United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Arkansas
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Arkansas is a unit of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, operating within the Eighth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals and businesses located within the western portion of Arkansas, handling matters under all chapters of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
The Western District of Arkansas encompasses a geographically diverse area that includes Fort Smith, Fayetteville, El Dorado, Texarkana, and surrounding communities. The district covers roughly the western half of the state, bordering Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana.
As a bankruptcy court, it adjudicates cases involving liquidation, reorganization, and debt adjustment, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 proceedings. The court serves a mix of urban and rural populations across its geographic area.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Arkansas. 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 Smith Division (Fort Smith), Fayetteville Division (Fayetteville), El Dorado Division (El Dorado), Texarkana Division (Texarkana), Hot Springs Division (Hot Springs)
Caseload
The court handles a mix of consumer and business bankruptcy cases reflecting the agricultural, small business, and manufacturing economy of western Arkansas. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer cases represent a substantial portion of the court's docket.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas to appear before the bankruptcy court. Electronic filing registration through CM/ECF is also required for attorneys practicing before the court.
Clerk's Office
Room 1338, 35 East Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
(479) 582-9800
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Arkansas, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.
Civil Rules 1
| Rule | Title |
|---|---|
| 7033-1 | Interrogatories and Depositions |