G. Michael Halfenger at a glance
- Current role
- U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Court
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · Federal
- Judicial service
- January 11, 2013–present
G. Michael Halfenger
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge · U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- Prior to joining the court, Halfenger was a partner with the Foley & Lardner law firm.
Judicial service
- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Wisconsin, 2013-present
- G. Michael Halfenger is a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, appointed in 2013 and serving a renewable 14‑year term until January 10, 2027.
- Halfenger has served on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin since January 11, 2013, appointed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. His current term ends January 10, 2027, and in June 2026 the Seventh Circuit reappointed him to another 14‑year term.
- As of November 1, 2025, most preliminary, non‑evidentiary hearings before Chief Judge Halfenger are conducted via Zoom videoconference unless otherwise noted. Public access is limited; parties and counsel must appear in person or by video, and the public may join by telephone.
- Court website: Eastern District of Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court — Judge G. Michael Halfenger
Courtroom rules and guidance
Motion Form
Request an order by written motion unless the rules authorize an application or the request is made during a hearing. State the grounds with particularity and specify the requested relief or order.
A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Motion Notice Timing
Unless a motion may be heard ex parte or another period applies, serve the written motion and hearing notice at least seven days before the hearing. Serve supporting affidavits with the motion.
A written motion (other than one that may be heard ex parte) and notice of any hearing must be served at least 7 days before the hearing date, unless the court or these rules set a different period.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Contested Matter Notice
In a contested matter not otherwise governed by the bankruptcy rules, request relief by motion and give the opposing party reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. A response is required only if the court orders one.
Reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard must be given to the party against whom relief is sought. No response is required unless the court orders otherwise.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Disputed Fact Testimony
Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.
A witness's testimony on a disputed material factual issue must be taken in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidentiary Hearing Notice
Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.
The court must provide procedures that allow parties-at a reasonable time before a scheduled hearing-to determine whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidence Rules
Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases.
The Federal Rules of Evidence and Fed. R. Civ. P. 43, 44, and 44.1 apply in a bankruptcy case.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Oath Or Affirmation
A solemn affirmation may substitute when an oath is required. The national rule identifies the bankruptcy judge, clerk, deputy clerk, U.S. trustee, and other authorized officers as persons who may administer it.
If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Sources
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin current judicial profile
Identity source · HTML · checked August 2, 2026
https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9002/g-michael-halfenger/Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 30, 2026
https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf