U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Southern District of Mississippi
Mississippi’s bankruptcy system is divided into two federal jurisdictions: the Southern District and the Northern District. This page focuses on the Southern District, offering practical guidance and contact details for its courthouses, judges, and staff. For those seeking information on the Northern District, a separate page is available here.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Understanding Bankruptcy in the Southern District
Whether you’re filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer (pro se) or working with a bankruptcy attorney, this page is designed to help you understand the process, from filing your petition to attending your 341 Meeting of Creditors. Feel free to search Bankruptcy.blog for additional information regarding filing for bankruptcy.
Jurisdiction and Court Obligations
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi handles cases under:
- Chapter 7 – Liquidation.
- Chapter 13 – Wage Earner repayment plans.
- Other federal bankruptcy chapters, as applicable, such as Chapter 11.
While your petition is filed with the court, most 341 Meetings are held at designated regional locations and overseen by a bankruptcy trustee, not the judge.
What You’ll Find on This Page
To help you move forward with confidence, this guide includes:
- Filing Locations and Procedures: Where to file and how jurisdiction affects your case.
- Forms and Paperwork: Federal and local forms required for your petition (see the “How to File Bankruptcy” section for deeper guidance).
- Preparing for the 341 Meeting: What to expect and how to prepare for your meeting with creditors and the trustee.
- Court Roles Explained: The responsibilities of trustees, judges, and court staff in your case.
The Southern District of Mississippi conducts its bankruptcy proceedings across four locations. Those locations are:
| Location | Role | Address |
| Jackson | Main Office (Clerk’s Office and Filings) | Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, 501 East Court St., Suite 2.300, Jackson, MS 39201 |
| Gulfport | Divisional Office (Clerk’s Office and Filings) | Dan M. Russell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, 2012 15th St., Suite 244, Gulfport, MS 39501 |
| Hattiesburg | Hearing Location Only | William Colmer Federal Building, 701 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 |
| Natchez | Hearing Location Only | United States Courthouse, 109 South Pearl Street, Natchez, MS 39120 |
Important Notes for Filing for Bankruptcy
- Jackson and Gulfport are the two full-service Clerk’s Offices where filings and other administrative tasks take place.
- Hattiesburg and Natchez are used as remote hearing locations. They do not accept new case filings.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi is presided over by two judges, each with a dedicated chambers staff to manage their respective cases. All formal case filings and general inquiries should be directed to the Clerk’s Office. Use the contact information below to reach the chambers of Chief Judge Jamie A. Wilson and Judge Katharine Samson.
| Judge | Role | Chambers Location | Chambers Phone No. |
| Honorable Jamie A. Wilson | U.S. Bankruptcy Judge | Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, Jackson | (601) 608-4690 |
| Honorable Katharine M. Samson | Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge | Dan M. Russell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, Gulfport | (228) 563-1840 |
Below are the counties covered by Judge Wilson.
| Internal Division (within the Southern District) | Primary Clerk’s Office / Hearing Location | Counties Covered |
| Northern Division | Jackson, MS | Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Warren, and Yazoo. |
| Western Division | Filings processed in Jackson (Hearings in Natchez) | Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Pike, and Wilkinson. |
Below are the counties covered by Judge Samson.
| Internal Division (within the Southern District) | Primary Clerk’s Office / Hearing Location | Counties Covered |
| Southern Division | Gulfport, MS | George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone. |
| Eastern Division | Filings processed in Gulfport or Jackson (Hearings in Hattiesburg) | Clarke, Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Perry, Walthall, and Wayne. |
The information provided on this website regarding the bankruptcy court system is intended as a general overview; however, also confirm with your district’s bankruptcy court procedures, and local rules can vary between districts within a state.
For the most current and accurate information, I strongly recommend that you visit the website of the specific bankruptcy court you will be filing with. You can find contact information and website links for each district court through the United States Courts website: US Courts Bankruptcy Cases: United States Courts | (uscourts.gov).
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the published author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge Publishing) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish for an international university.
Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.
You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.
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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.