Source: http://www.txwb.uscourts.gov/book/export/html/29
Timestamp: 2013-12-05 08:45:42
Document Index: 630995582

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1112', '§ 1112', '§ 521', '§ 521', '§ 521', '§ 342', '§ 1104', '§ 327', '§ 2042', '§ 1141', '§ 722', '§ 523', '§ 727', '§ 1452', '§ 1452', '§ 455']

L Rule 9999
L. Rule 1002. COMMENCEMENT OF CASE
All debtors, other than individuals, must be represented by counsel as of the date of commencement of a case with regard to all pleadings and hearings (including the bankruptcy petition itself). Petitions filed pro se by entities other than individuals may be dismissed sua sponte.
L. Rule 1004. PARTNERSHIP PETITIONS
If a partnership case is commenced by the filing of an involuntary petition by its partner(s) and an order for relief is entered by default, the petitioning partner(s) shall be responsible for timely filing the schedules and statements of affairs for the debtor entity. If schedules are not timely filed, the petition may be dismissed sua sponte.
L. Rule 1005. CAPTION OF PETITION
In addition to the requirements of Bankruptcy Rule 1005, the caption of the petition and all other pleadings and papers accompanying the petition shall include the division in which it is filed (Austin, El Paso, Midland, San Antonio, or Waco) and a space for the Clerk to insert the case number. The caption shall also include, under the space for the case number, the Chapter of Title 11 under which the petition is being filed. L. Rule 1007. LISTS, SCHEDULES AND STATEMENTS
L. Rule 1010. SERVICE OF INVOLUNTARY PETITIONS AND SUMMONS
If service of the summons is not filed by the petitioning entity within the time allowed by FRBP 7004, the Court may dismiss the case sua sponte.
L. Rule 1014. DISMISSAL AND CHANGE OF VENUE
Upon motion by any party-in-interest or upon the Court's own motion, the Court may, for cause, transfer venue to another division within the District.
L. Rule 1015. CONSOLIDATION OR JOINT ADMINISTRATION OF CASES PENDING IN SAME COURT
To request joint administration of two or more pending bankruptcy cases, a motion setting out the following shall be filed in each case:
(1) the name and case number of each case sought to be jointly administered;
(2) the proposed style and case number to be used on subsequent pleadings if joint administration is ordered;
(3) a summary of any administrative or scheduling orders previously entered in the affected cases which may require modification; and
(4) the need to propose amendments or consolidation of mailing lists in the affected cases for future noticing requirements.
(b) A motion to convert a case filed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112(a) shall state whether (1) the debtor is a debtor-in-possession, (2) whether the case was commenced by an involuntary petition, and (3) whether the case was previously converted to Chapter 11 other than on the debtor’s request.
(c) A motion to dismiss or to convert a case filed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112(b) must
comply with L. Rule 9014(e)(1).
(d) Section 521(i)(1) Dismissals
The Court will enter an order dismissing a case voluntarily filed by an individual debtor under Chapter 7 or 13 under § 521(i)(1) only upon motion of a creditor or party in interest. If no motion is filed, the case will be deemed not to have been dismissed. A motion seeking an order of dismissal under § 521(i)(1) must be filed no later than the 65th day after the date of filing of the case in order for the case to be deemed to have been dismissed effective on the 46th day after the date of filing of the petition. A motion filed later than the 65th day, if granted, will result in a dismissal effective the date of entry of the order dismissing the case. A motion filed pursuant to this Local Rule shall be served on the debtor, the trustee, the United States Trustee, and all creditors and parties in interest.
