U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT (2026)
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U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
Administrative Guide for
Attorney’s Staff
Revised March 19, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Adversarial Complaints
Page 3
Amended Chapter 13 Plan and Amended Chapter 12 Plan
Page 5
Amended Schedules
Page 6
Application to Compromise Controversy
Page 8
Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay
Page 9
Motion to Avoid Lien
Page 12
Motion to Convert Chapter 13 Petition to Chapter 7
Page 13
Motion to Deconsolidate
Page 14
Motion to Terminate Garnishment
Page 15
New Bankruptcy Cases
Page 16
Motion to Sell
Page 19
Motion to Extend Automatic Stay
Page 21
Objection to Claim in a Chapter 13
Page 22
General Information
Page 24
Section-by-Section Comparison Chart (Revision History)
Page 25
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ADVERSARIAL COMPLAINTS
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Adversarial complaint. The electronically filed
document shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe. Note:
Exhibits (e.g., leases, promissory notes, mortgages, titles) may be filed electronically in accordance
with this Court’s Electronic Filing Rules found at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. A Summary of
Exhibits may be filed electronically, in lieu of filing the actual exhibits, in accordance with this
Court’s Electronic Filing Rules found at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. The Summary of Exhibits
shall be filed electronically as the last page of the complaint, if applicable. If a Summary of Exhibits
is filed, the exhibits shall be served on interested parties and a certificate of service reflecting service
of the exhibits shall appear on the Summary of Exhibits. Any Exhibit that is filed with the Court
shall comply with the privacy protection requirements set forth in Bankruptcy Rule 9037. The
Summary of Exhibits is available from the Forms Library web page.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Not applicable.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: Not Required.
PROPOSED ORDER: None.
FILING FEE: $350.00. No fee is required if plaintiff is the chapter 7, 12 or 13 debtor. The filer
will be prompted to pay the filing fee online by entering their credit card information. After
submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will be paid via the Internet directly to the U.S.
Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the receipt number will be docketed in the case
immediately.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The adversarial complaint PDF document is filed under Adversary
Event of Open an AP Case. When filing the adversary, the filer is prompted with the following
question: “Is plaintiff the Chapter 7, 12 or 13 debtor, Trustee, or U.S. Government?” If
applicable, enter a lowercase “y”. If the plaintiff is not a Chapter 7, 12 or 13 debtor, Trustee or U.S.
Government party enter a lower case “n”.
Upon opening a new adversary case, the summons will automatically be docketed as
document #2 and the deadline to file answer(s) will be set automatically. The electronic summons
will be in PDF format and the user can click the link to save or print the summons. The filer of the
adversary case will receive an e-mail notification of the filing. The e-mail notification contains the
“one free look” to the summons.
NOTE: Bankruptcy Rule 7007.1 requires any corporation that is a party to an adversarial
proceeding, other than a governmental unit, to file, with its first appearance, pleading, motion,
response or other request addressed to the court, a corporate ownership statement. This statement
identifies those corporations that directly or indirectly own 10% or more of any class of the
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corporation's equity interests. If there are no such entities to report, the statement must so indicate.
If the debtor is the corporation, the corporate ownership statement must be filed in the bankruptcy
case and is not required to be filed again in the adversarial proceeding. A sample corporate
ownership statement is available from the Forms Library web page.
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AMENDED CHAPTER 13 PLAN
AND AMENDED CHAPTER 12 PLAN
DOCUMENTS FOR FILING: Amended plan, notice fixing time to object to amended plan and
certificate of service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s
name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on all creditors and parties in interest, allowing 21 days from the date
of filing for objections to be filed.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable. A hearing will be set by the Court if an objection is filed.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the amended plan
and notice have been mailed this date to all creditors and parties in interest as listed on debtor(s)
matrix; or you may list the name and address of each person/entity served. If the recipient is a
registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing
shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
In a chapter 13 case, if the claims bar date has expired, you have the option of mailing the
amendment and notice to the Trustee, all parties who have filed a claim or a request for service, all
secured creditors or as otherwise required by the Chapter 13 Procedures Manual. If this option is
selected, the certificate of service shall state that the amended plan and notice have been mailed this
date to the Trustee, all parties who have filed a claim or a request for service, and all secured
creditors; or list the name and address of each person/entity served.
A list of claimants can be obtained from PACER. Information on PACER can be obtained
by accessing the Court’s Internet web site at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov and selecting the Pacer
Information.
PROPOSED ORDER: None.
FILING FEE: None.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The amended chapter 13 plan and certificate of service PDF document is
filed under Bankruptcy Event of Plan, then Amended Chapter 13 Plan after Act of 2005. Create the
deadline for objections when docketing this entry.
An amended chapter 12 plan PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Plan, then
Amended Chapter12 Plan. The notice with certificate of service PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Notices, then Notice Fixing Time Obj 12 Plan.
When filing the applicable amended plan, the filer must select if the plan is being filed before
or after confirmation.
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AMENDED SCHEDULES
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Amended schedule, signed declaration and certificate
of service. An amended schedule D, E, F, E/F and/or amended matrix shall include only the names
and addresses that have been newly added, or for which information has changed. If the debtor is
deleting a creditor, the debtor must so state. The creditor information for the additional creditors
must be uploaded at the time of filing the amended document. When amending the matrix, the debtor
must file a signed verification of matrix.
