United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Michigan
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan is a unit of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, operating within the Sixth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals, businesses, and other entities located within the western portion of Michigan, which covers a large geographic area including major population centers such as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Traverse City.
The district encompasses a diverse economic region that includes manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and retail industries. Bankruptcy filings in this district reflect that economic mix, with consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases making up the bulk of the docket, alongside periodic Chapter 11 business reorganizations from small and mid-sized enterprises in the region.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Michigan. 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 bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7 and 13, along with Chapter 11 business reorganizations from the western Michigan region. The docket reflects the district's broad geographic and economic diversity, from urban commercial filings to agricultural and small business matters.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan to appear in the Bankruptcy Court. Admission to the State Bar of Michigan is generally a prerequisite for district court admission.
Clerk's Office
One Division Avenue North, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(616) 456-2693
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.