United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin is a unit of the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, operating within the Seventh Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals and businesses located in the western portion of Wisconsin, covering a geographic area that includes Madison and extends to the western and northern boundaries of the state.
The court handles cases under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, including Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman cases, and Chapter 13 wage earner plans. As a federal court in a district that includes both urban and rural communities, it serves a diverse population of debtors and creditors.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Wisconsin. 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 processes a mix of consumer and business bankruptcy cases reflective of the Western District of Wisconsin's agricultural and small business economy. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer filings represent a significant portion of the docket.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin to appear in the bankruptcy court. Additional registration with the court's CM/ECF electronic filing system is required for electronic case filing.
Clerk's Office
120 North Henry Street, Room 340, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 264-5178
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.