The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in
full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Not applicable.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the amended
schedule, declaration and/or the amended matrix has been mailed this date to the Trustee and on any
entity affected thereby, listing the name and address of each person/entity served. If the recipient is
a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing
shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail. Note: When the amendment
adds creditors, the debtor must also serve, on any newly added creditor, a copy of the last issued
notice of commencement of case, and in any asset case, a proof of claim form and notice of the
claims bar date. In chapter 13 cases, the debtor must also serve a copy of the current chapter 13 plan
on every newly added creditor included in the amended document. The certificate of service must
list the documents served.
PROPOSED ORDER: None.
FILING FEE: $34.00 per amended schedule D, E, F and E/F (unless the amendment is to change
the address of a creditor or an attorney for a creditor listed on the schedules or to add the name and
address of an attorney for a listed creditor). The filer will be prompted to pay the filing fee online by
entering their credit card information. After submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will
be paid via the Internet directly to the U.S. Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the
receipt number will be docketed in the case immediately.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The amended schedule D, E, F or E/F, declaration, amended matrix,
verification thereof, and certificate of service PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of
Other, then Amended Schedules (D, E, F, and E/F)(Fee). Each amended schedule D, schedule E,
schedule F and schedule E/F must be filed separately in CM/ECF. Additional creditors matrix
should be uploaded under Bankruptcy Event of Creditor Maintenance, Upload a Creditor Matrix
File. The amended matrix, with only the additional creditor(s) listed, must be saved in ASCII text
format (a .txt file) before uploading. If the amended schedule D, E, F or E/F does not require a
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filing fee, it should be filed under Bankruptcy Event of Other, then Amended Schedules (D, E, F and
E/F)(No Fee).
Note: Any other amended schedule not requiring a filing fee must be filed under Bankruptcy Event
of Other, then the specific schedule event. Each schedule event will prompt filer to select if schedule
is amended. The PDF attached to each entry should only contain the corresponding amended
schedule, along with the appropriate related documents, i.e., signed declaration, certificate of service.
ADDITIONAL FILING NOTES: When filing any of the following amended schedules or
statements, the event will prompt for the entry of statistical data, which is required pursuant to the
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA):
Schedule - Summary of Schedules (Old Form)
Schedule – Summary of Assets and Liabilities
Schedule - Statistical Summary of Certain Liabilities (Old Form)
Schedule A (Old Form)
Schedule A/B
Schedule B (Old Form)
Schedule D
Schedule E (Old Form)
Schedule E/F
Schedule F (Old Form)
Schedule I
Schedule J
Chapter 7 Statement of Monthly Income 22A-1 (Old Form)
Chapter 7 Statement of Monthly Income 122A-1
Chapter 11 Statement of Current Monthly Income 22B (Old Form)
Chapter 11 Statement of Monthly Income Form 122B
Chapter 13 Statement of Monthly Income 22C-1 (Old Form)
Chapter 13 Statement of Monthly Income 122C-1
(Old Form) – Forms dated prior to 12/1/2015.
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APPLICATION TO COMPROMISE
CONTROVERSY
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Application to compromise controversy, notice of
application and certificate of service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature
with the party’s name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on all creditors and parties in interest allowing 21 days from the date
of filing for objections to be filed.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable. A hearing will be set by the Court if an objection is filed.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the application and
notice have been mailed this date to all creditors and parties in interest as listed on debtor(s) matrix;
or the name and address of each person/entity served may be listed. If the recipient is a registered
attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the
equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: A proposed order shall be submitted when an application to compromise
controversy is electronically filed. Proposed orders are submitted via e-mail to
ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 3 after the year or to
BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders
are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE: None.
ELECTRONIC FILING: If filing in a bankruptcy case, the application to compromise controversy
PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Compromise
Controversy. The notice of application with certificate of service PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Notices, then Notice of Motion.
If filing in an adversary case, the application to compromise controversy PDF document is
filed under Adversary Event of Motions, then Compromise Controversy. The notice of application
with certificate of service PDF document is filed under Adversary Event of Notices, then Notice of
Motion. In the event the settlement affects estate property, the movant shall also file a copy of the
motion and notice in the bankruptcy case.
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MOTION FOR RELIEF FROM
THE AUTOMATIC STAY
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion for relief from the automatic stay, notice of
motion and certificate of service. See this Court’s Local Rules for required content of motions
for relief from the automatic stay. In a case filed under any chapter in which the movant is
filing a motion for relief from stay to foreclose on collateral, the movant shall attach to the
motion a separate statement that (1) lists any other entity/party that may have a legal or
equitable interest in the property which is the subject of the motion; or (2) states that to the
best of the movant’s knowledge, information and belief, there are no such other
entities/parties. Failure by the movant to include this statement will result in the motion for
relief from stay being stricken as deficient by the Court. See this Court’s Local Rules for
further requirements. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s
name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
Multiple pleadings are not accepted. A motion for relief from stay must be filed as a separate
pleading, except the motion may also include a request for abandonment or adequate protection, as
well as a request for relief from the co-debtor stay.
