U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Louisiana

General Frequent Questions

How do I make an emergency filing after hours? <back to top of page>
Our electronic filing system is available for filing at all times, except on rare occasions when maintenance is being performed. Support on electronic filing is available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling our help line at (504) 589-7878.

To make arrangements to file an emergency pleading after hours (e.g., an emergency pleading to stop a sheriff’s sale or a notice of appeal), please contact the Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If arrangements cannot be made during business hours and it is after hours, IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY, dial (504) 202-5176. Although we will make every effort, we cannot guarantee that this number will be answered at all times. Therefore, it is very important that if you anticipate the need for an emergency filing, you must make arrangements for an after hours filing with the Clerk’s Office during business hours by calling (504) 589-7878.

What is required to file an "emergency" petition? <back to top of page>
To file an Emergency Petition, the following must accompany the petition (Form B 1):

  1. Names and addresses of creditors
  2.  Statement of Social Security Number (Form B 21)
  3. Exhibit D (Form B 1D)
  4. Notice to debtor by “bankruptcy petition preparer”, if applicable (Form B 19)
  5. Statement disclosing compensation paid or to be paid to a “bankruptcy petition preparer”, if
    applicable (Form B 19)
  6. List of creditors holding the 20 largest unsecured claims, if applicable (chapter 11) (Form B 4)
  7. Separately uploaded creditor matrix
  8. Filing fee, or:
    1. An individual in a voluntary case may file an Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installment if the debtor is unable to pay the filing fee except in installments (Form B 3A)
    2. Application for Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee for Individuals Who Cannot Pay the Filing Fee in Full or in Installments (Form B 3B)

What are the current filing fees? <back to top of page>
Please see Fee Schedule under Fees.

Can I file a pleading by fax?  <back to top of page>
No. We do not accept fax filings.

How do I get a transcript?  <back to top of page>
Please see Court Transcript Procedures under Procedures.

What are the Federal Holidays?  <back to top of page>
Please see Federal Holidays under Court Info.

How do I register for PACER?  <back to top of page>
Please see PACER Facts under Case Information.

To whom do we make our checks payable?  <back to top of page>
Checks are to made payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court

I want a listing of your unclaimed funds account. Where can I obtain it?   <back to top of page>
We have no listing of unclaimed funds available for the public. You may sign up with PACER and then research each case for unclaimed fund deposits. They are docketed listing the creditor/debtor to whom the funds are due.

I found out that there is money in my bankruptcy case for me and I want to withdraw it. What do I need to do?   <back to top of page>
To withdraw funds from the unclaimed fund account, you will need the following:

  1. Motion and Order for the payment of unclaimed funds.
  2. Photocopy of your current driver’s license, or other government issued identification containing photograph and current address
  3. In the event of death of the claimant, the heir must provide a death certificate and proof of entitlement to the funds.
  4. A certificate of service showing that a copy of the motion was sent to the United States Attorney, Hale Boggs Bldg., 500 Poydras, New Orleans, LA 70130.

How do I go about requesting a disbursement of registry funds?   <back to top of page>
A motion and order need to be submitted to the Court. See Rule 7067-1 C and D, of the Local Rules for a full explanation of the requirements to withdraw funds from the Court.

The judge signed an order for the distribution of registry funds today. Can I get the funds this afternoon?   <back to top of page>
No. Prior to the disbursement of funds, there is a minimum 10 day waiting period for the appeals process.

How do out-of-district attorneys who already have a CM/ECF password for their district get a password for this district?   <back to top of page>
Attorneys who have a CM/ECF password in another district may complete and submit to us an Application for Attorney Password that includes the bankruptcy court where training has already taken place.

Is credit counseling required in the Eastern District of Louisiana?   <back to top of page>
The credit counseling requirement in this district remains waived by the U.S. Trustee Program.

How do I reschedule my 341 meeting?   <back to top of page>
Procedure for Requesting U.S. Trustee to Reschedule §341 Meeting