United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana is a unit of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, operating within the Seventh Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals and business entities located within the northern portion of Indiana, administering cases under Titles 11 and related provisions of the United States Code.
The Northern District of Indiana covers the northern tier of the state, including major population centers such as South Bend, Fort Wayne, Hammond, and Gary. The district borders Michigan to the north and encompasses both the Chicago metropolitan fringe counties in the northwest and more rural areas to the east.
The court handles the full range of bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, Chapter 12 family farmer and family fisherman cases, and Chapter 13 wage earner plans. Cases are administered across multiple divisions corresponding to the district's geographic subdivisions.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Northern District of Indiana. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Fort Wayne Division (Fort Wayne), Hammond Division (Hammond), Lafayette Division (Lafayette), South Bend Division (South Bend)
Caseload
The Northern District of Indiana Bankruptcy Court processes a substantial volume of consumer bankruptcy filings, particularly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, reflecting the district's mix of industrial, suburban, and rural communities. The Hammond Division, serving the northwest Indiana region near Chicago, historically generates a significant share of the district's total filings.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana to appear in the bankruptcy court. Electronic filing registration through CM/ECF is also required for most practitioners.
Clerk's Office
401 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 968-2100
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.