NEW JERSEY BANKRUPTCY COURTS

Bankruptcy Cases in New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey oversees all federal bankruptcy filings in the state. The court ensures that both debtors and creditors follow the U.S. Bankruptcy Code through various filing types:

• Chapter 7: Liquidation for individuals or businesses.
• Chapter 13: Debt reorganization for individuals with regular income (not available for businesses).
• Chapter 11: Reorganization for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
• Subchapter V: A streamlined version of Chapter 11 specifically for small businesses.

Where Should You File? (The Vicinage System)

New Jersey is divided into three “vicinages.” Your county of residence (or the location of a business’s principal place of assets) determines your filing location.

Camden Vicinage

Residents and businesses located in the following southern counties must file in Camden:

• Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem.

Trenton Vicinage

Residents and businesses located in the following central counties must file in Trenton:

• Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Hunterdon, Ocean, and Burlington.

Newark Vicinage

Residents and businesses located in the following northern counties must file in Newark:

• Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

The Role of Judges and Trustees

Judicial Assignment

Each vicinage is staffed by a specific group of judges. Under the “Rule of Successive Filings,” if a debtor has previously filed for bankruptcy, their new case is typically assigned to the same judge to ensure consistency and prevent “judge shopping.”

Standing Trustees

In Chapter 7 cases, a trustee is appointed to review assets. In Chapter 13 cases, a standing trustee is assigned to collect monthly payments and distribute them to creditors.

The Meeting of Creditors

The trustee (not the judge) presides over the 341 Meeting, a mandatory hearing at which the debtor is questioned under oath about their financial schedules and assets.

New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts: Contact Information and Operating Hours

Please note that the New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts are located in federal district courthouses, not County Courthouses.

Camden Bankruptcy Courthouse

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse 401 Market Street, Second Floor, Camden, NJ 08101

• Court’s Phone Number: 856-361-2300
• Help Desk (CM/ECF): 866-653-4441
• Court’s Email Address: cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov
• Public Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on weekends and federal holidays)

Trenton Bankruptcy Courthouse

Clarkson S. Fisher U.S. Courthouse 402 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

• Court’s Phone Number: 609-858-9333
• Help Desk (CM/ECF): 866-653-4449
• Court’s Email Address: cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov
• Public Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on weekends and federal holidays)

Newark Bankruptcy Courthouse

Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building 50 Walnut Street, Newark, NJ 07102

• Court’s Phone Number: 973-645-4764
• Help Desk (CM/ECF): 866-653-4439
• Court’s Email Address: cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov
• Public Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on weekends and federal holidays)

Important Filing Note

If you are filing documents in person, some courthouses may provide a drop box for after-hours submissions. Availability and hours can vary by location, so it is best to confirm with the court directly.

You may contact the courthouse during operating hours by telephone or email for general information. You may also consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney to better understand your case and the filing process.