Note: Exhibits (e.g., leases, promissory notes, mortgages, titles) may be filed electronically
in accordance with this Court’s Electronic Filing Rules found at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. A
Summary of Exhibits may be filed electronically, in lieu of filing the actual exhibits, in accordance
with this Court’s Electronic Filing Rules found at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. The Summary of
Exhibits shall be filed electronically as the last page of the motion, if applicable. If a Summary of
Exhibits is filed, the exhibits shall be served on interested parties and a certificate of service
reflecting service of the exhibits shall appear on the Summary of Exhibits. Any Exhibit that is filed
with the Court shall comply with the privacy protection requirements set forth in Bankruptcy Rule
9037. The Summary of Exhibits is available from the Forms Library web page.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Notice of Motion allowing 14 days from the date of filing for objections to be
filed, and containing preliminary hearing information in the event an objection is filed.
NOTE: A “Notice of Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay” shall comply with the form found on
the Forms Library web page at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov.
HEARING DATE: The preliminary hearing date may be obtained for a motion for relief from stay
by accessing the Court’s Internet web site at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. Be sure to select a
hearing date that will be held within 30 days from the motion filing date.
You may also obtain a preliminary hearing date by calling the Clerk’s office. The number to
call for cases starting with a 3 after the year is (618) 482-9400. The number to call for cases starting
with a 4 or 6 after the year is (618) 435-2200. The following information will be needed when
calling for a preliminary hearing date:
the bankruptcy case number
the date that the motion and notice will be electronically filed and mailed
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TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the motion for relief
from automatic stay and notice of motion have been mailed this date to all respondents/interested
parties by listing the name and address of each person/entity served. If relief from stay and
abandonment, service must be made to all creditors and respondents/interested parties. If the
recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of
Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: Submit a proposed order for relief from the co-debtor stay, relief from stay
and co-debtor stay, or if submitting an order that is agreed or consented to. The proposed order must
be submitted at the time of filing one of the above-mentioned motions. Proposed orders are
submitted via e-mail to ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 3 after the year or to
BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders
are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE: $199.00. The filer will be prompted to pay the filing fee online by entering their
credit card information. After submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will be paid via
the Internet directly to the U.S. Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the receipt
number will be docketed in the case immediately.
Exceptions to the filing fee are as follows:
(1) Federal Agencies, RTC, Child Support Creditor or its representative (must have
child support creditor affidavit). This Court has waived the filing fee with regard to
St. Clair County on behalf of their taxing agency - a separate motion requesting that
the fee be waived must be filed and ruled on prior to filing the motion and notice
for relief from stay.
(2) Motion for Relief from Co-Debtor Stay. (Motions which include relief from
the debtor stay will require the filing fee paid).
(3) Stipulation/Agreement for Relief from the Automatic Stay.
(4) Motion is an Amended Motion. This must actually be an amended motion.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion for relief from stay PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy
Event of Motions/Applications, then Relief from Stay. If the motion also contains a request for
abandonment or the alternative relief of adequate protection, the motion is required to be filed as a
multi-part motion. For example, if the motion contains a request for abandonment, both the “Relief
from Stay” and “Abandonment” options are selected from the menu. This is done by selecting first
the option “Abandonment” and while holding down the control key, selecting “Relief from Stay”.
For further assistance docketing multi-part motions, see the electronic learning module for Motions
located within the CM/ECF Users’ Manual or by accessing the Court’s Internet web site at
http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov and selecting CM/ECF, then Training.
When filing a motion for relief from stay, the filer will be presented with the following
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statement: “If your motion meets any of the following criteria, please answer “Y” otherwise
answer “N”. Relief from Co-Debtor Stay ONLY, Child Support Creditor, filer is the US
Government or the motion is AMENDED, AGREED or CONSENTED.” If answered with a
“Y”, there is no filing fee due for this motion. If answered “N”, the filer will be prompted to pay the
filing fee online.
The notice of motion with certificate of service PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy
Event of Notices, then Notice of Motion.
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MOTION TO AVOID LIEN
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to avoid lien, notice of motion and certificate
of service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed
in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on parties in interest allowing 21 days from the date of filing for
objections to be filed.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable. A hearing will be set by the Court if an objection is filed.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the motion to avoid
lien and notice of motion have been mailed this date to the parties in interest by listing the name and
address of each person/entity served. If the recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the
CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the
documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: None
FILING FEE: None
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion to avoid lien PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy
Event of Motions/Applications, then Avoid Lien. If this is a motion to avoid lien on household goods
under §522(f)(1)(B)(i), the PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications,
then Avoid Lien on Household Goods. The notice of motion with certificate of service PDF
document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Notices, then Notice of Motion.
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MOTION TO CONVERT CHAPTER 13 PETITION
TO CHAPTER 7
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to convert to chapter 7 and certificate of
service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in
full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Not applicable.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable. A hearing will be set by the Court if required.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the motion to convert
has been mailed this date to parties in interest by listing the name and address of each person/entity
served. If the recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the
Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: None.
