Bankruptcy Courts

Alabama

• Middle district: All hearings will be telephonic until further notice and in-person appearances at the courthouse are prohibited absent extraordinary circumstances.  See Amended Administrative Order 2020-11 for details.  Meetings of creditors will also be held telephonically until further notice.  See Notice for details.
• Northern district:  Beginning March 23, 2020, all hearings set on the Decatur, Florence, Huntsville and Birmingham dockets will be telephonic.  Beginning March 24, 2020, all hearings set on the Jasper and Tuscaloosa dockets will be telephonic.  All hearings set on the Anniston and St. Clair County docket will be telephonic beginning on March 30, 2020.  Beginning March 23, 2020, meetings of creditors will be telephonic.  See notice for details.
• Southern district: Effective March 16, 2020, the Southern District began operating with minimal staff and announced that until further notice all hearings will be telephonic.  See public notice for details.  Beginning March 20, 2020, meetings of creditors will be telephonic.  See notice for details.  Effective March 23, 2020, the requirement for obtaining original signatures from debtors for electronic filings is temporarily suspended. See administrative order for details.

Alaska

• District of Alaska: Effective March 20, 2020, public access to the clerk's office and in person appearances by parties and their attorneys in the courtroom were suspended until further notice.  See  General Order 2020-3 for details.  Information on how to file documents, pay filing fees, and appear for court hearings is in the General Order or available on the court's website here notice.  Effective March 23, 2020, paper filings and payments made in the Fairbanks or Juneau courthouses must now be made in the Anchorage courthouse.  See General Order 2020-4.  The provisions of General Order 2020-3 and General Order 2020-4 were extended to July 6, 2020 in Amended General Order 20-6 Meetings of creditors scheduled through July 10, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See Notice for details. 

Arizona

• District of Arizona: The court vacated all evidentiary hearings scheduled between March 18, 2020 and April 10, 2020.  All other hearings will remain on the calendar and will be telephonic.  Mediations scheduled between March 18, 2020 and April 10, 2020, must be telephonic or reset to a later date.  See General Order 20-3.  On April 1, 2020, the court extended the provisions of General Order 20-3 thr ough April 30, 2020.  See Extension of General Order 20-3 .The provisons of General Order 20-03 were further extended through May 29, 2020.  See  Second Extension of General Order 20-03.  The provisions of General Order 20-03 were further extended through June 30, 2020. by  Third Extension of General Order 20-03. Visitor restrictions imposed.  See General Order 20-4 for details.  Effective March 30, 2020, the requirement for obtaining original signatures from debtors for electronic filings is temporarily suspended.  See General Order 20-5 for details.

   

Arkansas

• Eastern & Western districts: The court suspended all in-person hearings until at least July 1, 2020.  See May 11, 2020 Notice for details.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  See announcement for details.  The United States Trustee has made arrangements for § 341 meetings to proceed telephonically.  See notice for details.  Effective April 3, 2020, the requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings has been temporarily suspended.  See order for details.

California

• Central district: All courthouses closed to the public except for hearings on criminal duty matters.  All matters before the bankruptcy court will proceed telephonically or by video through at least June 1, 2020.  See Order 20-042 and Second Amended General Order 20-02.  Please see General Orders regarding access to court facilities, jury trials and other proceedings, General Order 20-02 and General Order 02-03.  On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Trustee announced that all section 341 meetings of creditors would be held telephonically, effective immediately.  See U.S. Trustee Notice for details. 
• Eastern district: Courthouses are closed to the public.  See General Order 612 for details.  All bankruptcy matters will be decided on the papers, or if the assigned judge believe a hearing is necessary, a hearing will be conducted by telephone.  See notice for details.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued to a later date to be determined.  See Notice for details.  Deadlines related to 11 U.S. C. § 341 first meetings of creditors scheduled on or after March 16, 2020 are extended to 60 days after the continued 341 meeting is actually held with the debtor present in person or by telephone.  See General Order 20-02 for details.   
• Northern district: As of March 30, 2020, courthouses are closed entirely to the public.  All trials and evidentiary hearings scheduled through May 31, 2020 will be rescheduled to a date after May 1, 2020.  All non-evidentiary motion and application hearings set through May 31, 2020 will be held telephonically.   SeeSecond Amended General Order 38  for details.  The requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors are electronic filings has been temporarily suspended.  See General Order 39.  Section 341 meetings of creditors are being held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.  Certain deadlines related to 11 U.S. C. § 341 first meetings of creditors scheduled on or after March 17, 2020 are extended by Second Amended General Order 40.
• Southern district:  Effective March 18, 2020 through April 16, 2020, all hearings will be telephonic unless the assigned judge orders otherwise.  See administrative order 20-1 and mandatory telephonic hearing guidelines for details. § 341 meetings of creditors for all cases filed through May 10, 2020 may only proceed if held telephonically.  See notice for details. Certain deadlines contained in the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and 11 U.S.C. § 1308 have been temporarily extended to accommodate logistical challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  See administrative order 20-3 for details.  The requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings has been temporarily suspended.  See Administrative Order 20-2  and Administrative Order 20-2-A. for details.  Three new doc-type events related to COVID-19 are now available and should be used in the CM/ECF System under "Notice and Hearings."  Legal Aid's free Self-Help Center has reopened remotely allowing access to assistance by telephone.  See site for more info. 

Colorado

• District of Colorado: All non-evidentiary hearings will be telephonic.  All trials and evidentiary hearings will be conducted via video conference or in person as required by the presiding judge.  See May 15, 2020 Operational Status for details.  The May 15, 2020 Operational Status also imposes visitor restrictions and provides for remote operating of the clerk's office.  Section 341 meetings of creditors will be conducted telephonically through July 10, 2020.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.

Connecticut

• District of Connecticut: All in-person chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020, are continued until a later date to be determined.  Certain deadlines related to the meeting of creditors have also been extended by General Order.  Effective March 27, 2020, all hearings will be conducted telephonically unless a party requests a continuance.  Evidentiary hearings and trials may proceed as scheduled at the discretion of the court.  See  General Order #3 for details and General Order # 4.  Effective March 26, 2020, there is no publioc access to the clerk's office.  Instructions for manual filings and payment of fees is in the General Order Restricting Access to the Clerk's Offices.    Visitor restrictions imposed.  See general order for details.  

Delaware

• District of Delaware:  All court hearings that are not time sensitive are continued to a date to be determined on or after May 18, 2020.  All hearings held prior to May 18, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See Second Amended Order Governing the Conduct of Hearings Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019  for details. Effective May 18, 2020, the continuance of non-time sensitive matters is terminated and hearings held prior to June 1, 2020 will be held telephonically or by video, at the discretion of the presiding judge.  Third Amended Order Governing the Conduct of Hearings Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019. Effective March 18, 2020 and until further notice, in person access to the clerk's office is suspended.  See  Notice and Order of Emergency Clerk's Office Procedures for details.  Meetings of creditors scheduled through July 10, 2020 will be held by telephone.  See  Notice Regarding Telephonic Section 341 Meetings for details.  The court also entered an order suspending the requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors under circumstances.  See March 26, 2020 Order here for details.  All visitors to the federal courthouse must wear a face mask when interacting with court staff.  Standing Order Re: Use of Face Masks

   

Florida

• Middle district:  Effective March 16, 2020, all non-evidentiary hearings will be telephonic.  Individual judges may determine to continue non-time-sensitive evidentiary hearings and trials.  See latest announcements.  Effective March 23, 2020, all attorney-prepared notices of hearing must include telephonic access information.  See court's example for mandatory language.  The court issued updated telephonic appearances procedures available here.  In person access to the clerk's office is suspended.  See administrative order FLMB-2020-3.  On April 3, 2020, the court announced that for cases in which the initial § 341 meeting was postponed (generally, cases in which the initial § 341 meeting was scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 10, 2020) and until further notice in all newly filed cases, the court will issue Notices of Case Filing that include information regarding the telephonic § 341 Meeting. Instructions for meeting of creditors for details.  Certain deadlines that relate to the date first set for the meeting of creditors have been extended by Administrative Order FLMB 2020-2.  The court has suspended an attorney's obligation to obtain original client signatures prior to electronically filing signed papers. See Administrative Order FLMB-2020-4.  On April 21, 2020, the court enteredAdministrative Order FLMB-2020-5 modifying the automatic stay in connection with forbearance agreements.   
• Northern district: All courthouses closed to the public effective March 23, 2020.  See Administrative Order .  The court also modified procedures to allow self-represented debtors to file documents via fax or email (see Administrative Order 20-005) and suspended the requirement an attorney obtain and retain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings (see Administrative Order 20-006).  Effective March 17, 2020, all hearings noticed will be telephonic. See Administrative Order 20-03.  The U. S. Trustee directed that 341 Meetings of Creditors be held by trustees telephonically for all cases filed through May 10, 2020.  Certain deadlines that relate to the date first set for the meeting of creditors have been extended by Administrative Order 20-004
• Southern district: All courthouses closed to the public effective March 30, 2020.  See Administrative Order 2020-07 for details.  Effective March 16, 2020 all hearings will be telephonic.  The court will reschedule all trials and evidentiary hearings except for those held shortly after a chapter 11 filing. See public notice.  By order dated March 19, 2020, the court suspended the requirement an attorney obtain and retain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings.  Parties may offer direct evidence by declarations complying with 28 USC § 1746.  See Administrative Order 2020-06.  All meetings of creditors set between March 16, 2020 and April 10, 2020 may only be held telephonically.  See notice.  On April 3, 2020, the court announced that for cases in which the initial § 341 meeting was postponed (generally, cases in which the initial § 341 meeting was scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 10, 2020) and until further notice in all newly filed cases, the court will issue Notices of Case Filing that include information regarding the telephonic § 341 Meeting.   See Notice for details.  Certain deadlines that relate to the date first set for the meeting of creditors have been extended by Administrative Order 2020-05.  

