Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court

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    Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Attorney

    If you live in central or northeastern Pennsylvania, your bankruptcy case will likely be filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court (MDPA). Filing in the correct federal district — and understanding the local rules, trustee expectations, and court procedures — is essential to protecting your assets and successfully completing your bankruptcy case.

    Ginsburg Law Group represents individuals and families filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and guides clients through the process from start to finish.

    What Is the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court?

    The Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court is a federal court that handles bankruptcy cases for a large geographic region covering central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Although bankruptcy law is federal, each district has its own local rules, trustees, and filing procedures, which makes district-specific experience important.

    Filing errors or failure to comply with Middle District requirements can lead to delays, dismissal, or loss of bankruptcy protections.

    Counties Served by the Middle District of Pennsylvania

    You generally file bankruptcy in the Middle District if you live in counties such as:

    • Dauphin County

    • Lancaster County

    • York County

    • Berks County

    • Lebanon County

    • Cumberland County

    • Luzerne County

    • Lackawanna County

    • Monroe County

    • Schuylkill County

    If you recently moved, special venue rules apply. In most cases, you must file in the district where you lived for the greater part of the 180 days before filing.

    Where Is the Middle District Bankruptcy Court Located?

    The Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court has several locations, including:

    • Harrisburg

    • Wilkes-Barre

    • Scranton

    Most bankruptcy cases are filed electronically, and many hearings — including 341 meetings of creditors — may be conducted remotely depending on trustee assignment and court policy.

    Types of Bankruptcy Cases Filed in the Middle District

    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

    Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows eligible individuals to eliminate unsecured debts such as:

    • Credit card debt

    • Medical bills

    • Personal loans

    • Certain judgments

    Most Chapter 7 cases in the Middle District are completed in approximately 3–4 months, provided all requirements are met.

    Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

    Chapter 13 bankruptcy is designed for individuals with regular income who need time to catch up on debts. It is commonly used to:

    • Stop foreclosure or sheriff’s sales

    • Catch up on mortgage arrears

    • Prevent vehicle repossession

    • Address tax or priority debts

    Chapter 13 cases involve a court-approved repayment plan lasting 3–5 years.

    Filing Bankruptcy in the Middle District: What to Expect

    Most Middle District bankruptcy cases follow this general process:

    1. Pre-Filing Credit Counseling
      Required by federal law before filing.

    2. Filing the Bankruptcy Petition
      Filing triggers the automatic stay, which immediately stops:

      • Collection calls

      • Lawsuits

      • Wage garnishments

      • Foreclosure actions

    3. Trustee Assignment
      A Middle District trustee is assigned to review your petition, schedules, and supporting documents.

    4. 341 Meeting of Creditors
      This meeting is usually brief and involves questions from the trustee under oath. Most creditors do not attend.

    5. Additional Requests (If Any)
      Trustees may request additional documents or clarifications.

    6. Discharge or Plan Confirmation

      • Chapter 7: discharge entered after trustee review

      • Chapter 13: repayment plan confirmation and ongoing payments

    Local Rules and Trustee Practices in the Middle District

    The Middle District of Pennsylvania has district-specific local rules and trustee practices that may include:

    • Strict documentation deadlines

    • Detailed income and expense review

    • Vehicle and property valuation requirements

    • Plan feasibility scrutiny in Chapter 13 cases

    Understanding trustee expectations in the Middle District can significantly reduce delays and objections.

    Foreclosure and Bankruptcy in the Middle District of Pennsylvania

    Many Middle District clients file bankruptcy to stop or prevent foreclosure. Bankruptcy can:

    • Immediately stop a scheduled sheriff’s sale

    • Allow mortgage arrears to be paid over time (Chapter 13)

    • Provide breathing room to explore loss mitigation options

    Timing is critical. Filing even one day late may limit your options.

    Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney for the Middle District?

    Although individuals are allowed to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, Middle District cases often present challenges such as:

    • Proper exemption selection

    • Complex income calculations

    • Trustee objections

    • Chapter 13 plan feasibility issues

    • Strict compliance with local rules

    An experienced Middle District bankruptcy attorney helps ensure your case is filed correctly and your rights are protected.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the

    Middle District Bankruptcy Court

    Which counties file bankruptcy in the Middle District of Pennsylvania?

    Many central and northeastern Pennsylvania counties, including Dauphin, Lancaster, York, Berks, Luzerne, and Lackawanna Counties, file in the Middle District.

    Can I file bankruptcy in Harrisburg?

    Yes. Harrisburg is one of the main bankruptcy court locations for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

    How long does bankruptcy take in the Middle District?

    Chapter 7 cases typically take 3–4 months. Chapter 13 cases last 3–5 years, depending on the repayment plan.

    Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure immediately?

    Yes. The automatic stay goes into effect as soon as your bankruptcy case is filed.

    Do I have to appear in court?

    Most clients only attend the 341 meeting of creditors, which is often held remotely. Court appearances are uncommon in routine cases.

    Speak With a Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Attorney

    If you are overwhelmed by debt, facing foreclosure, or dealing with creditor harassment, understanding Middle District bankruptcy rules and procedures is essential.

    Ginsburg Law Group represents consumers throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania and offers free consultations to discuss whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you.

    📞 Call us today for a free, confidential bankruptcy consultation – 855-978-6564 or email us at bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com.

    CLICK HERE for your free case assessment.

    Contact our Bankruptcy Team: bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com

    We work with most major legal services and legal insurance plans.  Some cover your legal fees for bankruptcy services.  Give us a call today to see if your bankruptcy is covered!

    BANKRUPTCY TEAM

    AMY GINSBURG – aginsburg@ginsburglawgroup.com

    GRACIE KLEIN – gklein@ginsburglawgroup.com

    NICOLE LOMBARDI – nlombardi@ginsburglawgroup.com