(e) Section 521(e)(2)(A) Dismissals
A party in interest seeking dismissal of a case for failure to comply with § 521(e)(2)(A) must do so by motion. Such motion must be served upon the trustee, the debtor, and the United States Trustee. L. Rule 1019. CONVERSION OF CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION CASE, CHAPTER 12 FAMILY FARMER'S DEBT ADJUSTMENT CASE, OR CHAPTER 13 INDIVIDUAL'S DEBT ADJUSTMENT CASE TO CHAPTER 7 LIQUIDATION CASE
Within fifteen (15) days of the effective date of conversion, the debtor shall file a supplemental schedule indicating any changes, by way of addition or deletion, to its creditor list, Schedules, and/or Statement of Financial Affairs, as may be applicable, or amend such items to reflect any changes, including but not limited to the inclusion of any property acquired or disposed of since the entry of the order for relief under the previous Chapter. If no amendments are necessary, debtor shall file a certificate to that effect within the fifteen (15) day period.
L. Rule 1020.1 COMPLEX CHAPTER 11 CASES
Procedures for the administration of complex Chapter 11 cases are governed by the Texas Procedures for Complex Chapter 11 Cases. A copy of the Procedures is attached to these Local Rules as Appendix L-1020.1 and is also available on the Court’s website.
L. Rule 2002. NOTICES TO CREDITORS, EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS, UNITED STATES, AND UNITED STATES TRUSTEE
(a) Returned Notices
Notices of the First Meeting of Creditors and Orders of Discharge which are undelivered shall be returned to the debtor or debtor's counsel. The debtor shall be responsible for re-serving such notices and is responsible for attempting to determine the correct address for each returned notice. The debtor shall file a certificate of service and file an amended creditor list with the Clerk, adding corrected addresses for the entities for whom notice was returned. If corrected addresses are unavailable, debtor or debtor’s counsel shall file an amended list of creditors with the Clerk, who is then authorized to remove from the mailing list on file any such address.
(b) Section 342(b) Notice to Individual Consumer Debtors
The notice required under 11 U.S.C. § 342(b) to given by the Clerk is hereby delegated, and it shall be debtor’s counsel’s responsibility to give such notice in cases where the debtor is represented by counsel prior to filing the petition commencing the bankruptcy case.
L. Rule 2007.1. APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE OR EXAMINER IN A CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION CASE
(a) If a request has been made for the election of a trustee in a Chapter 11 case, pursuant to § 1104(b), the United States Trustee shall schedule a meeting for the purposes of the election.
(a) By Whom Application Made
(b) Content of Application
(A) the date of the filing of the petition, the Chapter under which the petition was filed, and (if applicable) the date the case was converted and the Chapter under which the application is currently pending;
(B) the mailing address, telephone number, fax number and email address (if available) of the professional person to be employed;
(C) a disclosure of other persons in the same profession who are already or are also to be employed by the applicant, and an explanation of the reason an additional professional is required; and
(D) the verified statement required by FRBP Rule 2014.
(2) An application to employ any professional under 11 U.S.C. § 327, 1103, or 1114 shall include a copy of the contract setting forth the terms of compensation and, when applicable, the FRBP 2016(b) disclosure of compensation. This provision also applies to special counsel under any Chapter.
(c) Nunc Pro Tunc Application
An application filed within thirty (30) days of the professional's commencing services is deemed contemporaneous. Any later application is deemed nunc pro tunc and may be granted only for cause shown, and after notice and an opportunity for hearing.
An application to employ a professional person is a contested matter. The application or a summary of the application in the form of Appendix L-2014 must be served on entities pursuant to L. Rule 9013(c). The application may be granted by the Court without hearing. A party in interest who opposes an application for retention may file an objection within twenty (20) days of the date of service of the application summary, and such objection shall be set for hearing notwithstanding the Court's order granting the application to retain.
(e) Withdrawal and Substitution of Counsel
(1) Withdrawal from representation of, or substitution as, counsel for the debtor, an official creditors’ committee or the trustee must be done upon motion with notice pursuant to L. Rule 9013(c) and opportunity for hearing. Such motion may be filed with 20 day negative notice as provided in L. Rule 9014(a).
(2) Withdrawal from representation of, or substitution as, counsel for parties other than those set forth in subparagraph (1) immediately above may be accomplished by notice filed with the Clerk and served pursuant to L. Rule 9013(c).
(3) In Chapter 13 cases, the trustee shall terminate payments to former counsel for the debtor(s) upon entry of an order allowing withdrawal of counsel until such time as former counsel obtains Court approval of a final fee application.
