United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Iowa
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa is a unit of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, operating within the Eighth Circuit. The court has subject matter jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases and proceedings arising under Title 11 of the United States Code filed within the Southern District of Iowa, which covers the southern portion of the state including Des Moines, the state capital.
The Southern District of Iowa encompasses a significant share of the state's population and economic activity, including agricultural, commercial, and consumer bankruptcy matters that reflect the region's economic composition. Cases are primarily heard in Des Moines, which serves as the main venue for the court.
As a federal bankruptcy court, it adjudicates cases under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, including Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman cases, and Chapter 13 wage earner plans. Chapter 12 filings are a notable feature given Iowa's strong agricultural sector.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of Iowa. 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 mix of consumer and business bankruptcy filings, with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases comprising the majority of its docket. Agricultural bankruptcies, including Chapter 12 filings, are a notable component given the farming economy of southern Iowa.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa to appear in the bankruptcy court. Electronic filing registration with the court's CM/ECF system is also required for most practitioners.
Clerk's Office
110 E. Court Avenue, Suite 300, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 284-6230
Local Rules
Local rules for this court have not yet been imported. View the court's official local rules on their website.