FILING FEE: $25.00. The filer will be prompted to pay the filing fee online by entering their
credit card information. After submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will be paid via
the Internet directly to the U.S. Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the receipt
number will be docketed in the case immediately.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion to convert a chapter 13 petition to chapter 7 with certificate
of service PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Convert
Case 13 to 7.
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MOTION TO DECONSOLIDATE
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to deconsolidate and certificate of service.
The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in full, e.g.,
/s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Not applicable.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the motion to
deconsolidate has been mailed this date to the parties in interest by listing the name and address of
each person/entity served. If the recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System,
service of the Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first
class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: A proposed order shall be submitted when the motion to deconsolidate is
electronically filed. Proposed orders are submitted via e-mail to ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for
cases starting with a 3 after the year or to BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with
a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment
to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE:
Chapter 7 - $338.00
Chapter 13 - $313.00
Chapter 12 - $278.00
Chapter 11 - $1,738.00
The filer will be prompted to pay the filing fee online by entering their credit card information. After
submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will be paid via the Internet directly to the U.S.
Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the receipt number will be docketed in the case
immediately.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion to deconsolidate with certificate of service PDF document is
filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Deconsolidate Chapter 7 case,
Deconsolidate Chapter 13 case, Deconsolidate Chapter 12 case or Deconsolidate Chapter 11 case, as
appropriate.
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MOTION TO TERMINATE GARNISHMENT
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to terminate garnishment, notice of motion
and certificate of service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the
party’s name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on parties in interest allowing 21 days from the date of filing for
objections to be filed, and containing a hearing date, time and location in the event an objection is
filed.
HEARING DATE: To obtain a hearing date, call the Clerk’s office. The number to call for cases
starting with a 3 after the year is (618) 482-9400. The number to call for cases starting with a 4 or 6
after the year is (618) 435-2200. The following information will be needed when calling for the
hearing date:
the bankruptcy case number
the date that the motion and notice will be electronically filed and mailed
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the motion to
terminate garnishment and notice of motion have been mailed this date to the parties in interest by
listing the name and address of each person/entity served, including the judgment creditor and
debtor’s employer. If the recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System,
service of the Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first
class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: A proposed order shall be submitted when the motion to terminate
garnishment is electronically filed. Proposed orders are submitted via e-mail to
ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 3 after the year or to
BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders
are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE: None.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion to terminate garnishment PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Terminate Garnishment. The notice of motion with
certificate of service PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Notices, then Notice of
Motion.
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NEW BANKRUPTCY CASES
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Voluntary petition. The voluntary petition shall bear
a signature by the debtor(s) and the attorney for the debtor(s). The electronically filed documents
shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe. The minimum-filing
requirement is the voluntary petition and signature pages, the statement about your social security
numbers along with the creditors matrix being uploaded.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Not applicable.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable.
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: Not applicable. However, pursuant to this Court’s
Electronic Filing Rules, found at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov, in chapter 7 cases, within seven days
after the filing of the bankruptcy petition, debtor (if proceeding pro se) or counsel for debtor shall
serve a copy of the petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, and statement of your current
monthly income and means test calculation, if applicable, to the chapter 7 trustee. See the Court’s
website at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov to determine if the Trustee requires electronic or paper
submission.
PROPOSED ORDER: None.
FILING FEE: Chapter 7 - $338.00
Chapter 13 - $313.00
Chapter 12 - $278.00
Chapter 11 - $1,738.00
Chapter 15 - $1,738.00
Chapter 9 - $1,738.00
Chapter 11 Railroad - $1,571.00
Involuntary Chapter 7 - $338.00
Involuntary Chapter 11- $1,738.00
The filer will be prompted to pay the appropriate filing fee online by entering their credit
card information. After submitting the credit card information, the filing fee will be paid via the
Internet directly to the U.S. Treasury, a transaction receipt will be displayed, and the receipt number
will be docketed in the case immediately.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The voluntary petition and schedules PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Open a BK Case. The matrix .txt file (ASCII text format) is uploaded under
Bankruptcy Event of Creditor Maintenance, then Upload a Creditor Matrix File. Do not include the
debtor(s) or attorney for the debtor(s) on the creditor matrix.
The debtors’ statement about your social security numbers PDF document, Official Form
121, is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Other, then Statement of Social Security Number(s). The
Statement About Your Social Security Numbers form is available from the forms library web page.
If applicable, the chapter 13 plan PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Plan, then
Chapter 13 Plan.
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If the debtor is a corporation, other than a governmental unit, the corporate ownership
statement PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Other, then Corporate Ownership
Statement.
If the filing fee is to be paid in installments, the Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing
Fee in Installments PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then
Pay Filing Fee in Installments. Pursuant to F.R.B.P. 1006, only an individual debtor filing chapters
7, 11, 12 or 13 may pay the filing fee in installments. During case opening, the “Installment” fee
status must be selected.
If the chapter 7 debtor is filing an Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived, the
PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Waive Filing Fee
(IFP). During case opening, the “IFP filing fee waived” fee status must be selected.
The certificate of budget and credit counseling course PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Other, then Certificate of Credit Counseling. NOTE: If the individual debtor
has a debt repayment plan, it should be included in the certificate of credit counseling PDF.