Georgia

• Middle district: Effective Monday, April 6, 2020 and until further notice, the US Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia court facilities will temporarily suspend access to the general public.  All hearings noticed between March 18, 2020 and April 30, 2020 will be telephonic.  See Amended Administrative Order # 126 for details.  Through April 30, 2020, the court amended local rule 5005-4 to allow attorneys to submit digital signatures of their clients provided that the client's original signature is obtained on the document within 60 days in Amended Administrative Order #129. The bankruptcy trustee reset all meetings of creditors scheduled through April 10, 2020, unless telephonically held.  See notice for details.  The court extended certain deadlines related to the scheduling of the first meeting of creditors during the period of March 18, 2020 through April 10, 2020 in Administrative Order #125.  Noticing period for meetings of creditors originally scheduled for March 17, 2020 to April 10, 2020 that are reset to later dates may be reset to a date on less than 21 days notice. See Administrative Order #132  for details.  Information about § 341 telephonic hearings is found here. On April 6, 2020, Judge Carter signed Administrative Order #134 which changed the in-person hearings that were scheduled for April 14-15 to telephonic conferences. See the latest general announcement for more info.
• Northern district:  Beginning March 16, 2020 all hearings noticed will be telephonic unless the party arranges differently with chambers.  See public notice for details.  An AT&T conference service rather than the court’s official digital audio system will be recording all court proceedings.  If a party would prefer to use a private vendor such as CourtCall, notice must be provided to chambers 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.  See disclaimer regarding telephonic hearings.  All meetings of creditors scheduled between March 16, 2020 and April 10, 2020 in all divisions of the court are being rescheduled to a later date.  See General Order 31-2020 for details.  The court has extended certain deadlines related to the first meeting of creditors in  General Order 32-2020.  There are visitor restrictions for all courthouses. See Amendment to General Order 2020-01  for details.  Effective March 25, 2020, interim bankruptcy filing procedures for parties not represented by an attorney were put into effect.  See General Order 34-2020 for details.
• Southern district: Beginning March 19, 2020 and until further notice, absent permission from the assigned judge, all hearings will be telephonic.  See public notice for details and dial in numbers.  The court is permitting verified pleadings to be filed without an original signature provided certain conditions are met set forth in Administrative Order 2020-2 and Order Extending Administrative Order 2020-2.  All meetings of creditors scheduled between March 16, 2020 and April 10, 2020 are being rescheduled to a later date.  See notice of continuance for details.  The court has extended certain deadlines related to the first meeting of creditors in Amended Administrative Order 2020-1.  The order also extends certain deadlines related to the first meeting of creditors.  

Hawaii

• District of Hawaii:   All non-evidentiary hearings will be held telephonically or taken off the court's calendar.  All trials and evidentiary hearings scheduled to commence before June 15, 2020 are continued to a later date.  See  April 16, 2020 Amended Administrative Order  for details.  The courthouse is closed to the public until June 15, 2020.  See the April 16, 2020 Amended Administrative Order for details.  The court amended local rule 5005-4 relaxing the requirement of original signatures by debtors.  See General Order Dated March 20, 2020  for details.  

Idaho

• District of Idaho: The courthouse is closed except for essential hearings.  See General Order 367 for details.  Video and telephonic  hearings will be utilized to the extent possibe.  General Order 367 also provides for in-person hearings to be held once Idaho enters Stage 2 of its phased re-opening and other chnages in operations when Idaho enters Stage 3 of re-opening.  See the General Order for details.  The U.S. Trustee is extending the requirement that section 341 meetings be conducted only through telephonic or other alternative means through July 10, 2020.   See U.S. Trustee website for details. 

Illinois

• Central district: Beginning March 16, 2020 through May 18, 2020, all hearings will be telephonic.  There will be no personal appearances in court.  See update on court operations for details. In-person Section 341 meetings are continued indefinitely but Section 341 meetings may be held telephonically. See notice regarding 341 meetings for details. Related deadlines are extended accordingly. See order extending 341 meeting deadlines for details.  The Springfield and Urbana courthouses are closed to the public.  See update on court operations for details.  Effective March 24, 2020, and until further notice, the court has modified its requirements for filing documents with "wet signatures."  See general order for details. 

• Northern district: All hearings will be held by telephone until further notice, while trials and evidentiary hearings will be held by video conference.  See Second Amended Administrative Order 20-03  for details.  The order also provides procedures for the filing of motions and objections.  General Order 20-05  contains procedures for video trials and hearings.  Section 341 meeting of creditors will be held by telephone through July 10, 2020.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.   

• Southern district: The East St Louis and Benton courthouses are closed to the public until July 5, 2020.  SeeSecond Amended Administrative Order No. 266  for details.  Beginning March 19, 2020, all hearings will be telephonic.  Parties with a trial or evidentiary hearing of any type scheduled should contact the court immediately to discuss pre-hearing conference regarding a continuance.  See court operations notice for details regarding telephone instructions.   Section 341 meetings of creditors will be held by telephone through July 10, 2020.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details. 

Indiana

• Northern district:  Courthouse closed to the public.  All hearings scheduled between March 18, 2020 and April 1, 2020 will be rescheduled or telephonic.  See general order 2020-06 for details.  Meetings of creditors scheduled through April 10, 2020, may proceed if telephonically held.  See notice for details.  Any party seeking emergency relief from the restrictions put in place through General Order 2020-06 must file a motion for such relief in the case in which the emergency relief is sought.  See general order 2020-07 for details.
• Southern district: Courthouse closed to public.  All hearings will be telephonic.  Instructions for participating in telephonic hearings will be posted in the communication's section on the judge’s page of the website.  See judges' info for links to each website.  Meetings of creditors scheduled through April 10, 2020, may proceed if telephonically held.  See notice for details.  Effective March 31, 2020, interim bankruptcy filing procedures for parties not represented by an attorney were put into effect.  See General Order 20-0003 for details.  The deadline set under 11 U.S.C. § 365(d)(1) for a chapter 7 trustee to assume or reject an executory contract or unexpired lease is extended to 30 days after the conclusion of the meeting of creditors.  See General Order 20-0005 for details.

   

Iowa

• Northern district:  The Clerk's Office is open to the public but the hours of operation have been reduced to 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  It is strongly recommended that filers contact the Clerk's Office by phone at 319-286-2200 or 712-233-3939, for assistance, such as alternative methods for filing documents and making payments.  The court will conduct all hearings as scheduled unless the court informs otherwise.  Telephonic and video conferencing may be more widely used for appearances.  See court operations notice.  Meetings of creditors may only proceed telephonically or via videoconference until further notice.  There are changes to standard forms based on the enactment of the CARES Act.  See CARES Act page for details. Effective April 13, 2020, the requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings has been temporarily suspended. See Administrative Order 20-03 for details. See COVID-19 page for latest updates.
• Southern district: The court will still be conducting all hearings as scheduled unless the court informs otherwise.  Telephonic and video conferencing may be more widely used for appearances.  Counsel should file a motion requesting a continuance if additional precautions or circumstances warrant such action. See court operations notice and site for details. Effective April 1, 2020, all paper filings and payments made by cashier's check or money order must be made through a drop box at the entrance of the Des Moines courthouse annex.  See Administrative Order 2020-2 for details.  Effective April 9, 2020, the requirement to obtain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings has been temporarily suspended. See Administrative Order 2020-3 for details.

Kansas

• District of Kansas: The public counters of the Clerk's Office are closed until further notice.  Upcoming hearings will be conducted by telephone.  See Notice for details.  Until further notice, the U.S. Trustee has arranged for section 341 meetings of creditors to be held by telephone.  Review the call in numbers and instructions.   Effective March 19, 2020, any reset § 341 date will be deemed to be the initial date for the § 341 meeting and all deadlines triggered by the initial date set for the § 341 meeting date will run from the new "initial" date.  See General Order 20-1 Order Regarding Resets of Meetings of Creditors for details.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  See administrative order 2020-2 for details.   Effective March 19, 2020, the requirement for obtaining original signatures from debtors for electronic filings is temporarily suspended.  See Standing Order 20-2 Order Modifying Signature Rules for details.   See KSB Teleconference Guidelines, Special Procedures, and COVID-19 site for additional details.

