United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of West Virginia
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia is a unit of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, operating within the Fourth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed under Title 11 of the United States Code by debtors residing in or having a principal place of business in the southern portion of West Virginia.
The Southern District of West Virginia covers a substantial geographic area that includes Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, and surrounding counties in the southern and western parts of the state. The district is served primarily from its courthouse in Charleston, the state capital.
The court handles all chapters of bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman cases, and Chapter 13 individual debt adjustment cases. The region's economic history, tied significantly to coal mining and related industries, has historically influenced the character of the court's docket.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of West Virginia. 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's docket reflects the economic conditions of southern West Virginia, including consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings as well as cases involving energy sector and coal-related businesses. Chapter 11 filings from coal mining companies have periodically been a notable feature of the court's caseload.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to appear before the bankruptcy court. Admission to the district court's bar is a prerequisite for filing cases and appearing in proceedings in this court.
Clerk's Office
300 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 347-3003
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.