PART IV—THE DEBTOR'S DUTIES AND BENEFITS
Rule 4001. Relief from the Automatic Stay; Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale, or Lease of Property; Using Cash Collateral; Obtaining Credit; Various Agreements
(a)
(1) Motion. A motion under §362(d) for relief from the automatic stay—or a motion under §363(e) to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property—must comply with Rule 9014. The motion must be served on:
(A) the following, as applicable:
• a committee elected under §705 or appointed under §1102;
• the committee's authorized agent; or
• the creditors included on the list filed under Rule 1007(d) if the case is a
(B) any other entity the court designates.
(2) Relief Without Notice. Relief from a stay under §362(a)—or a request under §363(e) to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property—may be granted without prior notice only if:
(A) specific facts—shown by either an affidavit or a verified motion—clearly demonstrate that the movant will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage before the adverse party or its attorney can be heard in opposition; and
(B) the movant's attorney certifies to the court in writing what efforts, if any, have been made to give notice and why it should not be required.
(3) Notice of Relief; Motion for Reinstatement or Reconsideration.
(A) Notice of Relief. A party who obtains relief under (2) and under §362(f) or §363(e) must:
(i) immediately give oral notice both to the debtor and to the trustee or the debtor in possession; and
(ii) promptly send them a copy of the order granting relief.
(B) Motion for Reinstatement or Reconsideration. On 2 days' notice to the party who obtained relief under (2)—or on shorter notice as the court may order—the adverse party may move to reinstate the stay or reconsider the order prohibiting or conditioning the use, sale, or lease of property. The court must proceed expeditiously to hear and decide the motion.
(4) Stay of an Order Granting Relief from the Automatic Stay. Unless the court orders otherwise, an order granting a motion for relief from the automatic stay under (1) is stayed for 14 days after it is entered.
(b)
(1) Motion; Content; Service.
(A) Motion. A motion for authorization to use cash collateral must comply with Rule 9014 and must be accompanied by a proposed form of order.
(B) Content. The motion must consist of—or if the motion exceeds five pages, begin with—a concise statement of the relief requested, no longer than five pages. The statement must list or summarize all material provisions (citing their locations in the relevant documents), including:
• the name of each entity with an interest in the cash collateral;
• how it will be used;
• the material terms of its use, including duration; and
• all liens, cash payments, or other adequate protection that will be provided to each entity with an interest in the cash collateral—or if no such protection is proposed, an explanation of how each entity's interest is adequately protected.
(C) Service. The motion must be served on:
• each entity with an interest in the cash collateral;
• all those who must be served under (a)(1)(A); and
• any other entity the court designates.
(2) Hearings; Notice.
(A) Preliminary and Final Hearings. The court may begin a final hearing on the motion no earlier than 14 days after it has been served. If the motion so requests, the court may conduct a preliminary hearing before that 14-day period ends. After a preliminary hearing, the court may authorize using only the cash collateral necessary to avoid immediate and irreparable harm to the estate pending a final hearing.
(B) Notice. Notice of a hearing must be given to the parties who must be served with the motion under (1)(C) and to any other entity the court designates.
(c)
(1) Motion; Content; Service.
(A) Motion. A motion for authorization to obtain credit must comply with Rule 9014 and must be accompanied by a copy of the credit agreement and a proposed form of order.
(B) Content. The motion must consist of—or if the motion exceeds five pages, begin with—a concise statement of the relief requested, no longer than five pages. The statement must list or summarize all material provisions of the credit agreement and form of order (citing their locations in the relevant documents), including interest rates, maturity dates, default provisions, liens, and borrowing limits and conditions. If the credit agreement or form of order includes any of the provisions listed below in (i)–(xi), the concise statement must also list or summarize each one, describe its nature and extent, cite its location in the proposed agreement and form of order, and identify any that would remain effective if interim approval were to be granted but final relief denied under (2). The provisions are:
(i) a grant of priority or a lien on property of the estate under §364(c) or (d);
(ii) the providing of adequate protection or priority for a claim that arose before the case commenced—including a lien on property of the estate, or its use, or of credit obtained under §364 to make cash payments on the claim;
(iii) a determination of the validity, enforceability, priority, or amount of a claim that arose before the case commenced, or of any lien securing the claim;
(iv) a waiver or modification of Code provisions or applicable rules regarding the automatic stay;
(v) a waiver or modification of an entity's right to file a plan, seek to extend the time in which the debtor has the exclusive right to file a plan, request the use of cash collateral under §363(c), or request authorization to obtain credit under §364;
(vi) the establishment of deadlines for filing a plan of reorganization, approving a disclosure statement, holding a hearing on confirmation, or entering a confirmation order;
(vii) a waiver or modification of applicable nonbankruptcy law regarding perfecting or enforcing a lien on property of the estate;
(viii) a release, waiver, or limitation on a claim or other cause of action belonging to the estate or the trustee, including any modification of the statute of limitations or other deadline to commence an action;
(ix) the indemnification of any entity;
(x) a release, waiver, or limitation of any right under §506(c); or
(xi) the granting of a lien on a claim or cause of action arising under §544, 545, 547, 548, 549, 553(b), 723(a), or 724(a).