If the petition indicates that the landlord has obtained an eviction judgment against the debtor
and the debtor wants to stay in their residence, the Initial Statement About an Eviction Judgment
Against You, Official Form 101A, must be filed with the petition. The PDF must include a copy of
the judgment for possession. The Initial Statement PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of
Other, then Initial Statement of Eviction Judgment (Form 101A). The rental deposit must be
submitted conventionally to the Clerk’s office in one of the following forms: certified or cashier’s
check or money order made payable to the lessor/landlord.
Once the bankruptcy case has been filed and the creditors have been uploaded, the filer
should run the Judge/Trustee assignment by clicking on Bankruptcy Event of Judge/Trustee Assign.
ADDITIONAL CASE FILING NOTES: When filing a chapter 7 case, be sure to select “no” from
the asset notice drop-down menu. If filing a chapter 11, 12, or 13 case, select “yes” from the asset
notice drop-down menu. The statistics screen will prompt the filer to indicate if there has been a
prior bankruptcy filing within the last 8 years.
When filing a chapter 7 case, case opening has been modified to include a Presumption
Arises drop-down menu for the selection of Yes or No. This information is taken from Form 122A1, Statement of Your Current Monthly Income and/or Form 122A-2, Means Test Calculation.
When filing a new petition, if the box to describe your business is marked “Health Care
Business” on the petition, be sure to select “Health Care Business” on the case opening statistical
screen. If filing a non-individual case, select the NAICS (North American Industry Classification
System) code from the drop-down menu.
If filing a chapter 11 case, be sure to indicate if the debtor is a small business as defined in
11 USC §101 (51D) on the case opening statistical screen by selecting either “Yes, and I do not
choose to proceed under Subchapter V of Chapter 11” or “Yes, and I choose to proceed under
Subchapter V of Chapter 11” from the small business drop-down menu. In addition, for chapter 11
non-individuals there are four checkboxes on the statistical screen that indicate if a plan is being
filed with the petition, if acceptances of the plan were solicited prepetition, if debtor is required to
file periodic reports with the SEC and if debtor is a shell company.
A “Summary of Assets and Liabilities and Certain Statistical Information” screen will be
displayed during case filing. Enter the appropriate totals from Schedules A/B, D, E/F, I, J, Form
17
122, and Form 106 Summary. Data supplied on this screen is checked against items checked on the
“Deficiency List”.
NOTE: If the debtor is filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy and the plan is not submitted at the time of
filing, the debtor or debtor’s attorney will be responsible for mailing the Chapter 13 Plan to all
creditors and parties in interest. When the plan is filed electronically, a certificate of service must be
included that states the plan has been mailed.
Schedules not filed at time of filing of Voluntary Petition are required to be filed individually
using the specific schedule event.
18
MOTION TO SELL
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to sell, notice of motion and certificate of
service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s name typed in
full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on all creditors and parties in interest allowing 21 days from the date
of filing for objections to be filed, allowing 21 days from the date of filing for higher bids for a
private sale, and containing hearing information in the event an objection is filed.
HEARING DATE: To obtain a hearing date, call the Clerk’s office. The number to call for cases
starting with a 3 after the year is (618) 482-9400. The number to call for cases starting with a 4 or 6
after the year is (618) 435-2200. The following information will be needed when calling for the
hearing date.
the bankruptcy case number
the date that the motion to sell and notice will be electronically filed and mailed
the auction date if it is a public sale
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate of service shall state that the motion
to sell and notice have been mailed this date to all creditors and parties in interest as listed on
debtor(s) matrix; or you may list the name and address of each person/entity served. If the recipient
is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing
shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDERS: A proposed order shall be submitted when the motion to sell is
electronically filed. Proposed orders are submitted via e-mail to ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for
cases starting with a 3 after the year or to BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with
a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment
to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE: If the motion is to sell property of the estate free and clear of liens under 11 U.S.C.
§363(f), $199.00.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The motion to sell PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of
Motions/Applications, then Sell. The entry will prompt filer to select if motion seeks to sell “Free
and Clear of Liens” or if sale is “Under Sec. 363(b), Rule 6004.”
The notice of motion to sell with certificate of service PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Notices, then Notice of Motion.
If the Trustee files a Notice of Intent to Sell, the notice of intent to sell must contain all
information as listed above. The PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of Trustee/US
Trustee, then Notice of Intent to Sell. No proposed order is required.
19
NOTE: The proposed sale or lease of personally identifiable information must include whether the
sale or lease is consistent with a policy prohibiting the transfer of the information. The motion must
include a request for an order directing the United States Trustee to appoint a consumer privacy
ombudsman.
20
MOTION TO EXTEND AUTOMATIC STAY
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Motion to Extend Automatic Stay (to be filed on
the court’s required form) and certificate of service. The electronically filed documents shall be
notarized and indicate a signature with the debtor(s)’ wet signature.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on all creditors and parties in interest allowing 14 days from the date
of filing for objections to be filed.
HEARING DATE: Not applicable (Do we allow Debtors to set hearing date?)