   

Kentucky

• Eastern district: On March 20, 2020, the court continued all matters scheduled for hearing on Thursday, April 2, 2020 (Lexington division), Tuesday, April 7, 2020 (Covington division), Wednesday, April 8, 2020 (Ashland division), and Thursday, April 9, 2020 (Frankfort/Lexington divisions).  Parties originally requesting the hearing shall re-notice for the applicable May hearing date if necessary.  It is likely the May hearings will be telephonic.  See hearings continued notice for details.  Effective March 12, 2020, and until further notice, telephonic appearances and participation will be broadly available to parties in order to limit personal contact in court spaces.  See response for details.  The court also updated the signature requirements outlined in section VI of its Administrative Procedures Manual.   See the online update for details.  In a notice posted on March 30, 2020, the courted added new virtual filing procedures to facilitate filings by non-registered CM/ECF filers. 
• Western district: Effective March 27, 2020, and until further notice,  the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office will be closed to all walk-in customers. The Clerk’s Office will otherwise remain in business Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST.  See General Order 2020-6 for details.  Effective March 27, 2020, and until May 29, 2020, all hearings will be telephonic.  See General Order 2020-6 for details and General Order 2020-07  On March 25, 2020, the court issued an administrative order detailing how meetings of creditors will be rescheduled.  See General Order 2020-5 for details.   Meetings of creditors scheduled after April 10, 2020 and through July 10, 2020 will be held by telephone or video conference.  See court's website for details. Effective March 30, 2020, interim bankruptcy filing procedures for parties not represented by an attorney were put into effect.  See General Order 2020-5 for details.

Louisiana

• Eastern district: Effective April 3, 2020, the courthouse is closed to the public.  See USDC Amended General Order 20-5.   Effective March 13, 2020, all hearings will be telephonic or video conference.  Non-evidentiary hearings will be telephonic.  Evidentiary hearings will utilize a video-conferencing service located at the internet site www.join.me in addition to audio connection through the dial-in numbers.  See General Order 2020-2 and Amended General Order 20-2 for details.  Additionally, all Section 341 meetings will be conducted primarily by telephone. No in-person meetings will take place.  See emergency procedures. 
• Middle district:  Courthouse closed to the public. The court will consider matters on a case-by-case basis.  The court may grant uncontested matters without hearing.  Matters, in which a hearing is necessary, due to opposition or questions by the court, will be continued or heard telephonically.  See important notice response for details.  Effective March 25, 2020, original signature requirements have been suspended.  See Standing Order 2020-1 for details. Additionally, all Section 341 meetings will be conducted primarily by telephone. No in-person meetings will take place.  See emergency procedures.
• Western district: The court is not altering any previously scheduled hearings, but all non-evidentiary hearings will be telephonic.  If an evidentiary hearing is required the parties must provide the court notice as soon as possible.  The judge will then issue guidance on how the court will conduct the hearing.  See general order 2020-3 for details.  Effective March 24, 2020, administrative procedures governing original signatures have been modified. See General Order 2020-4 for details.  All in-person section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  Telephonic meetings may proceed as scheduled. See website banner for details.  Please see this notice for important message from the court about the temporary procedures in place.  Effective March 19, 2020, certain deadlines during the "Protocol Period" are tolled and the new deadline and will be adjusted by the number of days such "Protocol Period" runs.  See General Order 2020-3-1 for details.

Maine

• District of Maine: Beginning March 16, 2020, all trials and evidentiary hearings scheduled to commence through June 30, 2020 are continued to a later date.  Other hearings scheduled through June 30, 2020 will proceed telephonically.  See General Order Regarding COVID-19, Second General Order and Third General Order  for details. Effective March 30, 2020, the Clerk's Office intake window is closed to the public.  See Second General Order for details. 

Maryland

• District of Maryland: The Clerk’s office remains open to the public through telephone access and the drop boxes located in each courthouse’s lobby. Per Administrative Order 20-02, for any response date that had not  lapsed as of March 13, 2020, the time to answer or otherwise respond to a complaint is increased to 60 days from the issuance of the summons, unless a different time is set by the presiding judge. Per Administrative Order 20-04, all in-court proceedings in the Greenbelt courthouse are temporarily suspended.  Per Administrative Order 20-05, the requirement for "wet" signatures from debtors on initial filings is temporarily suspended.    Per this memo, certain "filing deadlines" are extended by 42 days from the deadline date, but other items that are not filing deadlines are not extended.  All hearings scheduled to occur from March 16, 2020 through June 5, 2020 are continued except as determined by the presiding judge and recording or transmitting telephonic or video hearings is prohibited. See U.S. District Court Standing Order 2020-07 and Administrative Order 20-07 for details.   The requirement to deliver paper courtesy copies to the Clerk's Office or judges' chambers is temporarily suspended.  See Administrative Order 20-08 for details. For motions filed after April 15, 2020, the court will allow deadlines to object or respond to certain motions and applications to revert back to the deadlines applied prior to the entry of, and without regard to previous Standing Orders and Administrative Orders.  See Administrative Order 20-09 for details.  Effective April 13, 2020, the court issued an order that provides more info about "CARES Act Modification Motions," "Moratorium Motions," related deadlines and procedures.  See Administrative Order 20-10 for details.  The U.S. Trustee will hold all section 341 meetings of creditors remotely by telephone or by ZOOM commencing April 13, 2020 and will not hold any in-person section 341 meetings scheduled through at least May 10, 2020.  See current status for latest operational updates.

Massachusetts

• District of Massachusetts: All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued or set telephonically.  The court temporarily permits debtors to electronically sign all documents.  Individuals may not enter the courthouse if they: (1) traveled in the past 14 days to high risk countries or have been in contact with them; (2) were asked to self-quarantine; (3) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and those in contact with them; (4) have symptoms consistent with the disease. Pro se parties may file documents: (a) by e-mail, with the appropriate document or documents attached in PDF format; (b) over the counter at the Clerk’s Offices in Boston, Worcester or Springfield; (c) by facsimile; (d) by U.S. Mail; (e) through physical deposit in the depositary boxes located in the lobby of the Clerk's Offices in Worcester and Springfield; and (f) through any other method expressly authorized in advance by the Clerk of Court.  Effective Monday March 23, the McCormack POCH Building will be closed until April 19 due to minimal tenant use during this time.  The bankruptcy court remains open.  See standing orders 2020-02 and 2020-3.  The court also eased certain procedural requirements imposed upon pro se parties. See amended standing order 2020-3.  Effective March 27, 2020, public access to the clerk's office at the Donohue courthouse in Worcester will be terminated.  See message from the chief judge for more details.  See standing order 2020-4 for details around the extension of certain deadlines related to meetings of § 341 creditors for cases filed between January 17, 2020 through March 12, 2020.  On April 2, 2020, the court modified the requirement for original signatures on electronically filed documents.  See  Amended Standing Order 20-2 for details. 

Michigan

• Eastern district: Effective March 25, 2020, the Detroit bankruptcy courthouse at 211 West Fort Street is closed. The Flint and Bay City bankruptcy courthouses remain open.  See notice for more details.  Individuals may not enter the courthouse if they: (1) traveled in the past 14 days to high risk countries or have been in contact with them; (2) were asked to self-quarantine; (3) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and those in contact with them; or (4) have symptoms consistent with the disease.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued or set telephonically.  Effective March 30, 2020, the continuance of in-person section 341 meetings is extended beyond April 10, 2020 until further notice.  In Chapter 7 cases, section 341 meetings will be held telephonically.  See Notice Regarding Telephonic Chapter 7 § 341 Meetings for details.  Pro se paper filings will be made via drop box rather than person to person contact with staff.  All hearings will be telephonic unless otherwise ordered.  The requirement to obtain original signatures is temporarily suspended.  See administrative order 2020-4 and 2020-05 for more information.
• Western district: Effective March 24, 2020, access to the clerk's office shall be by appointment only.  However, the court does not consider the clerk's office to be "inaccessible," and therefore will not recognize any deadline extensions based on the office's inaccessibility.  The court also permits electronic filing for all filings upon written request and prior court approval.  See administrative order 2020-2.  Effective March 16, 2020, all section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued or set telephonically.  Effective March 30, 2020, the continuance of in-person section 341 meetings is extended beyond April 10, 2020 until further notice.  In Chapter 7, 12 and 13 cases, section 341 meetings will be held telephonically.  SeeU.S. Trustee's Notice Regarding Telephonic Chapter 7, 12 and 13 341 Meetings  for details.  Judge Gregg shall hold all non-evidentiary hearings, status conferences and pretrial conferences telephonically. Parties should arrange to appear telephonically by contacting at least two (2) days prior to the hearing.  The court strongly encourages parties to consider adjourning all evidentiary hearings and trials by filing a stipulation and uploading a proposed order.  In the event that all parties do not agree to adjourn an evidentiary hearing or trial, any party may file a motion for the same, along with a proposed order.  See notices for details.  The court has not suspended the requirements for "wet signatures" on verified documents before electronically filing them but will address such problems on a case by case basis.  See Notice Regarding Wet Signature Requirement for details. 