(C) Service. The motion must be served on all those who must be served under (a)(1)(A) and any other entity the court designates.
(2) Hearings; Notice.
(A) Preliminary and Final Hearings. The court may begin a final hearing on the motion no earlier than 14 days after it has been served. If the motion so requests, the court may conduct a preliminary hearing before that 14-day period ends. After a preliminary hearing, the court may authorize obtaining credit only to the extent necessary to avoid immediate and irreparable harm to the estate pending a final hearing.
(B) Notice. Notice of a hearing must be given to the parties who must be served with the motion under (1)(C) and to any other entity the court designates.
(3) Inapplicability in a
(d)
(1) Motion; Content; Service.
(A) Motion. A motion to approve any of the following must be accompanied by a copy of the agreement and a proposed form of order:
(i) an agreement to provide adequate protection;
(ii) an agreement to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property;
(iii) an agreement to modify or terminate the stay provided for in §362;
(iv) an agreement to use cash collateral; or
(v) an agreement between the debtor and an entity that has a lien or interest in property of the estate under which the entity consents to creating a lien that is senior or equal to the entity's lien or interest.
(B) Content. The motion must consist of—or if the motion exceeds five pages, begin with—a concise statement of the relief requested, no longer than five pages. The statement must:
(i) list or summarize all the agreement's material provisions (citing their locations in the relevant documents); and
(ii) briefly list or summarize, cite the location of, and describe the nature and extent of each provision in the proposed form of order, agreement, or other document of the type listed in (c)(1)(B).
(C) Service. The motion must be served on all those who must be served under (a)(1)(A) and any other entity the court designates.
(2) Objection. Notice of the motion must be mailed to the parties on whom service of the motion is required and any other entity the court designates. The notice must include the time within which objections may be filed and served on the debtor in possession or trustee. Unless the court sets a different time, any objections must be filed within 14 days after the notice is mailed.
(3) Disposition Without a Hearing. If no objection is filed, the court may enter an order approving or disapproving the agreement without holding a hearing.
(4) Hearing. If an objection is filed or if the court decides that a hearing is appropriate, the court must hold one after giving at least 7 days' notice to:
• the objector;
• the movant;
• the parties who must be served with the motion under (1)(C); and
• any other entity the court designates.
(5) Agreement to Settle a Motion. The court may decide that a motion made under (a), (b), or (c) was sufficient to give reasonable notice of the agreement's material provisions and an opportunity for a hearing. If so, the court may order that the procedures prescribed in (1)–(4) do not apply and may approve the agreement without further notice.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 28, 2010, eff. Dec. 1, 2010; Apr. 25, 2019, eff. Dec. 1, 2019; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule implements §362 of the Code which set forth provisions regarding the automatic stay that arises on the filing of a petition. That section and this rule are applicable in chapters 7, 9, 11 and 13 cases. It also implements §363(c)(2) concerning use of cash collateral.
Subdivision (a) transforms with respect to the automatic stay what was an adversary proceeding under the former rules to motion practice. The Code provides automatic stays in several sections, e.g., §§362(a), 1301(a), and in §362(d) provides some grounds for relief from the stay. This rule specifies that the pleading seeking relief is by means of a motion. Thus the time period in Rule 7012 to answer a complaint would not be applicable and shorter periods may be fixed. Section 362(e) requires the preliminary hearing to be concluded within 30 days of it inception, rendering ordinary complaint and answer practice inappropriate.
This subdivision also makes clear that a motion under Rule 9014 is the proper procedure for a debtor to seek court permission to use cash collateral. See §363(c)(2). Pursuant to Rule 5005, the motion should be filed in the court in which the case in pending. The court or local rule may specify the persons to be served with the motion for relief from the stay; see Rule 9013.
