Guidelines for Upcoming §341(a) Meetings of Creditors

• §341(a) Meetings of Creditors are conducted via Zoom videoconference. Debtors are required to appear on camera.
• Zoom notice is included with the Court Notice of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case (form 309).
• The Chapter 13 Trustee may file a separate Zoom notice prior to the meeting with an updated time.
• Required documents such as picture ID, evidence of social security number, and proof of plan payment should be uploaded to our Bankruptcy Documents Portal at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.
• For more information on the process, please download our Videoconferencing Notice.
• The above §341(a) guidelines supersede any conflicting information published by any other entities.

Guidelines for Upcoming Confirmation Hearings

• Confirmation hearings are currently held remotely via ZoomGov and in person depending on the judge. More information on ZoomGov can be found on the Court’s website.
• See the Judge’s tentative rulings calendar for the specific hearing date for current appearance information and ZoomGov links.
• Debtor attorneys must check in with the assigned Chapter 13 staff attorney by e-mail no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled confirmation hearings.
  • For Judge Martin R. Barash cases: Renee Blume
  • For Judge Victoria Kaufman and Judge Ronald A Clifford III cases: Melissa Besecker

Guidelines for Email Check–in

• All “check-ins” must be done by e-mail at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.
• Per the court’s published policy, all evidence or information regarding payments must be emailed at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.
• Use the TFS Bill Pay service for payments.
• Mortgage declarations must be filed with the court in advance.
• All other documents must be filed with the court or uploaded using the Trustee’s Bankruptcy Documents Portal.

Debtor Plan Payments / Pending Trustee’s Motions to Dismiss due to Delinquent Plan Payments

• Debtors are strongly encouraged to make plan payments as they come due. Circumstances may prevent some debtors from making payments. Please contact your attorney to discuss any available deferment options.
• If debtors experience a reduction in income, debtor attorneys are to email Renee Blume (for Judge Maureen Tighe and Judge Martin R. Barash cases) or Melissa Besecker (for Judge Victoria Kaufman or Judge Ronald A Clifford III cases). Evidence of reduced income must accompany any motion to modify or stipulation to reduce or suspend any plan payments.

Tax Refunds

• If your plan percent to unsecured creditors is less than 100%, tax refunds (less $500 per year) must be turned over to the Trustee. Please refer to your confirmation order for specific information. Upload tax returns documents using our Bankruptcy Documents Portal.

Staff Contacts

• Claims: Ellen Latsch
• General Issues and Trustee Motions to Dismiss: Gisele Dorsey

This page will be updated any time additional information is available.