L. Rule 2015. DUTY TO KEEP RECORDS, MAKE REPORTS, AND GIVE NOTICE OF CASE
(a) Maintenance and Disposition of Records
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court on notice and hearing, a debtor shall maintain all books and records until the entry of an order closing the case. A trustee who is in possession of books and records of the debtor may, on notice and hearing, destroy, abandon, store or return to the debtor all or a portion of those books and records. Such notice shall include a detailed description of the books and records and the objection period language as provided in L. Rule 9014(a). Notice shall be given to the United States Attorney, the United States Trustee, and the Special Procedures Office for the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to those persons otherwise entitled to notice under L. Rule 9013.
(b) Debtor's Duty to Report
In a Chapter 11 case, and in an operating Chapter 7 case, the debtor-in-possession or the trustee shall file a Monthly Operating Report, in the form prescribed by the United States Trustee. The Monthly Operating Report shall be filed on or before the 20th day of each month following the month the subject of the report until a plan is confirmed, or the case is converted or dismissed. A signed copy of the Monthly Operating Report shall be furnished to the United States Trustee. L. Rule 2016. COMPENSATION OF PROFESSIONALS
L. Rule 3002. FILING PROOF OF CLAIM OR INTEREST
(a) Service of Claim
A copy of every proof of claim or interest in all cases shall be served with any attachments on the debtor' s attorney (or on the debtor, if the debtor is pro se) and any trustee appointed in the case.
(b) Secured Proofs of Claim
A secured creditor (or the debtor) in Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 must file a proof of claim or interest for the claim or interest to be allowed. Such proof of claim must be filed within the time frame set forth in FRBP 3002(c).
(a) Bar Date for Proof of Claim or Interest in Notice of First Meeting
(b) Bar Date for Administrative Claims
The Court, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, may establish a bar date for filing an application for allowance and payment of an administrative claim, either on its own motion or on motion of a party in interest, filed pursuant to L. Rules 9013 and 9014. L. Rule 3007. OBJECTIONS TO CLAIM
Objections to claims are contested matters and may be made on negative notice as set forth in L. Rule 9014. If negative notice is not used or if a timely response to the objection is filed, a hearing on the objection will be set in accordance with FRBP 3007.
L. Rule 3011. UNCLAIMED FUNDS IN CHAPTER 7 LIQUIDATION, CHAPTER 12 FAMILY FARMER'S DEBT ADJUSTMENT, AND CHAPTER 13 INDIVIDUAL'S DEBT ADJUSTMENT CASES
(a) Procedure for Withdrawal of Unclaimed Funds.
An application for withdrawal of unclaimed funds shall contain the claimant's full name, address, telephone number, and social security number or employer identification number. Individual claimants not represented by an attorney must present photo identification or other appropriate positive identification credentials to the Clerk upon filing. Anyone filing an application on behalf of a claimant shall attach an original Power of Attorney showing the authority to represent the claimant in seeking disbursement of the unclaimed funds. Disbursement checks will always be made payable to the claimant only.
All applications to disburse unclaimed funds shall contain a certificate of service showing that notice has been given to the United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2042. L. Rule 3012. VALUATION OF SECURITY
All motions for valuation must be in a verified pleading or accompanied by an affidavit which discloses:
(a) the date of purchase and the purchase price of the item(s) sought to be valued;
(b) a description of the condition of the item(s);
(c) the movant's opinion of the value of the item(s); and
(d) the basis for that opinion.
L. Rule 3017. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IN CHAPTER 11 CASES
Upon motion and cause shown, the Court may use FRBP 3017.1, as amended by Interim Rule 3017.1, to conditionally approve a disclosure statement in any Chapter 11 case.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any objection to a disclosure statement shall be filed and served not less than three (3) days prior to the hearing on the disclosure statement. L. Rule 3018. ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF A PLAN IN CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION CASES
Except as provided by this Rule or order of the Court, no ballots shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court. The notice which is required by FRBP 3017(d) shall direct that all ballots be submitted to the plan proponent at a specified mailing address.