Subdivision (b) of the rule fills a procedural void left by §362. Pursuant to §362(e), the automatic stay is terminated 30 days after a motion for relief is made unless the court continues the stay as a result of a final hearing or, pending final hearing, after a preliminary hearing. If a preliminary hearing is held, §362(e) requires the final hearing to be commenced within 30 days after the preliminary hearing. Although the expressed legislative intent is to require expeditious resolution of a secured party's motion for relief, §362 is silent as to the time within which the final hearing must be concluded. Subdivision (b) imposes a 30 day deadline on the court to resolve the dispute.
At the final hearing, the stay is to be terminated, modified, annulled, or conditioned for cause, which includes, inter alia, lack of adequate protection; §362(d). The burden of proving adequate protection is on the party opposing relief from the stay; §362(g)(2). Adequate protection is exemplified in §361.
Subdivision (c) implements §362(f) which permits ex parte relief from the stay when there will be irreparable damage. This subdivision sets forth the procedure to be followed when relief is sought under §362(f). It is derived from former Bankruptcy Rule 601(d).
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
The scope of this rule is expanded and the former subdivisions (a), (b) and (c) are now combined in subdivision (a). The new subdivision (a)(2) is amended to conform to the 1984 amendments to §362(e) of the Code.
Subdivision (b) deals explicitly with the procedures which follow after a motion to use cash collateral is made and served. Filing shall be pursuant to Rule 5005. Service of the motion may be made by any method authorized by Rule 7004 and, if service is by mail, service is complete on mailing. Rule 9006(e). Under subdivision (b)(2), the court may commence a final hearing on the motion within 15 days of service. Rule 9006(f) does not extend this 15 day period when service of the motion is by mail because the party served is not required to act within the 15 day period. In addition to service of the motion, notice of the hearing must be given. Rule 9007 authorizes the court to direct the form and manner of giving notice that is appropriate to the circumstances.
Section 363(c)(3) authorizes the court to conduct a preliminary hearing and to authorize the use of cash collateral "if there is a reasonable likelihood that the trustee will prevail at a final hearing." Subdivision (b)(2) of the rule permits a preliminary hearing to be held earlier than 15 days after service. Any order authorizing the use of cash collateral shall be limited to the amount necessary to protect the estate until a final hearing is held.
The objective of subdivision (b) is to accommodate both the immediate need of the debtor and the interest of the secured creditor in the cash collateral. The time for holding the final hearing may be enlarged beyond the 15 days prescribed when required by the circumstances.
The motion for authority to use cash collateral shall include (1) the amount of cash collateral sought to be used; (2) the name and address of each entity having an interest in the cash collateral; (3) the name and address of the entity in control or having possession of the cash collateral; (4) the facts demonstrating the need to use the cash collateral; and (5) the nature of the protection to be provided those having an interest in the cash collateral. If a preliminary hearing is requested, the motion shall also include the amount of cash collateral sought to be used pending final hearing and the protection to be provided.
Notice of the preliminary and final hearings may be combined. This rule does not limit the authority of the court under §363(c)(2)(B) and §102(1).
Subdivision (c) is new. The service, hearing, and notice requirements are similar to those imposed by subdivision (b). The motion to obtain credit shall include the amount and type of the credit to be extended, the name and address of the lender, the terms of the agreement, the need to obtain the credit, and the efforts made to obtain credit from other sources. If the motion is to obtain credit pursuant to §364(c) or (d), the motion shall describe the collateral, if any, and the protection for any existing interest in the collateral which may be affected by the proposed agreement.
Subdivision (d) is new. In the event the 15 day period for filing objections to the approval of an agreement of the parties described in this subdivision is too long, the parties either may move for a reduction of the period under Rule 9006(c)(1) or proceed under subdivision (b) or (c), if applicable. Rule 9006(c)(1) requires that cause be shown for the reduction of the period in which to object. In applying this criterion the court may consider the option of proceeding under subdivision (b) or (c) and grant a preliminary hearing and relief pending final hearing.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is expanded to include a request to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property as is necessary to provide adequate protection of a property interest pursuant to §363(e) of the Code.
Notice of the motion for relief from the automatic stay or to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property must be served on the entities entitled to receive notice of a motion to approve an agreement pursuant to subdivision (d). If the movant and the adverse party agree to settle the motion and the terms of the agreement do not materially differ from the terms set forth in the movant's motion papers, the court may approve the agreement without further notice pursuant to subdivision (d)(4).
Subdivision (a)(2) is deleted as unnecessary because of §362(e) of the Code.
