If you are contemplating filing for bankruptcy in South Florida, you are required to comply with the local rules of the Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court.
Bankruptcy is governed by Federal Law and all bankruptcy matters fall within the jurisdiction of Federal Courts. There are 90 bankruptcy districts in the United States where bankruptcy cases are filed. Florida is divided into the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida.
The Southern District of Florida has one bankruptcy court referred to as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Southern District of Florida comprises the counties of Broward, Miami-Dade, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.
The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida is divided into the Miami Division, Fort Lauderdale Division, and the Palm Beach Division.
The Miami Division
The Miami Division is located in C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse, 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, Florida 33128. (305) 714-1800. The Miami Division is also referred to as the Miami bankruptcy Court.
Three Bankruptcy Judges preside over bankruptcy cases assigned to the Miami Division.
- Chief Judge Laurel M. Isicoff -The honorable Judge Isicoff is also the current chief bankruptcy judge for the Southern District of Florida.
- Judge A. Jay Cristol – The Honorable Judge Cristol is set to retire in early 2023.
- Judge Robert A. Mark
Consult with our Miami Bankruptcy Attorney to assist you if you are looking to file in the Miami Division.
The Fort Lauderdale Division
The Ft. Lauderdale Division is located in United States Courthouse, 299 East Broward Blvd., Room 112, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 769-5700. The Fort Lauderdale Division is also referred to as the Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy Court.
Two Bankruptcy Judges preside over bankruptcy cases assigned to the Fort Lauderdale Division.
Judge Scott M. Grossman
Judge Peter D. Russin
Consult with our Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Attorney to assist you if you are looking to file in the Miami Division.
The West Palm Beach Division
The West Palm Beach Division located in Flagler Waterview Building, 1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 514-4100. The West Palm Beach is also referred to as the West Palm Beach bankruptcy Court.
Two Bankruptcy Judges preside over bankruptcy cases assigned to the Palm Beach Division.
Consult with our Palm Beach Bankruptcy Attorney to assist you if you are looking to file in the Miami Division.
Eligibility to File for Bankruptcy in the Southern District of Florida
You must have lived in the Southern District longer than other district over the last 180 days before filing or based on another reason pursuant to 28 U.S.C. section 1408.
Trustees Assigned to the Southern District of Florida
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cases
Ronin R. Weiner is the Standing Chapter Trustee for the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Divisions of the Southern District of Florida.
Nancy K. Neidich is the standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Miami Divisions .
Chapter 7 Cases
Different than in Chapter 13 cases, the Chapter 7 Trustees are randomly assigned from a pool of Trustees appointed and supervised by the United States Trustee. The United States Trustee Program is part of the Department of Justice responsible for oversight of the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees, see 28 U.S.C. § 586 and 11 U.S.C. § 101.
Rules and Procedures
In addition to complying with Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, individuals and entities appearing before the United States Court for the Southern District of Florida must also comply with Local Rules and Procedures as well as Forms specific to the court. Please refer to our bankruptcy Florida forms section for more information.
Failure to comply can result in serious consequences including but not limited to a dismissal of your bankruptcy case and the imposition of court sanctions.
Contact The Stiberman Law Firm To Start The Process Of Filing Your Today
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in the Southern District of Florida, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney. Robert Stiberman is a top rated bankruptcy attorney who regularly appears in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Stiberman Law Firm can help you understand the bankruptcy process and guide you through the bankruptcy forms. Contact us today by calling us at (954) 922-2283 or filling out the form below to get started.
