United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Virginia
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia is a unit of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, operating within the Fourth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals and businesses located in the western portion of Virginia, a geographically large district that spans from the Shenandoah Valley through the Blue Ridge Mountains and into southwestern Virginia.
The district covers a diverse mix of rural communities, small cities, and agricultural and coal-producing regions. The court hears cases under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 proceedings. Court locations include Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Abingdon, serving the breadth of the district.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Virginia. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Harrisonburg Division (Harrisonburg), Lynchburg Division (Lynchburg), Roanoke Division (Roanoke), Abingdon Division (Abingdon)
Caseload
The court handles a significant volume of consumer bankruptcy cases, particularly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, reflecting the economic characteristics of the largely rural and small-city district. Chapter 12 family farmer and family fisherman cases also appear with some regularity given the district's agricultural communities.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia to appear in the bankruptcy court. Admission to the bar of the Western District of Virginia requires membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar.
Clerk's Office
210 First Street SW, Suite 101, Roanoke, VA 24011
(540) 857-2391
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.