Subdivisions (b)(1), (c)(1), and (d)(1) are amended to require service on committees that are elected in
Subdivision (d)(4) is added to avoid the necessity of further notice and delay for the approval of an agreement in settlement of a motion for relief from an automatic stay, to prohibit or condition the use, sale, or lease of property, for use of cash collateral, or for authority to obtain credit if the entities entitled to notice have already received sufficient notice of the scope of the proposed agreement in the motion papers and have had an opportunity to be heard. For example, if a trustee makes a motion to use cash collateral and proposes in the original motion papers to provide adequate protection of the interest of the secured party by granting a lien on certain equipment, and the secured creditor subsequently agrees to terms that are within the scope of those proposed in the motion, the court may enter an order approving the agreement without further notice if the entities that received the original motion papers have had a reasonable opportunity to object to the granting of the motion to use cash collateral.
If the motion papers served under subdivision (a), (b), or (c) do not afford notice sufficient to inform the recipients of the material provisions of the proposed agreement and opportunity for a hearing, approval of the settlement agreement may not be obtained unless the procedural requirements of subdivision (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) are satisfied. If the 15 day period for filing objections to the approval of the settlement agreement is too long under the particular circumstances of the case, the court may shorten the time for cause under Rule 9006(c)(1).
Committee Notes on Rules—1999 Amendment
Paragraph (a)(3) is added to provide sufficient time for a party to request a stay pending appeal of an order granting relief from an automatic stay before the order is enforced or implemented. The stay under paragraph (a)(3) is not applicable to orders granted ex parte in accordance with Rule 4001(a)(2).
The stay of the order does not affect the time for filing a notice of appeal in accordance with Rule 8002. While the enforcement and implementation of an order granting relief from the automatic stay is temporarily stayed under paragraph (a)(3), the automatic stay continues to protect the debtor, and the moving party may not foreclose on collateral or take any other steps that would violate the automatic stay.
The court may, in its discretion, order that Rule 4001(a)(3) is not applicable so that the prevailing party may immediately enforce and implement the order granting relief from the automatic stay. Alternatively, the court may order that the stay under Rule 4001(a)(3) is for a fixed period less than 10 days.
GAP Report on Rule 4001. No changes since publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2007 Amendment
The rule is amended to require that parties seeking authority to use cash collateral, to obtain credit, and to obtain approval of agreements to provide adequate protection, modify or terminate the stay, or to grant a senior or equal lien on property, submit with those requests a proposed order granting the relief, and that they provide more extensive notice to interested parties of a number of specified terms. The motion must either not exceed five pages in length, or, if it is longer, begin with a concise statement of five pages or less, that summarizes or lists the material provisions and which will assist the court and interested parties in understanding the nature of the relief requested. The concise statement must also set out the location within the documents of the summarized or listed provisions. The parties to agreements and lending offers frequently have concise summaries of their transactions that contain a list of the material provisions of the agreements, even if the agreements themselves are very lengthy. A similar summary should allow the court and interested parties to understand the relief requested.
In addition to the concise statement, the rule requires that motions under subdivisions (c) and (d) state whether the movant is seeking approval of any of the provisions listed in subdivision (c)(1)(B), and where those provisions are located in the documents. The rule is intended to enhance the ability of the court and interested parties to find and evaluate those provisions.
The rule also provides that any motion for authority to obtain credit must identify any provision listed in subdivision (c)(1)(B)(i)–(xi) that is proposed to remain effective if the court grants the motion on an interim basis under Rule 4001(c)(2), but later denies final relief.
Other amendments are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication.
1. The introductory language in subdivisions (b)(1)(B), (c)(1)(B), and (d)(1)(B) was revised to clarify that the motions filed under the rule can be either no more than five pages long or begin with a concise statement of that length. This permits the continued use of forms that have been effective in smaller cases. Subdivision (c)(1)(B) also is amended to require that the motion identify any provisionally approved term that would remain in effect even if the court denies the permanent relief requested.
2. A new subparagraph (c)(1)(B)(vi) was inserted into the rule and the remaining subparagraphs were renumbered accordingly. The new subparagraph requires that the motion identify any provisions setting deadlines for filing and confirming reorganization plans and disclosure statements.
3. Subdivisions (c)(1)(C) and (d)(1)(C) of the proposed rule were deleted as unnecessary. The court has whatever authority Rule 9024 provides, and making an explicit reference to that rule in these subdivisions brings unnecessary attention to Rule 9024 and could create a different standard of review under that rule than would apply in other instances. The Advisory Committee did not intend either consequence, so the subdivisions were deleted.
