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Your Guide to New Jersey
Bankruptcy Courts

Understanding the New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts

The New Jersey Bankruptcy Court is crucial to the federal legal system in the state. It has three bankruptcy courthouses, one in Trenton, one in Camden, and one in Newark, each overseeing cases within specific geographic regions referred to as a “vicinage.” These vicinages help organize and manage cases. The New Jersey Bankruptcy Court falls under the Third Circuit of the Court of Appeals, a higher court system level.

The bankruptcy court manages bankruptcy cases, helping people with financial challenges get a fresh start. This court ensures that bankruptcy proceedings follow the law and are fair to all parties.

If you’re facing a bankruptcy case or have questions about the process in New Jersey, we can provide professional guidance and support to help you navigate this challenging legal terrain effectively.

Bankruptcy Cases in New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts

The New Jersey Bankruptcy Court’s primary focus is cases related to bankruptcy. These cases can include individual and business bankruptcies, such as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies for individuals and Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies for businesses. They even handle specialized cases like Subchapter 5 Bankruptcy, designed to assist small businesses.

The court’s primary role is to oversee these bankruptcy proceedings, ensuring that debtors and creditors follow federal bankruptcy laws and regulations. The court may also handle related matters, such as disputes and hearings related to bankruptcy cases.

What Is the Process to File Bankruptcy?

The vicinage where a resident lives determines where they should file their bankruptcy case. For example, residents in counties like Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, Cumberland, Camden, and Gloucester should file in the Camden vicinage.

Those in Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Somerset, Ocean, and Burlington (excluding specific townships) should file in the Trenton vicinage. Lastly, residents in Union, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Hudson, and Morris counties should file in the Newark vicinage.

A specific number of judges are assigned to handle cases in each vicinage. Debtors who have previously filed a bankruptcy case will often be assigned to the same judge.

Additionally, standing trustees manage Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases within each vicinage. The trustees are responsible for scheduling hearings, including the Meeting of Creditors. These trustees guide cases, providing a structured debt repayment and financial recovery process.

Understanding the vicinage system and the roles of judges and trustees is essential for a smooth legal process when dealing with the complexities of creditor and bankruptcy matters.

New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts: Contact Information and Operating Hours

Please note that the New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts are 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: 856-757-5485
  • Help Desk Phone Number: 866-653-4441
  • Court’s Email Address: [email protected]
  • Court’s Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 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: 609-989-2200
  • Help Desk Phone Number: 866-653-4449
  • Court’s Email Address: [email protected]
  • Court’s Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 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 Phone Number: 866-653-4439
  • Court’s Email Address: [email protected]
  • Court’s Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (CLOSED ON WEEKENDS AND FEDERAL HOLIDAYS)

If you need any assistance with your bankruptcy, feel free to contact the courthouse during operating hours by telephone or email. You can also stay informed about your case throughout the process by hiring a lawyer from the Law Offices of Scott J. Goldstein, LLC.

Court Docket, Schedule, and Timeline Information

The court docket, often called the “court calendar,” is a crucial resource for tracking the schedule of cases handled by the New Jersey Bankruptcy Court. It contains information about upcoming hearings, proceedings, and essential bankruptcy case dates. Monitoring the docket ensures that all parties involved in bankruptcy petition stay informed about the progress and timelines of their cases.

Typical Schedule and Timeline for Cases

The schedule and timeline for each case varies based on its complexity and specific circumstances.

If you have a court hearing scheduled and need information about the date, time, and location of your hearing, it is best to contact the New Jersey Bankruptcy Court directly. They can provide you with accurate and up-to-date details regarding your case. This direct communication ensures that you have the most current information and can make necessary preparations for your hearing.

Of course, our team at the Law Offices of Scott J. Goldstein, LLC, can also help you prepare for your court hearings, navigate the court docket, and ensure you are well informed and ready for the legal processes ahead.

Navigate the NJ Bankruptcy Court and Bankruptcy With Ease

If you need help navigating the New Jersey Bankruptcy Court and bankruptcy, the Law Offices of Scott J. Goldstein, LLC can provide personalized, efficient, and practical guidance. We provide support every step of the way, whether you’re preparing for a court hearing, completing legal paperwork, or seeking bankruptcy advice.

Contact us today, and we’ll help you make well-informed decisions, streamline the process, and achieve favorable outcomes for your New Jersey Bankruptcy Court case. You can count on us to provide you with the top-notch assistance you deserve, with our priority being your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Bankruptcy Cases Considered Federal Cases?

Bankruptcy cases are exclusively managed in federal courts, governed by the regulations specified in the US Bankruptcy Code. These bankruptcy cases are typically categorized by their respective chapters in the US Bankruptcy Code.

Where Are Bankruptcy Cases Processed?

Bankruptcy matters are handled in each of the 94 federal judicial districts, and nearly all districts process bankruptcy cases through their respective bankruptcy courts.

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