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate of service shall state that the motion
to Extend Automatic Stay has been mailed this date to all creditors and parties in interest as listed
on debtor(s) matrix; or you may list the name and address of each person/entity served. If the
recipient is a registered attorney/participant in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of
Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service of the documents by first class mail.
PROPOSED ORDERS: Not applicable
FILING FEE: Not applicable
ELECTRONIC FILING: The Motion to Extend Automatic Stay PDF document is filed under
Bankruptcy Event of Motions/Applications, then Extend Automatic Stay.
NOTE: All Motions to Extend Automatic Stay will be set for hearing upon filing. Motions that
are not filed with the petition will require the debtor to explain to the court in detail why the notice
provided to the creditors is sufficient for the court to consider granting the motion. Debtor(s) will
be required to appear in person at the hearing on any Motions to Extend Stay filed more than 7
days after the filing of the case. Timely filed Motions to Extend Automatic Stay that have no
objections filed, may have an order entered without further hearing, subject to Court review.
Errors on the Motions bring into question the accuracy and veracity of the Motions and the Debtor’s
verification. Therefore, should a hearing be held on the Motion, Debtor shall be required to bring in
documentary evidence of income and expenses, along with the presentation of any other evidence to
establish their burden under 11 U.S.C. § 362(c)(3)(C). Failure to put on such evidence may result in
the denial of the Motion.
21
OBJECTION TO CLAIM AND NOTICE OF
HEARING IN A CHAPTER 13 CASE
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILING: Objection to claim, notice of objection to claim and
certificate of service. The electronically filed documents shall indicate a signature with the party’s
name typed in full, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe.
TYPE OF NOTICE: Served on parties in interest allowing 30 days for responses and containing a
hearing date, time and location in the event a responsive pleading is filed.
NOTE: A “Notice of Objection to Claim” shall comply with the form found on the Forms Library
web page at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov.
HEARING DATE: The hearing date may be obtained for an objection to claim in a chapter 13 case
by accessing the Court’s Internet web site at http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov.
You may also obtain a hearing date by calling the Clerk’s office. The number to call for
cases starting with a 3 after the year is (618) 482-9400. The number to call for cases starting with a
4 or 6 after the year is (618) 435-2200. The following information will be needed when calling for
the hearing date:
the bankruptcy case number
the date that the objection to claim and notice will be electronically filed and mailed
TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE: The certificate shall state that the objection to
claim and notice have been mailed this date to parties in interest by listing the name and address of
each person/entity served. The claimant and/or attorney for claimant must be served using the exact
address appearing on the creditor’s proof of claim. If the recipient is a registered attorney/participant
in the CM/ECF System, service of the Notice of Electronic Filing shall be the equivalent of service
of the documents by first class mail. NOTE: In the event the objection is to the claim of a federal
government agency, the U.S. Attorney and the Attorney General of the United States must also be
served. In the event the objection is to the claim of an insured depository institution, service must be
by certified mail addressed to an officer of the institution, unless the institution has appeared by its
attorney, in which case the attorney shall be served by first-class mail.
PROPOSED ORDER: A proposed order shall be submitted when the objection to claim is
electronically filed. Proposed orders are submitted via e-mail to ESTLorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for
cases starting with a 3 after the year or to BENTONorders@ilsb.uscourts.gov for cases starting with
a 4 or 6 after the year. Proposed orders are to be in Word (.doc) format and saved as an attachment
to the e-mail message.
FILING FEE: None.
ELECTRONIC FILING: The objection to claim PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event
22
of Claim Actions, then Objection to Claim. When filing the objection, the filer is prompted with the
following question: “Is a request to determine the value of security included with the objection to
claim?” Select “Yes” or “No”.
The notice with certificate of service PDF document is filed under Bankruptcy Event of
Notices, then Notice of Hearing on Objection to Claim.
23
GENERAL INFORMATION
VOICE CASE INFORMATION SYSTEM: Information on cases can be obtained free of charge,
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by using the Voice Case Information System (VCIS).
The number for VCIS is 1-866-222-8029. Case information obtained from the clerk’s office requires
a written request along with a $34.00 search fee.
INTERNET WEB SITE: The Internet web site for the Southern District of Illinois is
http://www.ilsb.uscourts.gov. The following information can be found on the web site:
Filing Fees
Local Rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Chapter 13 Procedures Manual
Court Addresses/Phone Numbers
Forms
Court Announcements
VCIS Instructions
PACER Instructions
Hearing Dates
Hearing Calendars
Administrative and General Orders
Credit Card Payment Information
Opinions
ILSB FAQ’s
Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing (EBN) Information
PACER Case Locator (PCL)
National Creditor Registration Services (NCRS)
Unclaimed Funds
Electronic Proof of Claim (ePOC) Program
Debtor(s) Services:
UST to Maintain List of Counseling and Education Providers
Bankruptcy Overview
Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP)
Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing (DeBN)
Debtor FAQ’s
Electronic Case Filing Information including:
General Information
CM/ECF Registration and Training Information
Live Database
Test Database
24
If you have comments or suggestions regarding the web site, please e-mail us at
ilsbwebmaster@ilsb.uscourts.gov.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT’S ELECTRONIC RECORDS (PACER): Information on
PACER can be obtained by accessing the Court’s Internet Web Site and then the PACER
Information.
