. 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 handles a modest volume of consumer and small business bankruptcy filings consistent with the CNMI's population size. The local economy, which has historically depended on tourism and garment manufacturing, has influenced periods of elevated filings.
Bar Admission
Attorneys seeking to practice before this court must be admitted to the bar of the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Applicants should consult the court's local rules for specific admission requirements.
Clerk's Office
Horiguchi Building, 2nd Floor, Garapan, Saipan, MP 96950
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.