Minnesota

• District of Minnesota: Individuals may not enter the courthouse if they: (1) traveled to China, Italy, Iran, or South Korea within the last 14 days; (2) reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to one of the above areas within the last 14 days; (3) have been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency; or (4) have been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.  The court or trustees will consider requests for exceptions or alternative appearances on a case-by-case basis.  Effective March, 19, 2020, the lobbies of the Clerk's Offices will be closed to the public.   All judges except Judge Kathleen Sanberg will handle hearings, trials, continuances and requests for telephonic appearances on a case-by-case-basis.  Judge Sanberg will hold ALL hearings telephonically, effective March 19, 2020.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued to a later date.  Effective March 23, 2020, orders on partial case filing and orders on partial conversion will require filing of the completion within 30 days rather than 14 days.  The requirement that an attorney secure the debtor's original, physical signature prior to electronically filing certain documents is suspended as long as certain conditions are met.  See notices for additional information.

Mississippi

• Northern district: All live docket calls are suspended, and access to the courthouse is limited.  The court is "investigating" telephonic docket calls and states that it will consider in-person hearings for good cause.  See online notice for details.  All in-person chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  Effective March 30, 2020, section 341 meetings will be held by telephone.  See U.S. Trustee Temporary Emergency Procedures for Conducting Section 341 Meetings for details and procedures.  Effective March 1, 2020, the court temporarily suspended the need for "wet" signatures on bankruptcy petitions, schedules, unsworn declarations, affidavits, verifications, and other documents.  See order for details.
• Southern district:  Effective May 29, 2020, in-person hearings may go forward at the discretion of the presiding judge with certain screening requirements for in-person attendance.  However, judges are still encouraged to hold hearings by telephone and video conference.  See Special Order # 6 for details. Effective March 30, 2020, section 341 meetings will be held by telephone.  See U.S. Trustee Temporary Emergency Procedures for Conducting Section 341 Meetings for details and procedures.  

Missouri

• Eastern district: Effective March 13, 2020, individuals may not enter the courthouse if they: (1) traveled in the past 14 days to any foreign country and those who have been in contact with them; (2) were asked to self-quarantine; (3) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and those in contact with them; or (4) have symptoms consistent with the disease. Any counsel may appear for hearings telephonically until further notice.  See order regarding COVID-19 for more information.  Effective March 23, 2020, public access to the courthouse is limited to the main lobby on the first floor, except for required in-person hearings or by other authorization.  See notice for details.   The public service counter at the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse will be closed until further notice. See notice and updated notice for details.  Section 341 meetings of creditors are proceeding telephonically.  See  Amended Notice from the U.S. Trustee
• Western district:  All bankruptcy hearings and trials through May 3, 2020 will be conducted telephonically or continued. See general order for more details. Effective March 24, 2020, all public windows are open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday.  Any filings placed outside those hours must be placed in the drop box.  See office hours notice for more information.  Effective March 24, 2020, meetings of creditors will be conducted telephonically.  See amended notice.  As of March 17, 2020, all participants in MAP mediations on or before April 14, 2020, may attend by phone, videoconference or other similar means.  The participant must be present in the mediation at all times.

Montana

• District of Montana:  The federal courthouses in the District of Montana are closed.  However, individual judges may continue to hold in-person hearings as they deem appropriate on a case by case basis.  See Administrative Order 210-17 .  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued or conducted telephonically.  Effective March 30, 2020, all new section 341 meetingsw will be scheduled telephonically.  See General Order 2020-5-BPH for details.  The court directed attorneys to confer regarding all scheduled hearings before April 10 to determine the hearing necessity then request continuances as appropriate.  Telephonic appearances will be permitted on a case-by-case basis.  See general order 2020-4-BPH and administrative order 20-14 for more information.

Nebraska

• District of Nebraska:  All chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings of creditors that are scheduled through April 10, 2020 for all locations in the District of Nebraska continued until a later date to be determined.   All 341 meetings scheduled after April 1, 2020 will be conducted telephonically until further notice.  See Notice from U.S. Trustee. Parties should plan to go forward with bankruptcy court telephonic hearings, as scheduled.  All parties should plan to appear by phone.  The court will be in touch with counsel to re-schedule any matters that have been scheduled for live testimony.  See general order 2020-05 and general order 2020-06 for details.   Effective April 6, 2020, the public counters in the clerk's office are closed.  See Notice of Closure of Public Counters for details. 

Nevada

• District of Nevada:    Visitor restrictions imposed.  Hearings requiring live witness testimony are continued until at least April 10.  All hearings before April 10, 2020 will be telephonic.  The court authorized parties/counsel to use Court Call to participate telephonically.  The court authorized parties/counsel to use Court Call to participate telephonically.  The 48 hour prior authorization may be waived by the presiding judge.  Trials cannot be done telephonically unless prior authorization by the bankruptcy judge presiding in the case.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  Absent special circumstances, section 341 meetings may not proceed during this period except through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring personal appearance by debtors.  Appropriate notice will be provided to parties in accordance with bankruptcy law and rules.  See administrative order 2020-05 for more information.   Absent further order, certain deadlines in all cases where the 341 meeting was not concluded prior to March 19, 202 will be extended.  See administrative order 2020-06 for details.  Certain original physical signature requirements are also suspended effective March 25, 2020.  See administrative order 2020-07 for details. The Clerk's office in the Clifton Young Federal Building in Reno will be closed to the public until further order of the Court, and the requirement to deliver courtesy copies under LR 9014(e) is suspended until further order of the court. See administrative order 2020-08.

   

   

New Hampshire

• District of New Hampshire: The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire shall remain closed to the public until further notice for in person traffic, but the court shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing any pleading or other proper paper, issuing and returning process, and filing, making, or entering motions, orders and rules.  All trials and evidentiary hearings will be rescheduled at a later date, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Effective March 16, 2020, participation in all other hearings must be accomplished via telephonic means through (and including) May 1, 2020.  See General Order Regarding COVID-19 Second General Order and Fourth General Order for details.  By Third General Order  the court continued certain deadlines related to the scheduling of the initial meeting of creditors.  All in person section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined and any meetings of creditors held through April 10, 2020 shall be telephonic. See Notice for details.  

New Jersey

• District of New Jersey: Both Newark courthouses closed through April 6, 2020.  No one permitted to enter except authorized cleaning personnel.  See standing order for details. All trials scheduled before April 16, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled by the court.  All motions and contested matters will be presumed heard on the papers,  but parties may request oral argument which will be heard telephonically.  Any deadline to object to discharge or to the dischargeability of debt that would otherwise expire prior to April 16, 2020 is extended to 30 days after April 16.  Any deadline under 11 U.S.C. § 707 or 11 U.S.C. § 727 that would otherwise expire prior to April 16, 2020 is extended to 30 days after April 16.  Original signature requirements for counsel under local and national rules are deferred.  See Amended General Order Regarding Court Operations Dated March 27, 2020 for details.  On March 16, 2020, the United States Trustee issued a notice continuing all in-person chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020, with the exception that section 341 meetings could proceed through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring any personal appearances.  Effective March 30, 2020 the suspension of in-person section 341 meetings is extended until further notice.  Section 341 meetings will be held by telephone until further notice.  See Notice for details and procedures. 

New Mexico

• District of New Mexico:  Effective March 30, 2020 and through May 1, 2020, only persons with official court business may enter the courthouse and the clerk's office is closed to public entry.  See USDC General Order 20-MC-00004-15 for details.  As of March 24, 2020,  parties are encouraged to appear by telephone for non-evidentiary hearings.  However, parties may appear in person if they meet the criteria to enter the courthouse.  The court will deal with the possibility of telephone appearances at evidentiary hearings on a case by case basis. See  March 24, 2020 Note from the Court.     All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  See Notice for details.  On April 3, 2020, the court issued a Notice  clarifying "wet" signature requirements. 