4. Subdivision (d)(1)(A) was restyled to form a vertical list of the motions subject to that provision.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadlines in the rule are amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2010 Amendment
Subdivision (d). Subdivision (d) is amended to implement changes in connection with the 2009 amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadlines in subdivision (d)(2) and (d)(3) are amended to substitute deadlines that are multiples of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines have been amended in the following manner:
• 5 day periods become 7 day periods
• 10 day periods become 14 day periods
• 15 day periods become 14 day periods
• 20 day periods become 21 day periods
• 25 day periods become 28 day periods
Final approval of the amendments to this rule is sought without publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2019 Amendment
Subdivision (c) of the rule is amended to exclude
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4001 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4002. Debtor's Duties
(a)
(1) attend and submit to an examination when the court orders;
(2) attend the hearing on a complaint objecting to discharge and, if called, testify as a witness;
(3) if a schedule of property has not yet been filed under Rule 1007, report to the trustee immediately in writing:
(A) the location of any real property in which the debtor has an interest; and
(B) the name and address of every person holding money or property subject to the debtor's withdrawal or order;
(4) cooperate with the trustee in preparing an inventory, examining proofs of claim, and administering the estate; and
(5) file a statement of any change in the debtor's address.
(b)
(1) Personal Identifying Information. An individual debtor must bring to the §341 meeting of creditors:
(A) a government-issued identification with the debtor's picture, or other personal information that establishes the debtor's identity; and
(B) evidence of any social-security number, or a written statement that no such evidence exists.
(2) Financial Documents. An individual debtor must bring the following documents (or copies) to the §341 meeting of creditors and make them available to the trustee—or provide a written statement that they do not exist or are not in the debtor's possession:
(A) evidence of current income, such as the most recent payment advice;
(B) unless the trustee or the United States trustee instructs otherwise, a statement for each depository or investment account—including a checking, savings, or money-market account, mutual fund or brokerage account—for the period that includes the petition's filing date; and
(C) if required by §707(b)(2)(A) or (B), documents showing claimed monthly expenses.
(3) Tax Return to Be Provided to the Trustee. At least 7 days before the first date set for the §341 meeting of creditors, the debtor must provide the trustee with:
(A) a copy of the debtor's federal income-tax return, including any attachments to it, for the most recent tax year ending before the case was commenced and for which the debtor filed a return;
(B) a transcript of the return; or
(C) a written statement that the documents do not exist.
(4) Tax Return to Be Provided to a Creditor. Upon a creditor's request at least 14 days before the first date set for the §341 meeting of creditors, the debtor must provide the creditor with the documents to be provided to the trustee under (3). The debtor must do so at least 7 days before the meeting.
(5) Safeguarding Confidential Tax Information. The debtor's obligation to provide tax returns under (3) and (4) is subject to procedures established by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts for safeguarding confidential tax information.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule should be read together with §§343 and 521 of the Code and Rule 1007, all of which impose duties on the debtor. Clause (3) of this rule implements the provisions of Rule 2015(a).
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
New clause (5) of the rule imposes on the debtor the duty to advise the clerk of any change of the debtor's address.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
This rule is amended to implement §521(a)(1)(B)(iv) and (e)(2), added to the Code by the 2005 amendments. These Code amendments expressly require the debtor to file with the court, or provide to the trustee, specific documents. The amendments to the rule implement these obligations and establish a time frame for creditors to make requests for a copy of the debtor's Federal income tax return. The rule also requires the debtor to provide documentation in support of claimed expenses under §707(b)(2)(A) and (B).
Subdivision (b) of the rule is also amended to require the debtor to cooperate with the trustee by providing materials and documents necessary to assist the trustee in the performance of the trustee's duties. Nothing in the rule, however, is intended to limit or restrict the debtor's duties under §521, or to limit the access of the Attorney General to any information provided by the debtor in the case. Subdivision (b)(2) does not require that the debtor create documents or obtain documents from third parties; rather, the debtor's obligation is to bring to the meeting of creditors under §341 the documents which the debtor possesses. Under subdivision (b)(2)(B), the trustee or the United States trustee can instruct debtors that they need not provide the documents described in that subdivision. Under subdivisions (b)(3) and (b)(4), the debtor must obtain and provide copies of tax returns or tax transcripts to the appropriate person, unless no such documents exist. Any written statement that the debtor provides indicating either that documents do not exist or are not in the debtor's possession must be verified or contain an unsworn declaration as required under Rule 1008.
