United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Rhode Island
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island is a unit of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, operating within the First Circuit. It has jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases filed within the state of Rhode Island, handling matters arising under Title 11 of the United States Code, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 proceedings.
Rhode Island is a single-district state, and the bankruptcy court operates accordingly as a unified court without multiple divisions. The court serves one of the smallest states in the nation by geographic area, with all operations centered in Providence, the state capital.
As a federal bankruptcy court, it adjudicates debtor and creditor rights, adversary proceedings, and related matters under applicable bankruptcy law and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the District of Rhode Island. 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 relatively modest docket reflective of Rhode Island's small population, with a mix of consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings alongside periodic Chapter 11 business reorganizations.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island to practice before the bankruptcy court. Registration for the court's CM/ECF electronic filing system is also required for attorneys filing documents.
Clerk's Office
380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 626-3100
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.