New York

• Eastern district: All hearings will be held by telephone until further notice.  Please see Judges Procedures During National Emergency (Covid-19)  for each judge's procedure for participating in telephonic hearings.  Effective March 12, 2020, visitor restrictions imposed. See Administrative Order 2020-08.  The U.S. Trustee has provided procedures for telephonic section 341 meetings.  Procedures During Covid 19 National Emergency.  The court has extended certain deadlines related to the date of the initial meeting of creditors in Administrative Order 20-00102.
• Northern district: All hearings and conferences will be conducted telephonically except evidentiary hearings and trials may proceed as scheduled.  See administrative order 20-03 for additional information. Clerk's public counter hours restricted to 10:00 to 2:00.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  Section 341 meetings may not proceed during this period except through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring personal appearance by debtors.  See notice.  Procedures for telephonic hearings in the Albany and Syracus divisions posted.  See notice of information for telephonic appearances.
• Southern district:  All hearings and conferences will be conducted telephonically pending further order from the assigned judge, although any person wishing to appear in person may file the appropriate motion to be considered by the assigned judge.  For evidentiary hearings and trials, parties should contact the bankruptcy judge's courtroom deputy or law clerk to inquire about whether the hearing or trial will proceed.  See  General Order M-543 for details.  All Chapter 13 matters currently scheduled to be heard before Judge Lane on April 1, 2020 are adjourned and the court will reschedule the matters to a later date.  All in-person meetings of creditors scheduled through April 10, 2020 will be continued to a later date and only meetings of creditors by telephone may proceed during this period. See UST Notice re Rescheduling 341 Meetings.   Courthouse entrance limited to (1) persons ordered to appear, (2) debtors, creditors, and their attorneys, unless ordered or authorized by a judge to appear telephonically, who have case-related business before the bankruptcy court, (3) government employees who work in the courthouses and are authorized to appear by their employer, (4) contractors who are authorized to appear by the Office of the Clerk of Court, (5) United States Postal Service mail carriers, private mail carriers and private delivery services.  See General Order M-542 for details.     Effective April 6, 2020, the requirement that a pro se party provide a "wet" signature on filings has been temporarily suspended.  A pro se party who emails documents to CaseFiling@nysb.uscourts.gov shall constitute the filer's approved signature and have the same effect.  See 544 for details.  The court issued an order on April 9, 2020 that 1) clarifies the requirements around the temporary suspension of obtaining a debtor's original signatures; 2) provides a process and sample notice for creditors seeking to enter into a forbearance agreement with a debtor; 3) extends the deadlines for the Loss Mitigation Program Procedures or Student Loan Mediation Program Procedures to July 1, 2020; and 4) waives the requirement of providing original documents establishing a debtor's identification for purposes of a § 341 meeting and clarifies that a PDF scan, photograph, or screen shot of the original document is sufficient.  See M-545 for details.

   

• Western district:  Effective March 24, 2020, unless the presiding judge directs otherwsie, the court will only allow telephonic appearances through April 30, 2020.  Matters scheduled for consideration in Batavia, Mayville, Niagara Falls or Olean will be the subject of separate direction from the court.  See March 24, 2020 Administrative Order for details.  Matters scheduled for April 2, 2020 in Mayville will now be heard telephonically.  See Case Management Order for details.   The Clerk's Office in the Rochester courthouse is closed for in-person service.  All section 341 meetings of creditors must be held by telephone for cases filed through May 10, 2020.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.  On April 3, 2020, the court issued an order extending certain deadlines related to the initial meeting of creditors.  See Administrative Order 20-00001 for details. As of March 12, 2020, visitor restrictions imposed.   See March 13, 2020 General Order and Notice  for details.

North Carolina

• Eastern district:  Effective March 27, 2020, courthouses in the Eastern District are closed to the public.  Unless cancelled or continued by the court, all scheduled hearings will conducted telephonically.  The court has provided procedures for pro se debtors without access to CM/ECF to file pleadings.  Trustees are given authority to continue meetings of creditors without motion and order by contacting all attorneys and unrepresented parties.  The court has also provided for modification of the "no protest" method of granting relief and procedures for Chapter 13 cases.  See March 27, 2020 General Order for details.  All section 341 meetings of creditors will be conducted telephonically.  All Chapter 7, 11 and 12 section 341 meetings previously postponed will be rescheduled as noticed by the court and procedures for telephonic appearance are set forth in the 341 Meeting Announcement. Procedures for Chapter 13 section 341 meetings will be announced separately.  Effective March 18, 2020, the court suspended the requirement an attorney obtain and retain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings.  See March 18, 2020 General Order.   Effective March 31, 2020, the deadlines under Bankruptcy Rule 2003(c) for holding § 341 meetings are extended and will be recalculated from the rescheduled first meeting date.  See March 31, 2020 General Order for details     
• Middle district:  All bankruptcy court hearings shall be held telephonically.  If the court determines that a further evidentiary hearing is required, arrangements will be made during the telephonic hearing.  Public intake counters in the Clerk's Office are closed and procedures for pro se debtors without access to CM/ECF for filing documents are set forth in the  March 26, 2020 Amended General Order.  The March 26, 2020 Amended General Order directs parties to check the court's website for instructions on accessing hearings telephonically. Information on Telephonic Court Hearings   Beginning March 30, 2020, all Chapter 7 section 341 meetings will be held telephonically.  See Chapter 7 341 Meetings of Creditors Policies and Procedures for details.  Beginning April 17, 2020, all Chapter 13 section 341 meetings will be held telephonically.  See Chapter 13 341 Meetings of Creditors Policies and Procedures for details.  Effective March 18, 2020, the court suspends the requirement of Local Rule 500-4(7)(a)(1) to secure a signor's original signature to allow using digital signatures.  For all contested matters direct evidence may be offered by declaration to the extent the declaration contains admissible evidence from a competent witness with personal knowledge.  March 18, 2020 Standing Order.  Certain 341 meeting continuances have been posted.  See the court's website for details. 
• Western district:  On April 1, 2020, the court issued a General Order closing the intake counters in the clerk's office and providing procedures for pro se filings.  As of March 16, 2020, all matters scheduled for hearing between March 16 and March 30 are continued for a minimum of two weeks.  Specific hearing dates are set forth in the  March 16, 2020 General Order.  Emergency or other time-sensitive matters will be handled by special settings.  See March 16, 2020 General Order.  Effective March 26, 2020, the Clerk's Offices are closed to the public and non-electronic filings may be made at the courthouse dropbox or by mail.  See the court's website for more information. https://www.ncwb.uscourts.gov/ .  Effective March 19, 2020, the court suspends the requirement of Local Rule 5005-1 to secure a debtor's original signature to allow using digital signatures.  See order clarifying local rule 5005-1.  Effective March 17, 2020, all section 341 meetings will be conducted by teleconference or videoconference through April 17, 2020. See continuity of operations plan for details.  

North Dakota

• District of North Dakota: Effective March 20, 2020, the courthouse is closed to the public except for scheduled appointments.  Additional visitor restrictions imposed.  From March 23 through April 3, 2020, all hearings will be conducted telephonically or via video conference.  All other trials and hearings remain as scheduled.  See March 20, 2020 Administrative Order, and March 30, 2020 Administrative Order and the court's website for further details.  All section 341 meetings of creditors in Chapter 7, 12 and 13 cases will be held via telephone or videoconference only.  Debtors and creditors should contact the case trustee for instructions on how to appear. 

Ohio

• Northern district: Effective March 23, 2020, all courthouses are closed to the public and non-CM/ECF filers may only file documents by mail or email.  See General Order 20-03 and Clerk's Notice of Temporary Filing Procedures for details.  The court has suspended the requirement of Local Rule 5005-4 to secure a debtor's original signature before an attorney may file the document electronically.  See General Order 20-02.  All in-person section 341 meetings are suspended until further notice and telephonic section 341 meetings will be held until further notice.  Notice from the U.S. Trustee
• Southern district: Effective March 25, 2020, all trials, hearings and conferences scheduled before the court through April 6, 2020 are cancelled, provided that each judge retains the discretion to proceed with any particular matter if otherwise ordered.  See General Order 35-2.  Effective March 19, 2020, the court closed the all intake desks and ordered the clerk to implement a drop box system for conventional filings and payment submissions.  See General Order 36-1.  The court has instituted temporary filing procedures in General Order 41-1.  Effective March 25, 2020, the court suspends the requirement to secure a debtor's original signature before an attorney may file the document electronically provided certain procedures are followed.  See General Order 37-2 for details.  All in-person section 341 meetings are suspended until further notice and telephonic section 341 meetings will be held until further notice.  Notice from the U.S. Trustee