(b) Ballot Summary
For all confirmation hearings the plan proponent must prepare a written ballot summary in substantially the same form as Appendix L-3018-b. In addition to indicating how each class and each claimant voted, the original summary shall also have each original ballot attached. At the confirmation hearing the original ballot summary and one copy will be submitted to the Court for filing. The plan proponent shall make available upon request a copy of the ballot summary three (3) calendar days prior to the confirmation hearing to any party objecting to the confirmation of the plan and to the proponent of any competing plan and its counsel.
L. Rule 3022. FINAL DECREE IN CHAPTER 11 CASES
Motions requesting the entry of a final decree in Chapter 11 cases may be filed using the negative notice language set forth in L. Rule 9014(a). Such motions must be served as required under L. Rule 9013. L. Rule 3025. DISPOSITION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX REFUNDS IN CHAPTER 13 CASES
(4) If the Court grants a creditor’s request made pursuant to subparagraph (b)(3) of this Rule, then the debtor in responding to the order may redact such materials in accordance with subparagraph (a)(1) of this Rule, unless the Court orders otherwise. L. Rule 4004. GRANT OR DENIAL OF DISCHARGE
(2) If an objection to the entry of discharge, or a request to delay entry of discharge is timely filed, then no discharge will be entered until a hearing has been held under § 1141(d)(5)(C). If no such objection or request is timely filed, then a discharge may be entered without further hearing, unless the Court orders otherwise. L. Rule 5005. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR ELECTRONIC FILING
By standing order, the Court has adopted administrative procedures for electronic filing, which are posted on the Court’s website.
L. Rule 5011. WITHDRAWAL OF REFERENCE
A motion to withdraw the reference and any responses thereto shall be filed under the style and number of the bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding in which reference is sought to be withdrawn and shall be filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. The Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court will transmit the motion to withdraw the reference and timely filed responses to the District Court.
The motion shall list all pleadings which may be relevant to the Court's disposition of the motion, including docket entry numbers. The motion shall be accompanied by a form of order for entry by the District Court.
Any response or objection to a motion for withdrawal of the reference shall be filed within ten (10) days of the date of service.
L. Rule 6008. REDEMPTION OF PROPERTY FROM LIEN OR SALE
All motions seeking redemption of property under 11 U.S.C. § 722 must be verified or accompanied by an affidavit of the debtor which discloses:
(a) the purchase price of the item(s) sought to be valued;
(c) the movant's opinion of the value of the item(s);
(d) the basis for that opinion; and
(e) the last four (4) digits of the account number by which the creditor can identify the loan transaction.
L. Rule 7012. DEFENSES AND OBJECTIONS – WHEN AND HOW RESENTED – BY PLEADING OR MOTION – MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
A response to a motion under FRBP 7012 must be filed within 20 days of service of the motion. The Court may set the matter for hearing or may rule on the motion without a hearing.
L. Rule 7015. AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS
(a) Form; Attachments
Any motions to amend or to supplement pleadings must contain as an attachment a complete copy of the amended or supplemental pleading the movant proposes to file.
(b) Filing of Allowed Amendments
Once an order is entered which allows the amendment, the complete copy of the amended or supplemental pleading must be filed by the movant within ten (10) days of the entry of the order.
(a) The initial disclosures required by FRCP 26(a) shall be provided to parties within twenty (20) days after entry of a scheduling order, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The disclosures shall not be filed with the Clerk.
(b) A party may not seek discovery from any source until a scheduling order is entered by the Court, unless otherwise authorized.
(c) FRCP 26(f) requires that parties shall confer to consider the nature and basis of their claims and defenses and the possibilities for a prompt settlement or resolution of the case, to make or arrange for the disclosures required by FRCP 26(a)(1), and to develop a proposed discovery plan. Parties may agree to waive this requirement and follow the terms and deadlines in the scheduling order and addendum issued by the Court and found at Appendix 7016-a. If the parties do not agree to waive the provisions of FRCP 26(f), upon request the Court will schedule a pre-trial conference to discuss the provisions and deadlines of a scheduling order. Parties who anticipate the use of expert witnesses at trial must request a pre-trial conference.