COURT ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Melvin Price Federal Courthouse
750 Missouri Ave
East St. Louis, IL 62201
(618) 482-9400
United States Bankruptcy Court
Federal Courthouse
301 West Main Street
Benton, IL 62812
(618) 435-2200
COURT HEARING LOCATIONS:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Melvin Price Federal Courthouse
750 Missouri Ave
East St. Louis, IL 62201
United States Bankruptcy Court
Federal Courthouse
301 West Main Street
Benton, IL 62812
25
Section-by-Section Comparison Chart
Change Code:
R = revised
D = deleted
A = addition
Type of Change Date of Change
New or Revised
Section(s)
Motion to Extend Automatic
Stay
Reason for Change
R
3/19/2026
A
7/1/2025
Motion to Extend Automatic
Stay
R
12/1/2023
Amended Schedules; Motion for
Relief from the Automatic Stay;
Motion to Sell, General
Information
R
12/1/2023
General Information
Revised listing of information
available on website.
R
12/1/2020
Amended Schedules; Motion for
Relief from the Automatic Stay;
Motion to Deconsolidate; New
Bankruptcy Cases; Motion to
Sell; General
Information
Revision to reflect filing fees
effective December 1, 2020.
R
12/1/2020
New Bankruptcy Cases
Revision to small business
dropdown due to Subchapter V.
R
12/1/2017
New Bankruptcy Cases; Objection Revision due to changes in the
to Claim
Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedure effective December 1,
2017.
R
12/1/2016
Amended Schedules; Motion for
Relief from the Automatic Stay;
Motion to Sell; General
Information
Revision to reflect filing fees
effective December 1, 2016.
R
12/1/2015
Amended Schedules; New
Bankruptcy Cases
Revision due to Official Form
changes effective December 1,
2015.
26
Revision is to include additional
information regarding the
requirement to bring documentary
evidence to court hearings.
Addition requested per Judge
Lopinot along with introduction of
new form motion.
Revision to reflect filing fees
effective December 1, 2023.
R
12/1/2015
General Information
R
12/1/2014
Amended Schedules; New
Bankruptcy Cases
R
6/1/2014
Adversarial Complaints; Motion
to
Deconsolidate; New
Bankruptcy Cases
Motion to Sell
R
12/1/2013
R
11/21/2012
R/D
11/21/2012
R
6/1/2012
R
6/1/2012
Application to
Compromise
Controversy
R
6/1/2012
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
6/1/2012
New Bankruptcy Cases
Motion to
Deconsolidate; New
Bankruptcy Cases
Application to
Compromise
Controversy; Motion for
Relief from the
Automatic Stay; Motion
to Deconsolidate;
Motion to Terminate
Garnishment;
Application to Sell;
Objection to Claim and
Notice of Hearing in a
Chapter 13 Case
Amended Schedules
27
Revised listing of information
available on
website.
Revision due to Official Form
changes effective December 1,
2014.
Change made to reflect filing fees
effective June
1, 2014
Change made to reflect
filing fee effective
December 1, 2013.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
November 21, 2012.
Revision due to no
longer accepting
proposed orders in
WordPerfect format.
Effective November 1,
2012, proposed orders
must be submitted in
Microsoft Word (.doc)
format.
Revised information
regarding documents
required for filing and
service due to new Local
Rules effective June 1,
2012.
Revised electronic filing
information due to new
Local Rules effective
June 1, 2012.
Revised information
regarding documents
required for filing and
service due to new Local
Rules effective June 1,
2012.
Revised information
regarding service and
payment of filing fee in
installments due to new
Local Rules effective
June 1, 2012.
R
6/1/2012
Application to
Compromise
Controversy; Motion for
Relief from the
Automatic Stay; Motion
to Deconsolidate;
Motion to Terminate
Garnishment;
Application to Sell;
D
5/11/2012
Objection to Claim and
Notice of Hearing in a
Chapter 13 Case
General Information
R
11/28/2011
Adversarial Complaints
R
11/1/2011
R
11/1/2011
Adversarial Complaints;
Amended Schedules;
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay;
Motion to
Deconsolidate; New
Bankruptcy Cases
Adversarial Complaints
and Motion for Relief
from the Automatic Stay
R
11/1/2011
Amended Chapter 13
Plan and Amended
Chapter 12 Plan
R/D
11/1/2011
R
11/1/2011
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay and
Objection to Claim and
Notice of Hearing in a
Chapter 13 Case
New Bankruptcy Cases
28
Revised information
regarding proposed
orders, due to change
effective November 1,
2012, proposed orders
will no longer be
accepted in WordPerfect
format.
Deleted the local VCIS
number.
Revised information
regarding the electronic
summons.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
11/1/2011.
Revised information
regarding the filing of
exhibits to reference the
Court’s Electronic Filing
Rules.
Revised to update the
certificate of service
section regarding service
of amended 13 plans
after the claims bar date
has expired.
Deleted sample notices
and revised note to
indicate forms available
on Court’s web site.
Revised the Certificate
of Service section to
reflect service in
accordance with the
Court’s Electronic Filing
Rules.