Oklahoma

• Eastern district: Hearings currently scheduled for April 15, April 16, May 20 and May 21, 2020 will be held by telephone.  Hearing call-in instructions are available here. Notice Regarding Hearings  Beginning March 16, 2020, all jury trials scheduled through April 17, 2020 are continued pending further order of the court.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  Attorneys who are unable to appear because of these restrictions should contact the bankruptcy clerk's office.  See General Order 20-5 and General Order 20-6 for details.  All 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  All section 341 meetings shall be by telephone or other means not requiring personal appearance. See announcement.  Effective March 30, 2020, the requirement for obtaining original signatures from debtors for electronic filings is temporarily suspended. See General Order NO 20-15 for details.    
• Northern district: All hearings are being held telephonically until further notice.  See notice.  For information regarding the status of meetings of creditors, parties should contact the trustee assigned to the case.  Trustees are conducting their previously scheduled meetings of creditors by telephone.  The "wet signature" requirement is suspended until further notice. See General Order 20-GO-02 for details.  All motions for relief from the automatic stay filed between April 20, 2020 and July 1, 2020 must contain a statement advising the court whether enforcement of the mortgage and/or security agreement that is the subject of the motion is subject to any form of moratorium on foreclosure related to COVID-19.  See Policy Regarding Relief from Stay for details.  Effective April of 2020, there are changes to the standard bankruptcy forms due to enactment of the CARES Act which requires one-year amendments to five (5) official forms to account for a new definition of “debtor” applicable to subchapter V of chapter 11 and a new exclusion from the definitions of “current monthly income” and “disposable income.”  See revised forms for details. On September 4, 2020, the Court entered Gen. Order 20-GO-08 (superceding 20-GO-03), which directs the US Marshall and Court Security to ask questions related to Covid-19 to visitors and bar if answered yes.  See Gen. Order 20-GO-08 for questions allowed to be asked. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered Gen. Order 20-GO-04, which amend in the interim Rule 1020 CARES Act amendment to 11 U.S.C. § 1182(1) sunsets on March 26, 2021.  See Gen. Order 20-GO-04. All visitors are required to wear face masks. See Gen. Order 20-GO-06.
• Western district:  Manner of hearing - phone, video or in-person - will be at the Court's discretion. The Court will provide notice for every hearing, and the notice will specify whether the hearing will be held in-person at the courthouse, by phone, or by video conference. See Third Amended Gen. Ord. 20.06. The intake counter at the Clerk's Office is closed and non-CM/ECF users may file documents via dropbox or mail. Public Notice of Dropbox Procedures  Effective March 26, 2020, the court has suspended the requirement that original signatures be obtained on documents requiring them before they are electronically filed, provided certain procedures are followed.  See  General Order 20-07 for details. Beginning March 16, 2020, visitor restrictions imposed.  Attorneys who are unable to appear because of these restrictions should contact the bankruptcy clerk's office.  See District Court General Order 20-7.  Effective March 16, 2020, all 341 meetings through April 16, 2020 are suspended, along with all deadlines triggered by section 341.  See General Order 20-5.  For cases filed after March 24, 2020, section 341 meetings of creditors will be held telephonically.  See Amended General Order 20-5. The court amended local rules to take into account the changes to the Small Business Reorganization Act included in the CARES Act. See General Order 20-9 for details. All visitors are required to wear face masks and are subject to screening by the US Marshals Service. See General Order 20-11 (screening) and General Order 20-15 (face masks). However, the number of persons in the courtroom galleries is no longer restricted so long as social distancing is maintained. See Amendment to General Order 20-11. 

Oregon

• District of Oregon: The is requiring participation by telephone for all hearings.  For evidentiary hearings and trials, the court will consider written requests for accomodations or postponements on a case-by-case basis.  At the judge's discretion, the court may hold some evidentiary hearings in person.  See Court Operations During Covid-19 Outbreak for details.  Effective March 30, 2020, the Clerk's Office in Eugene is closed until further notice and filings may be made by dropbox or mail.  The Clerk's Office in Portland will continue to provide limited services.  See Court Operations During Covid-19 Outbreak for details.  Effective March 27, 2020, parties without an attorney are encouraged to file documents via the Public Document Upload system, fax, mail, or drop boxes. See General Order 20-3 for more details.  Effective March 19, 2020, the court suspends the requirement an attorney obtain an original signature from a debtor before filing certain documents electronically.  See General Order 20-2.  Effective March 16, 2020, all section 341 meetings originally scheduled to be held March 17 through March 27 will be rescheduled at a later date.  Meetings scheduled to be held March 30 through October 10 will be held by telephone.  See Court Operations During Covid-19 Outbreak for details. Changes to forms and local rules due to the CARES Act. See General Order 20-4 and Notice of Revised Official Forms for details. 

Pennsylvania

• Eastern district: Effective March 20, 2020, the court suspends the requirement of local rule 5005-7(b) that a filing secure the signor's original signature prior to filing certain documents electronically.  See standing order M-20-3006.  Effective March 20, 2002, the clerk's office in Reading will be closed until further notice.  Paper filings can be mailed to the Philadelphia clerk's office.  Visitor restrictions imposed for the Philadelphia office.  See standing order M-20-3005.  Beginning March 16, 2020, all court appearances at hearings shall be made telephonically unless otherwise authorized by the presiding judge.  All 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined. Certain deadlines are extended until June 4, 2020. See standing order M-20-3003 and standing order M-20-3004 for details.  In-person section 341 meetings are suspended until further notice and are being held telephonically. See  U.S. Trustee Notice for details. On 4/22/20 the Court set procedures implementing forbearance agreements in chapter 13 cases. See Standing Order M-20-3007. All visitors are required to wear masks. See Standing Order M-20-3008. 
• Middle district: The Scranton and Wilkes-Barre offices are closed effective immediately.  See General Order 20-04. Beginning March 18, 2020, all court appearances shall be conducted telephonically unless expressly directed otherwise by the presiding judge.  All evidentiary hearings and trials currently scheduled to occur through April 17, 2020 are continued for a period of 28 days.  See order.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  See announcement.  Effective March 16, 2020, all section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020 are continued until a later date to be determined.  See notice.  See Covid-19 Related Information Updated April 3, 2020. The cour implemented amended local rules to account for the CARES Act. See Generral Order 20-005. The court also clarified procedures for forbearance agreements. See General Order 20-006. All visitors are required to wear a mask. General Order 2020-14. As of July 30, all parties are expected to phycially appear in court for all evidentiary proceedings. All other matters will continue to heard telephoncially. See Court Operations During COVID-19.
• Western district: Beginning March 13, 2020, all appearances at hearings shall be made telephonically unless directed otherwise by the presiding judge.  See standing order 20-204.  Effective March 24, 2020, the clerk's office is closed until further notice.  Alternative temporary filing procedures for pro se parties are available.  See Standing Order 20-206 for details. On April 14, 2020, the Court entered Misc. Pro. 20-207 to implement an electronic document submission system (“EDSS”) allowing documents to be submitted securely to the Court outside of the CM/ECF System. On April 14, 2020 the court also suspended the "wet signature" requirement. See Misc. Pro. 20-209 for details. On April 22, 2020 the Court entered Misc. Pro. 20-210 to amend Rule 1020 necessitated by the CARES Act. See Misc. Pro. 20-210. All visitors are required to wear face masks. Misc. Pro. 20-211. 

Rhode Island

• District of Rhode Island:  The bankruptcy court remains open for business, but the building is closed to the public until further notice. The court location in Providence is temporarily closed and information on how to file documents can be found in General Order 20-04, and on this page for self-represented parties. General Order 20-005 temporarily suspends requirements for attorneys to obtain and retain original signatures from debtors for electronic filings.   General Order 20-006 temporarily suspending specified local rules delegating service of court notices, orders and other documents to parties due to COVID 19 Virus pandemic.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through May 10, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website and U.S. Trustee Information Regarding Telephonic Sec. 341 Meetings of Creditor.  General Order 20-007  extends certain deadlines related to meetings of creditors.  General Order 20-008 amendes local rule as required by the CARES Act. See notice issued April 7, 2020 regarding recovery rebates paid to consumer bankruptcy debtors under the CARES Act of 2020.   Also, please visit the Executive Office of US Trustee Program for this and other important notices.  Beginning August 5, 2020, the Court will continue to conduct court proceedings by remote means for the foreseeable future, but will transition its non-evidentiary court calendars from telephonic to video calendar proceedings, using the Zoom platform.  See Gen. Ord. 20-009. 

South Carolina

• District of South Carolina: Effective April 2, the public intake areas in the clerk's office are closed.  Self-represented parties may file pleadings by mail, dropbox or email.  See Amended Operating Order 20-03 for details.  The Amended Operating Order 20-03 also provided that all deadlines remain in full force and effect unless altered by order of any presiding judge and that parties should anticipate that hearings scheduled before the court for an in-court appearance will be conducted by phone or videoconference.  Pursuant to Operating Order 20-04, the court suspends the requirement an attorney secure the debtor's original, physical signature prior to electronically filing such document.  Visitor restrictions have been imposed for the courthouse.  Attorneys who are unable to appear because of these restrictions should contact chambers directly.  See USDC Standing Order.  The court has also entered orders providing interim procedures for Chapter 13 cases.  See Operating Order 20-06 and Operating Order 20-07  for details.  Effective March 23, 2020 until further notice, all meetings of creditors will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's Notice for details.  On April 16, 2020, the Court entered Operating Ord. 20-08 regarding conduit mortgage payments by Chapter 13 Debtors. 0n April 21, 2020 the Court entered Op. Ord. 20-09 amending BR 1020 as necessitated by the CARES Act.  On May 1, 2020, the Court announced the update on language in stay relief orders - “any funds received from the disposition of the collateral in excess of all liens, costs, and expenses will be paid to the trustee or the estate.” - No longer required. All visitors are required to wear face masks and are subject to screening by the US Marshals Service. See General Order 20-10.

South Dakota

• District of South Dakota: Beginning March 13, 2020, visitor restrictions imposed.  Attorneys who are unable to appear because of these restrictions should contact the bankruptcy clerk's office.  See standing order 20-02.   All non-evidentiary hearings will be telephonic and evidentiary hearings limited to emergency matters. See Judge Nail Letter for details.  All section 341 meetings scheduled through October 10, 2020 will be held by telephone.  See U.S. Trustee's website  and June 20 Update for details.  On April 13, 2020 Judge Nail provided guidance about how debtors should document funds or other relief (like forbearance or suspension) provided through the CARES ACT during bankruptcy proceedings.  See notice for details. On April 20, 2020 the Court amended BR 1020 as necessitated by the CARES Act. See Order for details. 