L. Rule 7041. DISMISSAL OF ADVERSARY PROCEEDINGS
Applications to compromise and settle are governed by L. Rule 9019.
L. Rule 7054. CLAIMS FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES IN ADVERSARY PROCEEDINGS
a) Contents of Motions
Any motion for an award of attorney’s fees shall be filed and served no later than fourteen (14) days after entry of judgment pursuant to FRCP 54. L. Rule 7016(b) applies. Counsel for the parties shall confer for the purpose of resolving all disputed issues relating to attorney’s fees prior to making application. The application shall certify that such a conference has occurred. If no agreement is reached, the applicant shall certify the specific reason(s) why the matter could not be resolved by agreement. The motion shall include a supporting document organized chronologically and by activity or project, listing attorney name, date, and hours expended on the particular activity or project. The application shall also set forth the method by which the amount of fees was computed, with sufficient citation of authority to permit the Court the opportunity to determine whether such computation is correct. The request shall include reference to the statutory authorization or other authority for the request. Detailed time sheets for each attorney for whom fees are claimed may be required to be submitted upon further order of the Court. Nothing in this Rule prohibits the parties from requesting an award and presenting evidence related to the request at the time of the trial.
Objections to any motion for attorney’s fees shall be filed on or before ten (10) days after the date of service of the motion. If there is no timely objection, the Court may grant the motion as unopposed.
The motion shall be resolved without further hearing, unless an evidentiary hearing is requested, reasons therefor presented, and good cause shown.
Motions for award of attorney’s fees filed beyond the fourteen (14) day period may be deemed untimely and a waiver of entitlement to fees.
L. Rule 7056. SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Motions under FRCP 56 do not require negative notice. However, responses and responsive affidavits must be filed no later than twenty (20) days after the date of service, unless the Court, for cause, extends the time. The Court may rule on the motion with or without a hearing.
L. Rule 8011. MOTIONS PENDING DOCKETING OF THE APPEAL
Except for motions which may be filed directly with the District Court pursuant to FRBP 8005, until an appeal is docketed by the District Clerk all pleadings shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Clerk and acted upon by the Bankruptcy Judge.
L. Rule 9004. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FORM
(a) Number of Copies
Except as otherwise provided by applicable rules, whenever any pleading is offered for filing, only the original shall be tendered to the Clerk.
Form 16 is modified to include the division where the case is pending (Austin, E1 Paso, Midland, San Antonio, or Waco) and the case number, including the initials of the judge assigned to the case.
(c) Titles of Pleadings and Orders
All pleadings and orders shall, within the title, designate the specific relief sought or granted. Orders shall contain within the title a reference to the motion or application to be granted.
(d) Non-Conforming Pleadings
Any pleading that fails to conform to the requirements of this or any other applicable rule may be dismissed by the Court sua sponte.
L. Rule 9011. SIGNING OF PAPERS
All pleadings must be signed and shall include the signer's name, mailing address, email address, telephone and fax numbers including area code and, if the signer is an attorney, the attorney's State Bar Number (and the state from which the bar number is issued, if other than Texas). The Court may waive the requirement of a physical, original signature to implement alternative signing methodologies.
(a) Forms of Orders
A form of proposed order must be submitted as a separate document for consideration by the Court and should not be attached to the motion as an exhibit.
(b) Certificates of Service
All motions, applications and objections to claims, and all responses to same must contain a certificate of service reflecting service on affected entities, as specified in paragraph (c) of this Local Rule.
(1) The certificate of service must be signed by an attorney or party (if appearing pro se), certifying that service has been accomplished in the manner and on the date stated in the certificate and upon the parties required to be served.
(c) Entities to Be Served
(A) In a Chapter 7 case (except the Chapter 7 trustee’s final reports before and after distribution and reports of sale): the debtor, the trustee, any court-approved committees, the counsel for each of the foregoing entities, and any other entities affected by the relief requested.
