---
title: "Michael G. Williamson | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-g-williamson-8750"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Michael G. Williamson

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida
- State: Florida
- 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, M.D. Florida, 2000-present
- Distinguished federal judge on the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, serving from April 1, 2000, until his death in 2022
- In June 2015, he was appointed Chief Judge of the court, a role he served until 2019
- Colleagues and former attorneys remembered him as a mentor, teacher, and respected leader who helped preserve the Middle District’s standing as one of the nation’s top bankruptcy courts

### Education

- Georgetown University Law Center in — J.D. (1976)

### Additional information

- Middle District of Florida, bankruptcy Williamson was appointed to the United States bankruptcy court, Middle District of Florida on April 1, 2000, and his current term will expire on March 31, 2028.
- His term as a judge was set to expire in 2028, but his service ended earlier due to his death
- Joined the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida on April 1, 2000, a position he held until his passing.
- Born February 22, 1951, in West Point, New York, Williamson grew up in Spain and Taiwan before settling in Melbourne, Florida.
- He was a scholar-athlete at Melbourne High School and attended West Point for two years before transferring to Duke
- Known for his 3-3-3 rule — briefs no longer than three pages, citing no more than three cases, and arguments within three minutes — a testament to his belief in conciseness and clarity

## 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/8750/michael-g-williamson/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8750/michael-g-williamson/)
- [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8750/michael-g-williamson/)
- [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/8750/michael-g-williamson/)
- [Michael G. Williamson](http://www.flmb.uscourts.gov/judges/inmemoriam/files/MichaelWilliamsonObituaryTPA.pdf)
- [Michael G. Williamson (Florida) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_G._Williamson_(Florida))

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