Tennessee

• Eastern district: Beginning March 17, 2020, all scheduled hearings will be conducted telephonically.  See New Notice Regarding Court Operations.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  The court directed the Marshal's service to screen individuals entering the courthouse to ensure compliance.  See courthouse entry restrictions and COVID-19 court operations notice.  The public intake counters of the clerk's office are closed and the court provided procedures for self-represented parties to file pleadings in General Order 2020-07 .  The requirements in E.D. Tenn. L.B.R. 5005-(4)(h)(2) and (3) with regard to actual handwritten signatures temporarily responded.  SeeGeneral Order 2020-06 for details.  All section 341 meetings will be held telephonically on the original date scheduled.  See the Court's website  for specific notices for each Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 trustee.   The court also entered an order modifying certain Chapter 13 procedures in this Notice.   On April 23, 2020, the Court amended BR 1020 as necessitated by the CARES Act. See Gen. Ord. 2020-08.
• Middle district: Beginning March 16, 2020, the court cancelled all in-person hearings until further notice in favor of telephonic or video conference appearances.  The court also waived all continuance limits under the bankruptcy rules.  See administrative orders 20-4 and 20-5. See court website for information regarding specific judges.  The public intake counters in the clerk's office are closed and procedures are provided for filing of pleadings by self-represented parties.  See Clerk's Public Notice of Intake Closure and Drop Box for details.  All continued § 341 meetings of creditors for Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases will be held telephonically or online.  See notice for details.  Creditors wishing to attend a Chapter 13 meeting of creditors must contact the Chapter 13 trustee's office at least 24 hours in advance for instructions.  See  Creditors - Chapter 13 Meeting of Creditors Notice.  Chapter 13 debtors are expected to continue to make payments.  See notice for details.  
• Western district: Jackson federal courthouse closed to the public and will remain closed pending further order of the court.  See administrative order no. 2020-14 for details.  The public intake counters in all bankruptcy courthouses are closed to the public and pro se filings may be made by mail or dropbox at the Memphis courthouse.  See Public Notice Court Operations During Coronavirus (Covid-19) Outbreak.  Effective March 17, 2020, the court suspended all in-person hearings until further notice in favor of telephonic or video appearances.  The court stated judges should freely grant continuances to accommodate needed deadlines and the need for in-person evidentiary hearings should be considered on a case-by-case basis.  The court similarly excused debtors from attending section 341 meetings in person and permitted trustees and other interested persons to examine the debtor by written, telephonic or video examination rather than in person.  See general orders 20-001 and 20-002.  Effective March 31, 2020, the requirement for obtaining original signatures from debtors for electronic filings is temporarily suspended.  See general order 20-0003 for details. All visitors must wear face masks and maintain social distancing. See general order 20-0004. Effective August 17, 2020, all in-person hearings are suspended. Contested motion will be heard by telephone or videoconference. See Amd. Gen. Ord. 20-0001.

Texas

• Eastern district: Hearings on contested matters by video or teleconference. Trial of adversary proceedings and certain complex hearings handled on a case-by-case basis. General Order 20-6. subject to  Certain statutory deadlines and deadlines set forth in the Federal Rulse of Bankruptcy Procedure extended.  The court also suspended the "wet signature" requirement. See general order 20-3  and general order  20-5 for details.   All section 341 meetings of creditors through May 10, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.  There are now more options available for online payments and for non-attorneys to file documents electronically. See Clerk's Notice and eSR overview for details. The court amended Interim Rule 1020 as necessitated by the CARES Act. See General Order 20-04. See court's website for judge-specific information.
• Northern district: All hearings will generally be conducted either by videoconference or teleconference. See General Order 2020-14 for details. All section 341 meetings of creditors through May 10, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details. See general order 2020-05 and announcement for details.  Please see site for teleconference info for §341 meetings. The court also suspended its “wet signature” requirement.  See general order 2020-07 and general order 2020-15 for details. As of May 6, 2020, Chapter 13 debtors may adjust payments due under a confirmed Chapter 13 plan to account for forbearance agreements by notice rather than motion. See general order 2020.13 for details. The Court amended Interim Rule 1020 as required by the CARES Act., see General Order 2020-10, and amended rules for conduit mortgage payments by Chapter 13 debtors. See General Order 2020-13. 
• Southern district:  Effective March 26, 2020, the court invoked the Protocol for Emergency Public Health or Safety Conditions contained in General Order 2020-4 .  See Amended General Order 2020-10, General Order 2020-10A and General Order 2020-11.  The Protocol requires all hearings to be conducted electronically, provides for the tolling of certain court imposed deadlines, provides for electronic section 341 meetings, as well as other requirements.  See General Order 2020-4 for details.   The court has temporarily authorized reduced chapter 13 payment plans and electrionc signatures.  See standing orders 2020-04, 2020-05, 2020-06, 2020-07, and 2020-08.  Effective March 24, 2020, the court temporarily authorized alternative means to in person meeting requirement.  See order 2020-09  and order 2020-16 for details.  All section 341 meetings of creditors will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details. All emergency protocols extended through November 1, 2020. All hearings will be held electronically (audio and video) unless otherwise ordered. See General Order 2020-19.
• Western district: The court continued all section 341 meetings set before April 10, 2020 absent special circumstances or remote attendance.  Beginning March 23, 2020, all courts will conduct all proceedings telephonically or via WebEx absent specific, contrary order by the court.  See order 20-02 and order 20-07.  The court also entered an interim standing order authorizing electronic signatures as an alterantive to "wet" signatures.  See order 20-3 for details.  Time for chapter 13 plan confirmation hearings extended from 45 days to 60 days. See order 20-05 for details.  Alternative temporary filing procedures for pro se parties are available.  See order 20-04 for details.  All section 341 meetings of creditors through May 10, 2020 will be held telephonically.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details.  Due the CARES Act, five (5) official forms and Interim Rule 1020 have been modified. See Notice of Revised Official Forms and General Order 20-06 for details. 

Utah

• District of Utah: As of April 7, 2020, unless otherwise ordered by the hearing judge, all hearings shall be conducted by telephone until Salt Lake City transitions to the new normal COVID-19 risk level (green).   See general order 20-002, general order 20-004,  general order 20-005 and general order 20-006.  The court has published teleconference information. See Teleconference Information. All section 341 meetings scheduled through May 10, 2020 will be held by telephone.  See  Information for Chapter 7 Debtors on Section 341 Meetings and  Information for Chapter 13 Debtors on Section 341 Meetings for details.  The court has extended certain deadlines related to the initial meeting of creditors in  General Order 20-003. 

Vermont

• District of Vermont: Beginning March 16, 2020, all scheduled hearings and conferences will be conducted telephonically absent contrary order from the court.  Any hearing or trial requiring evidence presentation will be continued absent permission from the court.  See order 20-09.  On March 24, 2020, the court also enlarged certain time periods, extended certain deadlnies, and reset section 341 meetings in pending and future bankruptcy case.  See misc. proceeding 20-101 for details.   The Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Offices are closed to the public.  Effective March 25, 2020, further limitations were placed on court operations and availability.  See General Order #87  and General Order 89 or details.  Effective March 30, 2020, the use of video and telephone conferencing was approved for bankruptcy hearings.  See General Order #88 for details.  The Court has extended the authorization for video and teleconferencing through December 27, 2020.  See General Order 93. All section 341 meeting of creditors scheduled through May 10, 2020 will be held by telephone.  See U.S. Trustee's website for details. Beginning May 18, the Court has returned to limited normal operations except that all persons must wear masks. See General Order 90. 

   