Because the amendment implements the debtor's duty to cooperate with the trustee, the materials provided to the trustee would not be made available to any other party in interest at the §341 meeting of creditors other than the Attorney General. Some of the documents may contain otherwise private information that should not be disseminated. For example, pay stubs and financial account statements might include the social-security numbers of the debtor and the debtor's spouse and dependents, as well as the names of the debtor's children. The debtor should redact all but the last four digits of all social-security numbers and the names of any minors when they appear in these documents. This type of information would not usually be needed by creditors and others who may be attending the meeting. If a creditor perceives a need to review specific documents or other evidence, the creditor may proceed under Rule 2004.
Tax information produced under this rule is subject to procedures for safeguarding confidentiality established by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
Changes Made After Publication. The second paragraph of the Committee Note was amended to clarify that the debtor's duty to provide copies of tax returns or tax transcripts are governed by a different standard than the debtor's duty to provide other financial information.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadline in the rule is amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4002 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4003. Exemptions
(a)
(b)
(1) By a Party in Interest. Except as (2) and (3) provide, a party in interest may file an objection to a claimed exemption within 30 days after the later of:
• the conclusion of the §341 meeting of creditors;
• the filing of an amendment to the list; or
• the filing of a supplemental schedule.
On a party in interest's motion filed before the time to object expires, the court may, for cause, extend the time to file an objection.
(2) By the Trustee for a Fraudulently Claimed Exemption. If the debtor has fraudulently claimed an exemption, the trustee may file an objection to it within one year after the case is closed. The trustee must deliver or mail the objection to:
• the debtor;
• the debtor's attorney;
• the person who filed the list of exempt property; and
• that person's attorney.
(3) Objection Based on §522(q). An objection based on §522(q) must be filed:
(A) before the case is closed; or
(B) if an exemption is first claimed after a case has been reopened, before the reopened case is closed.
(4) Distributing Copies of the Objection. A copy of any objection, other than one filed by the trustee under (b)(2), must be delivered or mailed to:
• the trustee;
• the debtor;
• the debtor's attorney;
• the person who filed the list of exempt property; and
• that person's attorney.
(c)
(d)
(1) Bringing a Proceeding. A proceeding under §522(f) to avoid a lien or other transfer of exempt property must be commenced by:
(A) filing a motion under Rule 9014; or
(B) serving a
(2) Objecting to a Request Under §522(f). As an exception to (b), a creditor may object to a request under §522(f) by challenging the validity of the exemption asserted to be impaired by the lien.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from §522(1) of the Code and, in part, former Bankruptcy Rule 403. The Code changes the thrust of that rule by making it the burden of the debtor to list his exemptions and the burden of parties in interest to raise objections in the absence of which "the property claimed as exempt on such list is exempt;" §522(1).
Subdivision (a). While §522(1) refers to a list of property claimed as exempt, the rule incorporates such a list as part of Official Form No. 6, the schedule of the debtor's assets, rather than requiring a separate list and filing. Rule 1007, to which subdivision (a) refers, requires that schedule to be filed within 15 days after the order for relief, unless the court extends the time.
Section 522(1) also provides that a dependent of the debtor may file the list if the debtor fails to do so. Subdivision (a) of the rule allows such filing from the expiration of the debtor's time until 30 days thereafter. Dependent is defined in §522(a)(1).
Subdivision (d) provides that a proceeding by the debtor, permitted by §522(f) of the Code, is a contested matter rather than the more formal adversary proceeding. Proceedings within the scope of this subdivision are distinguished from proceedings brought by the trustee to avoid transfers. The latter are classified as adversary proceedings by Rule 7001.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is amended to facilitate the filing of objections to exemptions claimed on a supplemental schedule filed under Rule 1007(h).
Committee Notes on Rules—2000 Amendment
This rule is amended to permit the court to grant a timely request for an extension of time to file objections to the list of claimed exemptions, whether the court rules on the request before or after the expiration of the 30-day period. The purpose of this amendment is to avoid the harshness of the present rule which has been construed to deprive a bankruptcy court of jurisdiction to grant a timely request for an extension if it has failed to rule on the request within the 30-day period. See In re Laurain, 113 F.3d 595 (6th Cir. 1997), Matter of Stoulig, 45 F.3d 957 (5th Cir. 1995), In re Brayshaw, 912 F.2d 1255 (10th Cir. 1990). The amendments clarify that the extension may be granted only for cause. The amendments also conform the rule to §522(l) of the Code by recognizing that any party in interest may file an objection or request for an extension of time under this rule. Other amendments are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 4003(b). The words "trustee or creditor" were replaced by "party in interest" to conform to §522(l) of the Bankruptcy Code which permits any party in interest to object to claimed exemptions. Style revisions also were made to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is rewritten to include four paragraphs.
