United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California is a unit of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and operates within the Ninth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed under Title 11 of the United States Code by individuals and businesses located within the Southern District, which encompasses San Diego and Imperial counties.
The district covers the southwestern corner of California, bordering Mexico to the south and the Central District of California to the north. San Diego serves as the primary seat of the court. Given the region's significant population, active business community, and proximity to the international border, the court handles a broad range of consumer and commercial bankruptcy filings.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of California. 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 substantial volume of consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, as well as commercial Chapter 11 reorganizations reflecting the district's diverse economy. Cross-border insolvency matters occasionally arise given the court's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of California to appear in the bankruptcy court. Registration with the court's CM/ECF electronic filing system is required for filing documents.
Clerk's Office
325 West F Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-5620
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.