R/A
11/1/2011
General Information
R/A
5/16/2011
General Information
R
12/1/09
Adversarial Complaints;
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
12/1/09
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
12/1/09
R
12/1/09
Amended Chapter 13
Plan and Amended
Chapter 12 Plan;
Application to
Compromise
Controversy;
Motion to Avoid Lien;
Motion to Terminate
Garnishment
New Bankruptcy Cases
R
12/1/09
Application to Sell
A
12/1/09
General Information
29
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
11/1/2011 and to add
additional information
available on internet
web site.
Revised to change the
VCIS number and added
additional information
available on internet
web site.
Revised to change the
deadline to tender
exhibits from 5 to 7
days, due to the TimeComputation Project.
Revised to change the
deadline for objections
from 15 to 14 days, due
to the TimeComputation Project.
Also, revised training
material information for
multi-part motions.
Revised to change the
deadline for objections
from 20 to 21 days, due
to the TimeComputation Project.
Revised to change the
deadline for serving a
paper copy of petition to
Chapter 7 Trustee from
5 to 7 days, due to the
Time-Computation
Project.
Revised to change the
deadline for objections
and higher bids from 20
to 21 days, due to the
Time-Computation
Project.
Added additional
information available on
internet web site.
R
10/1/08
General Information
R
10/1/08
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
10/1/08
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay and
Adversarial Complaints
R
10/1/08
Motion to Deconsolidate
D
12/14/07
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
12/14/07
New Bankruptcy Cases
R/D
12/14/07
General Information
R
12/28/06
Motion to Convert
Chapter 13 Petition to
Chapter 7
R
12/28/06
Motion to Deconsolidate
R
10/18/06
Amended Chapter 13
Plan and Amended
Chapter 12 Plan
30
Revised listing of
information available on
internet web site.
Revised information on
fee statement filer
receives when filing
motion and revised the
filing fee exception to
reflect motion to waive
fee must be filed and
ruled on prior to filing
motion.
Revised information
concerning the filing of
Exhibits pursuant to
General Order 08-4.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
10/1/08.
Deleted information on
fee question filer
received for filing
motion for relief and
abandonment due to
question being removed
from CM/ECF.
Revised reference to
statement of social
security number to
include individual
taxpayer-identification
number and modified
form names to match
official forms.
Revised listing of
information available on
internet web site.
Change made to reflect
filing fee effective
1/1/07 and revised event
name for electronic
filing.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
1/1/07.
Revised electronic filing
section to include the
prompt before or after
confirmation.
R
10/18/06
Amended Schedules
R
10/18/06
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
D
10/18/06
Motion for Relief from
the Automatic Stay
R
10/18/06
New Bankruptcy Cases
D
10/18/06
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/18/06
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/18/06
New Bankruptcy Cases
R
10/18/06
Application to Sell
D
10/18/06
General Information
R
4/4/2006
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/17/05
Adversarial Complaints
R
10/17/05
Amended Chapter 13
Plan and Amended
Chapter 12 Plan
R
10/17/05
Motion to Avoid Lien
31
Revised electronic filing
section to reflect ver 3.1
filing requirements.
Revised electronic filing
section to expand on
multi-part motion filing.
Deleted the requirement
to submit proposed
order on motions to
annul stay.
Revised documents
required for filing to
include Exhibit D(s).
Deleted information
regarding filing fees
increasing effective
4/9/06.
Added information
regarding the collection
of data from the
summary of schedules
and addition of new
checkboxes on the
statistics screen.
Added information
regarding schedules not
filed with the Voluntary
Petition
Revised electronic filing
section to include the
prompt for type of sale.
Deleted stale language
regarding opinions and
2005 Act information.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
4/9/06.
Information added
regarding Corporate
Ownership Statement
form.
Revised electronic filing
section as to amended
13 plans on 2005 Act
cases.
Revised electronic filing
section to include
motion to avoid lien on
household goods.
R
10/17/05
Motion to Deconsolidate
R
10/17/05
New Bankruptcy Cases
R
10/17/05
New Bankruptcy Cases
R
10/17/05
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/17/05
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/17/05
New Bankruptcy Cases
A
10/17/05
Application to Sell
R
10/17/05
Objection to Claim and
Notice of Hearing in a
Chapter 13 Case
A
10/17/05
General Information
32
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
10/17/05 and revised the
electronic filing section
as to deconsolidating a
chapter 7 and chapter 13
case (separate entries).
Modified documents
required for filing to
reflect 3 page voluntary
petition form.
Change made to reflect
filing fees effective
10/17/05 and added the
chapter 15 filing fee.
Revised information
concerning paying filing
fee in installments and
added information
concerning in forma
pauperis filing.
Added information
concerning filing
certificate of credit
counseling, debt
repayment plan, intent to
cure default and running
the Judge/Trustee
assignment.
Added information
concerning statistical
fields in case opening
including means check
box, health care business
and chapter 11 small
business.
Added information
concerning personally
identifiable property.
Revised certification of
service information in
the event objection to
claim is of a federal
government agency.
Added information
regarding 2005
Bankruptcy Act on
Court’s Internet Site.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.