Subdivision (b)(2) is added to the rule to permit the trustee to object to an exemption at any time up to one year after the closing of the case if the debtor fraudulently claimed the exemption. Extending the deadline for trustees to object to an exemption when the exemption claim has been fraudulently made will permit the court to review and, in proper circumstances, deny improperly claimed exemptions, thereby protecting the legitimate interests of creditors and the bankruptcy estate. However, similar to the deadline set in §727(e) of the Code for revoking a discharge which was fraudulently obtained, an objection to an exemption that was fraudulently claimed must be filed within one year after the closing of the case. Subdivision (b)(2) extends the objection deadline only for trustees.
Subdivision (b)(3) is added to the rule to reflect the addition of subsection (q) to §522 of the Code by the 2005 Act. Section 522(q) imposes a $136,875 limit on a state homestead exemption if the debtor has been convicted of a felony or owes a debt arising from certain causes of action. Other revised provisions of the Code, such as §727(a)(12) and §1328(h), suggest that the court may consider issues relating to §522(q) late in the case, and the 30-day period for objections would not be appropriate for this provision.
Subdivision (d) is amended to clarify that a creditor with a lien on property that the debtor is attempting to avoid on the grounds that the lien impairs an exemption may raise in defense to the lien avoidance action any objection to the debtor's claimed exemption. The right to object is limited to an objection to the exemption of the property subject to the lien and for purposes of the lien avoidance action only. The creditor may not object to other exemption claims made by the debtor. Those objections, if any, are governed by Rule 4003(b).
Other changes are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication. The deadline for filing objections to exemptions under subdivision (b)(1) was returned to 30 days after the conclusion of the §341 meeting of creditors rather than the 60 day period proposed in the published rule. The second paragraph of the Committee Note which discussed this change was therefore deleted. Subdivisions (b)(2) and (b)(3) were amended to add the debtor and the debtor's attorney to the list of persons to whom objections to exemptions must be delivered.
Committee Notes on Rules—2017 Amendment
Subdivision (d) is amended to provide that a request under §522(f) to avoid a lien or other transfer of exempt property may be made by motion or by a
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4003 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4004. Granting or Denying a Discharge
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4) Notice to the United States Trustee, the Creditors, and the Trustee. At least 28 days' notice of the time for filing must be given to:
• the United States trustee under Rule 2002(k);
• all creditors under Rule 2002(f);
• the trustee; and
• the trustee's attorney.
(b)
(1) Motion Before the Time Expires. On a party in interest's motion and after notice and a hearing, the court may, for cause, extend the time to object to a discharge. The motion must be filed before the time has expired.
(2) Motion After the Time Has Expired. After the time to object has expired and before a discharge is granted, a party in interest may file a motion to extend the time if:
(A) the objection is based on facts that, if learned after the discharge is granted, would provide a basis for revocation under §727(d);
(B) the movant did not know those facts in time to object; and
(C) the movant files the motion promptly after learning about them.
(c)
(1)
(A) the debtor is not an individual;
(B) a complaint—or a motion under §727(a)(8) or (9)—objecting to the discharge is pending;
(C) the debtor has filed a waiver under §727(a)(10);
(D) a motion is pending to dismiss the case under §707;
(E) a motion is pending to extend the time to file a complaint objecting to the discharge;
(F) a motion is pending to extend the time to file a motion to dismiss the case under Rule 1017(e)(1);
(G) the debtor has not fully paid the filing fee required by 28 U.S.C. §1930(a)—together with any other fee prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States under 28 U.S.C. §1930(b) that is payable to the clerk upon commencing a case—unless the court has waived the fees under 28 U.S.C. §1930(f);
(H) the debtor has not filed a certificate showing that a course on personal financial management has been completed—if such a certificate is required by Rule 1007(b)(7);
(I) a motion is pending to delay or postpone a discharge under §727(a)(12);
(J) a motion is pending to extend the time to file a reaffirmation agreement under Rule 4008(a);
(K) the court has not concluded a hearing on a presumption—in effect under §524(m)—that a reaffirmation agreement is an undue hardship; or
(L) a motion is pending to delay discharge because the debtor has not filed with the court all tax documents required to be filed under §521(f).