(B) In a Chapter 11 case (except the plan and disclosure statement): the debtor, any court-approved committee, any Chapter 11 trustee, the counsel for each of the foregoing entities, the twenty largest unsecured creditors, parties who have filed a notice of appearance, the United States Trustee, and any other entities affected by the relief requested.
(C) In a Chapter 12 or 13 case: the debtor, debtor’s counsel, the Chapter 13 trustee and any other entities affected by the relief requested.
(2) In an adversary proceeding, service shall be made upon all counsel and pro se parties, unless otherwise specifically provided by these rules, the FRBP, by standing order, or by order of the Court.
(4) If a movant wishes to use the negative notice language of L. Rule 9014(a), the following motions require service upon all creditors and parties in interest:
(B) motions to modify plans in Chapters 11, 12, and 13; and
(C) motions to incur debt in Chapters 11, 12, and 13.
(2) Upon the entry of an order unsealing a matter (or upon the expiration of the time period specified in paragraph (a)(3)(A), supra), the Clerk (or other person responsible for the maintenance of the matter) shall place the document or transcript of proceedings in the file of the case or adversary proceeding. L. Rule 9019. COMPROMISE
(1) An application to compromise an adversary proceeding shall be filed in the main bankruptcy case, not in the adversary proceeding. It shall bear the style of the main bankruptcy case, not the adversary proceeding.
(2) An application to compromise an adversary proceeding shall, within the body of the application, set out the style and number of the adversary proceeding.
(3) No application to compromise an adversary proceeding need be filed in order to settle a nondischargeability action filed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523.
(1) Applications to compromise adversary proceedings are governed by L. Rule 9014, and may include the negative notice language there specified.
(2) Applications to compromise and motions to dismiss an objection to discharge under 11 U.S.C. § 727 must identify the cause of action and any consideration paid or agreed to be paid.
(c) Order and Judgment
An application to compromise an adversary proceeding shall be accompanied by two forms of order. The first form of order shall be one to approve the application to compromise, bearing the style of the main bankruptcy case. The second form of order shall be a proposed agreed judgment or order of dismissal, bearing the style of the adversary proceeding, for entry in the underlying adversary proceeding.
L. Rule 9022. AGREED ORDERS OR AGREED JUDGMENTS
Order Submission Form. Agreed Orders submitted other than by electronic means must have a cover sheet in conformity with the standard form attached as Appendix L-9022.
L. Rule 9027. REMOVAL
A motion to abstain is filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court.
(1) Filing. A notice of removal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1452(a) shall be filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. A notice of removal grounded on any other federal provision (e.g., diversity of citizenship) shall be filed with the Clerk of the District Court.
(2) Attachments. A notice of removal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1452(a) shall include a copy of the docket sheet and all pleadings, orders, and writs.
(3) Motion for Remand; Time for Filing. Any motion for remand must be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the date of filing of the notice of removal.
APPENDIX L-1001-f DISTRICT COURT STANDING ORDERS OF REFERENCE DISTRICT COURT STANDING ORDERS OF REFERENCE
#1 Order of reference of bankruptcy cases and proceeding nunc pro tunc 08/13/84
#2 General order regarding removals of bankruptcy related proceedings from state court 06/27/86
APPENDIX L-1001-i ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
It is the intent of the Court to facilitate the use of alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”)
in all matters, including specifically contested matters and adversary proceedings, to the
extent practicable, helpful and appropriate.
Upon order of the Court entered in any contested matter or adversary proceeding, the
Debtor and/or Trustee, and all parties (as well as all parties-in-interest affected thereby,
including official Committees(s)) shall submit a report addressing the status of settlement
negotiations, disclosing the identity of the person responsible for settlement negotiations
for each party, and truthfully, candidly and realistically evaluating whether alternative
dispute resolution is appropriate in the contested matter or adversary proceeding.