Virginia

• Eastern district:  All proceedings are by telephone or video, subject to presiding Judge's discretion.  On March 13, 2020 the Richmond and Alexandria divisions issued separate protocols regarding COVID-19 which supersede all federal and local court rules and orders.  The protocols did not require any action by parties or counsel but encouraged them to make liberal use of the court's telephonic and videoconference technologies.  On March 19, 2020 the Norfolk and Newport News division issued an order continuing or cancelling all hearings except certain contested and/or critical motions.  The Norfolk and Newport News division ordered all hearings to occur via teleconference unless otherwise ordered on a case-by-case basis.  The court as a whole also extended all deadlines which fall before March 31 for at least 14 days and waived the requirement for original debtor signatures.  See order 20-7, order 20-6, general order 20-2 (Richmond), Alexandria standing order and standing order 20-1 (Norfolk and Newport News). Effective March 30, 2020, the public areas of the bankrutpcy clerk's office are closed. See standing order 20-10. The court established new protocols for pro se debtors. See standing order 20-09 and standing order 20-19.  Effective March 31, 2020, the deadline for payment of certain filing fees and first payments are extended from the original due date. See Standing Order 20-13 for details.  Effective March 31, 2020, a second order was issued that temporarily extends certain bankruptcy deadlines. See Standing Order 20-12 for details.  Effective March 31, 2020, Chapter 11 cases in Richmond Division are excepted to standing order 20-12. See Richmond General Order 20-3 for details.  See notice for more court information.  All section 341 meetings of creditor scheduled through April 10, 2020 are suspended and will be rescheduled to a later date.  See Important Public Notice and Standing Order 20-5 for details.  Effective April 13, 2020, all section 341 meetings of creditors will be held by telephone.   See U.S. Trustee Notice and Standing Order 20-14 for details. Trustees must notify the US Trustee prior to taking any action to recover recovery rebates or objecting to a Chapter 13 plan based on the treat of recovery rebates provided to debtors under the CARES Act.  See notice for details. On April 9, 2020 the Court entered an Order which prohibits to broadcast, televise, record, photograph court proceedings in courtroom or remotely.  See Standing Order No. 20-15 for details. Masks and social distancing are required in all courthouses. General Order 2020-14 and General Order 2020-17. Interim Rule 1020 amended as required by the CARES Act. See General Order 2020-16.
• Western district: On March 24, 2020 the court continued all in-person bankruptcy proceedings scheduled before May 1 with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.  The bankruptcy judges also stated a preference toward telephonic or video appearances with permission from the presiding judge.  Judge Paul Black ordered all hearings between March 16, 2020 and May 1, 2020 to proceed telephonically or by videoconferencing without exception.  Beginning March 18, 2020 the court waived all requirements for a debtor's original signature in application documents.  See standing order regarding the coronavirus, Judge Black's standing order, standing order regarding signatures, and second amended standing order 2020-5 for more information. Check court's website for daily information on Judge Connelly's hearings.   Effective March 25, 2020, pro se parties are temporarily permitted to electronically file documents. See standing order 20-4 for details. Effective March 30, 2020, the clerk's office intake is closed but drop boxes are available.  See standing order 2020-9 for details.  All section 341 meetings will be conducted by telephone until further otice.  See Announcement for details.  On April 8, 2020, the Court amended the Affidavit of Debtor(s) Requesting Confirmation of Plan (Local Form 3015-3A) to remove the requirement of having the debtor's signature notarized.  See site for information.

Washington

• Eastern district: Beginning March 18, 2020 the court cancelled all in-person hearings indefinitely.  All hearings will be conducted telephonically or via video.  Section 341 hearings originally scheduled for the week of March 16 are continued to the week of March 30 and will be held telephonically. All other meetings will be held on the date originally scheduled but will proceed telephonically. See Meeting of Creditors Update for detals.  Effective March 25, 2020, the court's physical facilities in Spokane and Yakima are closed. See notice for details.  Due the CARES Act, five (5) official forms have been modified. See Notice of Revised Official Forms for details. Payment of court fees may now be paid online via debit card, PayPal, or ACH.  See site for details. 
• Western district: All courthouses remain closed through September 7, 2020. Evidentiary hearings are expected to resume on September 8 and non-evidentiary hearings are expected to resume on November 2. See Court's Notice . On March 24, 2020 the court issued general order 2020-3 clarifying telephonic hearings procedures and original signature requirements.  Parties may attend Thomas T Glover mediations telephonically or by videoconference. See general order 2020-4.   The U.S. Trustee is extending the requirement that section 341 meetings be conducted only through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring in-person appearance to all cases filed through October 10, 2020.   See  Notice. As of April 6, 2020, the Seattle and Tacoma courthouses are accepting paper filings through the dropbox in the courthouse lobby or by regular mail. The Clerk’s office staff can be reached by live chat (click the "Chat "Live" with Court Staff" button on the left side of this page), email, or phone to answer procedural questions.  The Bankruptcy Court will continue to hear non-evidentiary matters telephonically.  See General Order 7-20 for details.  All visitors must wear face masks. See General Order 08-20

West Virginia

• Northern district:   Effective March 23, 2020, all in-person court appearances are suspended until further notice or unless specifically directed otherwise.  All trials and evidentiary hearings will be rescheduled as necessary.  The court will convene all non-evidentiary hearings by telephone.  Parties seeking a continuance of any scheduled matter shall file a written motion with the court.  See announcement for more information.  Beginning March 17, 2020, the trustee continued all in-person section 341 meetings through April 10, 2020.  Effective March 24, 2020, all 341 meetings will be conducted telephonically. See announcement for more information.  On April 13, 2020, the Court suspended its “wet signature” requirement.  See general order 20-4 for details. Visit this site for instructions on how to sign up for text message alerts for courthouse closures. All visitors are required to wear face masks. See Standing Order: 3-20-MC-51
• Southern district: The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia will continue to remain closed to the general public through May 31, 2020. See General Order #5 for details.  All bankruptcy matters will be conducted telephonically absent extraordinary circumstances and prior court approval.  The parties should move to continue any evidentiary hearings not approved for an in-person hearing.  On March 17, 2020 the court extended all deadlines for the trustee to move to dismiss, an interested party to object to discharge and an interested party to obtain a dischargeability determination to 60 days.  See general orders 20-02 and 20-03. The US Trustee has established new procedures for telephonic section 341 meetings. See notice for details. Amendment to Interim Rule 1020 as necessitated by the CARES Act. See general order 20-06

Wisconsin

• Eastern district: Effective March 23, 2020, through and including at least May 1, 2020, the courthouse in Milwaukee is closed to the public.  Pro se debtors may file by e-mail.  See general order re filing by e-mail for details. Beginning March 17, 2020 the court will conduct all hearings telephonically absent specific order to the contrary.  All testimony may be taken by telephone or video.  Any hearing which cannot be reduced to telephone or video or not time sensitive will be continued until after May 1, 2020.  The court's pro se assistance desk will be closed indefinitely.  See general order regarding coronavirus for more information. The U.S. Trustee Program is extending the requirement that § 341 meetings be conducted only through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring in-person appearance to all cases filed through May 10, 2020. See notice and new notice for details. In an open letter to the Assistant U.S. Trustee, the Chief Bankruptcy Judge clarifies the temporary waiver of the "wet signature" requirement and explains that counsel does NOT need to have the signed original document in hand before filing the document.  Instead, counsel must only be able to represent that the debtor has signed the document before it is electronically filed and debtor must bring originals to the meeting of creditors. Please see the court's COVID-19 page for additional info related to operations. Hearings will be conducted either by teleconference or videoconference through July 1, 2020. See general order 20-11.
• Western district:  As of March 19, 2020, the court remains open to the public, subject to visitor limitations.  Paper documents will not be accepted in-person and can be filed using the dropbox in the courthouse lobby.  "Wet signature" requirements are suspended until August 30, 2020. See general order 2020-3, general order 2020-5, general order 2020-6 and general order 2020-7 for details.  The clerk’s office in both Madison and Eau Claire are closed to the public. Effective March 27, 2020, requests for refund checks or fees will be paid electronically when possible. See general order 2020-2 for details.   Effective March 24, 2020, all 341 meetings will be conducted telephonically. See announcement for more information.  Interim Rule 1020 amended as required by the CARES Act. See general order 2020-04. See General Order 2020-08 for rules related to CARES Act mortgage forbearance. 

Wyoming

• District of Wyoming: On March 16, 2020, visitor restrictions imposed.  See general order no. 20-02 for details. The court is conducting all hearings by telephone but access to the public is provided by contacting the clerk's office.  See  Notice.  Effective March 19, Section 341 meetings will be held by Skype. See notice re 341 meetings for details. 

Washington, D.C.

• District of Columbia:  The court indefinitely postponed all bankruptcy proceedings scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 17, 2020 unless the presiding judge of the case orders otherwise.  In person access to the clerk's office is restricted. See standing order no. 20-9 for details.  Entry to the courthouse is restricted to court staff and visitors with official court business.  Notice re Restricted Access to Courthouse

Last updated March 31, 2020

Puerto Rico

• District of Puerto Rico:  Court staff will be working remotely.  See general order 20-03. Until further notice,  the court suspends the requirement an attorney obtain a debtor's original signature before filing certain documents electronically.  See General Order 20-08.  The automatic stay in the scheduled 362 hearings will remain in full force and effect.  The intake area for the bankruptcy clerk's office will be closed until September 9, 2020. Status of hearings scheduled during this period will be notified on a case by case basis. See notice 20-08, notice 20-09 and notice 20-13 for details.   Effective March 26, 2020, the deadlines under Bankruptcy Rule 2003(c) for holding § 341 meetings are extended and will be recalculated from the rescheduled first meeting date.  See general order 20-05 for details.  Any non-attorney who needs to file documents who cannot do so by timely mailing the documents to the Clerk’s office, must make advance arrangements for the filing by contacting the Clerk’s office at (787 977-6000) or  emergencyfilings@prb.uscourts.gov. The court made changes to local rules necessitated by the CARES Act. See General Order 20-07 and General Order 20-09. See Notice 20-12 for updated procedures for remote appearances. A weekly calendar of Court’s hearings held remotely via Skype for Business will be posted on Website with the links for the hearings set for each one of the judges of the court. See Notice 20-15.

Guam

• District of Guam: Courthouse closed to the public until April 13, 2020.  See general order no. 20.0012 and General Order 20-0014  for details.  The bankruptcy trustee reset all meetings of creditors set between March 16, 2020 and April 10, 2020 in all divisions of the court.  See general order 20-00010 for details.  Visitor restrictions imposed.  See general order 20-0009 and general order 20-0012 for details.  Check site for more information.