A Guide to the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court:
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania administers bankruptcy cases across the central region of the Commonwealth, with divisional offices located in Harrisburg and Wilkes‑Barre.
This reference guide provides essential administrative details, including court locations, jurisdiction, contact information, and judicial directories for the Middle District.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Court Location and Relevant County Information
The Middle District of Pennsylvania is organized into two primary divisions: the Harrisburg Division and the Wilkes‑Barre Division. Your county of residence determines where your bankruptcy petition is filed and which judge will oversee your case.
Harrisburg Division Office
The Harrisburg Office is located at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, 228 Walnut Street, Room 320, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101.
The following counties are served by the Harrisburg Division: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, and York.
- General Phone: (717) 901‑2800.
- Clerk of Court: Seth F. Eisenberg.
Wilkes-Barre Division
The Wilkes-Barre Division is located at Max Rosenn U.S. Courthouse, 197 South Main Street, Room 150, Wilkes‑Barre, Pennsylvania 18701.
The following counties fall under the jurisdiction of the Wilkes-Barre Division: Bradford, Carbon, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming.
All hearings for cases assigned to Williamsport are heard in Wilkes-Barre.
- General Phone: (570) 831‑2500
General Court Information
The Clerk’s Office handles docketing, case administration, and public records. Please note that clerks and court staff cannot provide legal advice, interpret statutes, or recommend procedural strategies.
Note that all federal courthouses enforce strict security protocols. Visitors must present valid government‑issued photo identification. If you are scheduled for a hearing, bring your hearing notice to expedite entry.
Annual Bankruptcy Case Filings (Middle District of Pennsylvania)
Below is a summary of annual bankruptcy filings across the Middle District from 2023 through 2025.
| Year | Chapter 7 Filings | Chapter 13 Filings | Total Filings |
| 2025 | 1,975 | 1,769 | 3,744 |
| 2024 | 1,745 | 1,691 | 3,436 |
| 2023 | 1,532 | 1,456 | 2,988 |
Pennsylvania Statewide Consumer Bankruptcy Filings
To understand the Middle District’s caseload, below is a breakdown of total statewide Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings:
- 2025: 7,581 Chapter 7 filings; 6,161 Chapter 13 filings (13,742 total).
- 2024: 6,981 Chapter 7 filings; 5,701 Chapter 13 filings (12,682 total).
- 2023: 5,725 Chapter 7 filings; 5,187 Chapter 13 filings (10,912 total).
Bankruptcy Petition Filing Fees (2026)
Bankruptcy filing fees are uniform nationwide. Electronic filings submitted through CM/ECF require payment via Pay.gov.
| Bankruptcy Chapter | Fee Amount |
| Chapter 7 | $338 |
| Chapter 13 | $313 |
| Chapter 11 (Non–Small Business) | $1,738 |
| Chapter 11 (Subchapter V) | $1,738 |
| Chapter 12 | $278 |
Filing Fee Payment Plans & Waivers
Chapter 7 debtors may request to pay the filing fee in up to four installments, with the final payment due within 120 days of filing (extendable to 180 days for cause). To qualify for a full fee waiver under 28 U.S.C. §1930(f), your household income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you are unable to pay the fee even through installments.
To confirm whether you meet the federal poverty guidelines, see below.
Federal Poverty Guidelines (Monthly – 48 Contiguous States & D.C.)
| Persons in Household | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $6,965.00 |
| Each additional person add: | $710.00 |
How to Track Your Bankruptcy Case
You may monitor your case through PACER, which provides docket access, trustee filings, and creditor claims. PACER charges up to $3 per document, and fees are waived unless quarterly usage exceeds $30.
For automated case information, call the Multi‑Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS) at 866‑222‑8029.
Bankruptcy Judges (Middle District of Pennsylvania)
Consult your assigned judge’s practice guidelines before scheduling hearings or filing motions.
| Judge | Location | Direct Staff Contacts |
| Chief Judge Henry W. Van Eck | Harrisburg | Law Clerks: 717-901-2840 Sarah Rothermel Sydney Klinem Tonia Wilson, Courtroom Deputy, 717-901-2818 Chamber Email |
| Judge | Location | Direct Staff Contacts |
| Judge Mark J. Conway | Wilkes-Barre | Connie Norvilas, Judicial Assistant Sarah Crouch, Law Clerk Phone: 570-831-2536 Judge Conway’s Chambers Email Trish Ratchford, Courtroom Deputy 570-831-2509 |
Conclusion
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania oversees cases from a wide geographic region, operating through its Harrisburg and Wilkes‑Barre divisions. Because chapter selection depends on exemptions, median income calculations, and the value of your assets, it is essential to review Pennsylvania’s exemption statutes and current means‑testing thresholds before filing a bankruptcy petition.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Educational Resources
- For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
- For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
- Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.
Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources
Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:
- A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
- Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
- State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
- 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
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