United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee is a unit of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, operating within the Sixth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals, businesses, and other entities located within the Eastern District of Tennessee, which covers the eastern portion of the state including the Knoxville metropolitan area, Chattanooga, and surrounding regions.
The district encompasses a geographically diverse area that includes urban centers as well as rural Appalachian communities. Cases arising under Title 11 of the United States Code, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 proceedings, are heard before bankruptcy judges appointed to this court.
The court maintains multiple divisional offices to serve the geographic extent of the district, with the primary clerk's office located in Knoxville. It operates under the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as well as its own local rules governing practice and procedure.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of Tennessee. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Northern Division (Knoxville), Southern Division (Chattanooga), Winchester Division (Winchester)
Caseload
The court handles a significant volume of consumer bankruptcy cases, particularly Chapter 13 filings, reflecting the economic demographics of the region. Chapter 11 business reorganizations and Chapter 12 family farmer cases are also part of the court's docket.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee to appear in the bankruptcy court. Admission to the district court bar is a prerequisite for filing cases or appearing as counsel in Eastern District of Tennessee bankruptcy proceedings.
Clerk's Office
800 Market Street, Suite 330, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 545-4279
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.