Counsel shall certify in the report that their clients have been informed of the ADR
procedures available in this district. In the event the parties conclude that ADR is
appropriate and agree upon a method of ADR and a neutral, they should identify both the
method of ADR and the neutral they have selected, the method by which the neutral was
selected, and how the neutral will be compensated. If the parties agree upon an ADR
method and neutral, the Court will defer to the parties' agreement, unless the Court finds
that another ADR method or neutral is better suited to the contested matter, adversary
proceeding or the parties.
The Court on its own motion or upon the motion of any party or party-in-interest may
order the participation in a non-binding alternative dispute resolution proceeding,
including non-binding arbitration, early neutral evaluation, mediation, or mini-trial in
accordance with Local Rule 1001(i). The order may further direct the parties to bear all
expenses relating to alternative dispute resolution proceedings in such proportions as the
Court finds appropriate, and may direct that portions thereof be allowed as an
administrative expense entitled to priority in the case, but in no event should
apportioning of costs constitute a penalty for failing to arrive at a settlement. The
alternative dispute resolution proceeding shall begin at a date and time selected by the
parties, subject to the schedule of the neutral or neutrals, but in no event later than fortyfive
(45) days after the entry of the order compelling participation in the proceeding.
Party representatives with authority to negotiate a settlement and all other persons
necessary to negotiate a settlement must attend and participate in good faith in the
alternative dispute proceeding, subject to the Court’s power to assess appropriate
Upon entry of an order compelling participation in alternative dispute resolution, or upon
agreement of the parties where they have not selected a neutral or neutrals from the
roster, the Clerk shall forthwith furnish to each party a list of neutrals. If the compelled
procedure is non-binding arbitration or moderated settlement conference, the list shall
include five neutrals whose names have been selected from the roster of arbitrators
maintained in the District Clerk's Office. If the compelled procedure is other than nonbinding
arbitration or moderated settlement conference the list shall include three
neutrals selected from general neutral roster. The parties shall then confer with each side
entitled to strike one name from the three neutral list (two names from the five neutrals
list). The person remaining shall be designated the neutral. The parties may by
agreement reject the list furnished by the Clerk and instead unanimously select a neutral
or neutrals from either roster. Failure of counsel to timely notify the Clerk of their strikes
or selection shall result in the selection of the neutral or neutrals by the Clerk. The Clerk
shall promptly notify the neutral or neutrals selected. If any person selected is unable or
unwilling to serve the Clerk shall submit an additional list of names to the parties until a
neutral or complete panel of neutrals is selected. When a neutral or full panel of neutrals
have been selected and have agreed to serve, the Clerk shall promptly notify the neutral
or neutrals and the parties of the selection. No person shall serve as a neutral if any of
the circumstances specified in 28 U.S.C. § 455 of the Judicial Code of Conduct exist, or
if the neutral believes in good faith that such circumstances exist. Any person whose
name appears on the roster maintained in the Clerk's Office may ask at any time to have
his or her name removed, or, if selected to serve in any case, decline to serve but remain
Upon its own motion or upon motion and showing of good cause by any party, the Court
may order appointment of a neutral or neutrals from outside the roster of qualified
neutrals maintained by the Clerk's Office.
Except as otherwise provided herein, a communication relating to the subject matter of
any case under Title 11, contested matter or adversary proceeding made by a participant
in an alternative dispute resolution procedure, whether before or after the institution of
formal judicial proceedings, is confidential, is not subject to disclosure, and may not be
used as evidence against the participant in any judicial or administrative proceeding.
(1) Any record made at an alternative dispute resolution procedure is confidential,
and the participants or the third party neutral(s) facilitating the procedure may not
testify, or be required to testify, in any proceedings relating to or arising out of the
matter in dispute or be subject to process requiring the disclosure of confidential
information or data relating to or arising out of the matter in dispute.
(2) An oral communication or written material used in or made a part of an
alternative dispute resolution procedure is only admissible or discoverable if it is
admissible or discoverable independent of the procedure.
