---
title: "Anita L. Shodeen | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/anita-l-shodeen-8780"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Anita L. Shodeen

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- State: Iowa
- Role: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Iowa, 2009-present
- She held the role of Chief Judge of the court from 2013 until 2020
- Retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Iowa, appointed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on August 26, 2009 to a renewable 14‐year term
- Law clerk to Justice Jerry Larson, Iowa Supreme Court (1985–86)
- Began her legal career with a clerkship for Justice Jerry Larson of the Iowa Supreme Court
- She has also taught as an adjunct law professor at Drake University Law, her alma mater

### Education

- Drake University — J.D.

### Additional information

- Appointed Chief Bankruptcy Judge August 26, 2013.
- Current court site identifies her as retired.
- While serving as a judge, Shodeen has served as a member of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Eighth Circuit.
- Thereafter, she joined the law firm of Beving Swanson & Forrest, P.C., where she specialized in bankruptcy matters and eventually became a member of the firm's partnership ranks.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### motion form

Scope: courtwide

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.

Evidence excerpt: A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested.

[Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### motion notice timing

Scope: courtwide

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.

Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### contested matter notice

Scope: courtwide

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.

Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### disputed fact testimony

Scope: courtwide

Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.

Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### evidentiary hearing notice

Scope: courtwide

Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.

Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### evidence rules

Scope: courtwide

Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases.

Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### oath or affirmation

Scope: courtwide

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.

Evidence excerpt: If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.

[Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-30


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8780/anita-l-shodeen/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8780/anita-l-shodeen/)
- [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8780/anita-l-shodeen/)
- [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8780/anita-l-shodeen/)
- [Anita L. Shodeen - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anita_L._Shodeen)
- [U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Iowa - Anita L. Shodeen (retired)](https://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/honorable-anita-l-shodeen-retired-decisions)
- [A Brief History of the Bankruptcy Court in Iowa](https://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/sites/iasb/files/bankhist.pdf)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8780/anita-l-shodeen/)
- [Anita L. Shodeen - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anita_L._Shodeen)

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