(3) If this section conflicts with other legal requirements for disclosure of
communications or materials, the issue of confidentiality may be presented to any
Court having jurisdiction of the proceedings to determine, in camera, whether the
facts, circumstances, and context of the communications or materials sought to be
disclosed warrant a protective order of the Court or whether the communications
or materials are subject to disclosure.
In cases where other alternative dispute resolution procedures have proved unsuccessful
and a complex and lengthy trial is anticipated, the Court may conduct a summary trial or
jury trial, provided that the Court finds that a summary trial or jury trial may produce
settlement of all or a significant part of the issues and thereby effect a saving in time,
effort and expense for all concerned. The Court should develop procedures, which may
include referral to one or more neutrals on the roster of arbitrators (for report and
recommendation), for such summary trial or jury trial with the advice of counsel.
At the conclusion of each ADR proceeding, the neutral or panel of neutrals shall submit
to the Court a notice of outcome, including the style and number of the case, the date(s)
of the ADR proceeding, the names of the participants and only whether the case has
settled or not.
All sanctions available under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16(f), Federal Rule of
Bankruptcy Procedure 7016 and/or any Local Rule or previous Order of the Court shall
apply to any violation of this rule.
Nothing in this rule should be interpreted as limiting parties’ ability to agree to a form of
alternative dispute resolution or the selection of a neutral without a court order, through
mutual consent. In fact, consent is preferred.
APPENDIX L-1007-a-1 GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ADDRESS LIST GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ADDRESS LIST
(Revised 08/09/11)
Addresses for notice to major agencies of the United States government are as follows:
a. San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio Division cases:
b. Waco Division:
c. El Paso and Pecos Divisions:
211 N. Florence Street, Suite 201
d. Midland Division:
2. Veterans Administration (VA)
a. San Antonio and Del Rio Divisions:
2515 Murworth Drive
b. Waco, Austin, El Paso, Midland and Pecos Divisions:
Office of District Counsel (02)
3. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD;FHA)
a. San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio Divisions
San Antonio, Texas 78207-4563
b. El Paso, Waco, Pecos and Midland Divisions
Ft. Worth, Texas 76113-2905
a. Farmers Home Administration (FHA) - all Divisions:
b. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC) - all Divisions:
Texas State ASCS/CCC
a. All Divisions:
Internal Revenue Service (eff. 1/1/11) (replaces PO Box 21126)
Special Procedures Staff - Insolvency
6. United States Department of Justice - All Divisions:
[designate creditor agency if other than Dept. of Justice]
601 N. W. Loop 410, Suite 600
a. For San Antonio, El Paso and Midland cases:
615 E. Houston, Suite 533 P.O. Box 1539
San Antonio, Texas 78205 San Antonio, Texas 78295-1539
b. For Austin and Waco cases:
903 San Jacinto, Suite 230
7. State Taxing Authorities
Revenue Accounting Division - Bankruptcy Section
TEC Building - Bankruptcy
P. O. Box 13127
APPENDIX L-1020.1 PROCEDURES FOR COMPLEX CHAPTER 11 CASES Appendix L-1020.1
APPENDIX L-2014 NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL APPENDIX L-2014
APPENDIX L-2016-a-2 FEE APPLICATION SUMMARY APPENDIX L-2016-a-2
APPENDIX L-3018-b BALLOT SUMMARY APPENDIX L-3018-b
APPENDIX L-7016-a ADDENDUM TO SCHEDULING ORDER APPENDIX L-7016-a APPENDIX L-9014 MATTERS DEEMED CONTESTED MATTERS DEEMED CONTESTED
Hearings must be held on the following matters:
1. Reaffirmation Agreements.- (if court deems necessary to set)
2. Disclosure statement and confirmation proceedings under Chapters 9, 11 and 12.
3. Adversary proceedings generally, except as provided in Local District Rules or the
4. Motions for contempt or sanctions, including Motions under Rule 9011.
5. Objections to confirmation in Chapters 9, 11, 12, & 13.
6. Motions to appoint a Trustee or examiner in Chapter 11 cases.
APPENDIX L-9022 ORDER SUBMISSION FORM APPENDIX L-9022