(2) Delay in Entering a Discharge in General. On the debtor's motion, the court may delay entering a discharge for 30 days and, on a motion made within that time, delay entry to a date certain.
(3) Delaying Entry Because of Rule 1007(b)(8). If the debtor is required to file a statement under Rule 1007(b)(8), the court must not grant a discharge until at least 30 days after the statement is filed.
(4) Individual
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 23, 1996, eff. Dec. 1, 1996; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 29, 2002, eff. Dec. 1, 2002; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 28, 2010, eff. Dec. 1, 2010; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011; Apr. 16, 2013, eff. Dec. 1, 2013; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Bankruptcy Rule 404.
Subdivisions (a) and (b) of this rule prescribe the procedure for determining whether a discharge will be granted pursuant to §727 of the Code. The time fixed by subdivision (a) may be enlarged as provided in subdivision (b).
The notice referred to in subdivision (a) is required to be given by mail and addressed to creditors as provided in Rule 2002.
An extension granted on a motion pursuant to subdivision (b) of the rule would ordinarily benefit only the movant, but its scope and effect would depend on the terms of the extension.
Subdivision (c). If a complaint objecting to discharge is filed, the court's grant or denial of the discharge will be entered at the conclusion of the proceeding as a judgment in accordance with Rule 9021. The inclusion of the clause in subdivision (c) qualifying the duty of the court to grant a discharge when a waiver has been filed is in accord with the construction of the Code. 4 Collier, Bankruptcy 727.12 (15th ed. 1979).
The last sentence of subdivision (c) takes cognizance of §524(c) of the Code which authorizes a debtor to enter into enforceable reaffirmation agreements only prior to entry of the order of discharge. Immediate entry of that order after expiration of the time fixed for filing complaints objecting to discharge may render it more difficult for a debtor to settle pending litigation to determine the dischargeability of a debt and execute a reaffirmation agreement as part of a settlement.
Subdivision (d). An objection to discharge is required to be made by a complaint, which initiates an adversary proceeding as provided in Rule 7003. Pursuant to Rule 5005, the complaint should be filed in the court in which the case is pending.
Subdivision (e). Official Form No. 27 to which subdivision (e) refers, includes notice of the effects of a discharge specified in §524(a) of the Code.
Subdivision (f). Registration may facilitate the enforcement of the order of discharge in a district other than that in which it was entered. See 2 Moore's Federal Practice 1.04[2] (2d ed. 1967). Because of the nationwide service of process authorized by Rule 7004, however, registration of the order of discharge is not necessary under these rules to enable a discharged debtor to obtain relief against a creditor proceeding anywhere in the United States in disregard of the injunctive provisions of the order of discharge.
Subdivision (g). Notice of discharge should be mailed promptly after the order becomes final so that creditors may be informed of entry of the order and of its injunctive provisions. Rule 2002 specifies the manner of the notice and persons to whom the notice is to be given.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is amended to conform to §727(c) which gives the United States trustee the right to object to discharge. This amendment is derived from Rule X–1008(a)(1) and is consistent with Rule 2002. The amendment to subdivision (c) is to prevent a timely motion to dismiss a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1996 Amendment
Subsection (c) is amended to delay entry of the order of discharge if a motion pursuant to Rule 4004(b) to extend the time for filing a complaint objecting to discharge is pending. Also, this subdivision is amended to delay entry of the discharge order if the debtor has not paid in full the filing fee and the administrative fee required to be paid upon the commencement of the case. If the debtor is authorized to pay the fees in installments in accordance with Rule 1006, the discharge order will not be entered until the final installment has been paid.
The other amendments to this rule are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 4004. No changes have been made since publication, except for stylistic changes.
Committee Notes on Rules—1999 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to clarify that, in a
The substitution of the word "filed" for "made" in subdivision (b) is intended to avoid confusion regarding the time when a motion is "made" for the purpose of applying these rules. See, e.g., In re Coggin, 30 F.3d 1443 (11th Cir. 1994). As amended, this rule requires that a motion for an extension of time for filing a complaint objecting to discharge be filed before the time has expired.
Other amendments to this rule are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 4004. No changes since publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2000 Amendment
Subdivision (c) is amended so that a discharge will not be granted while a motion requesting an extension of time to file a motion to dismiss the case under §707(b) is pending. Other amendments are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 4004(c). No changes since publication except for style revisions.
Committee Notes on Rules—2002 Amendment
Subdivision (c)(1)(D) is amended to provide that the filing of a motion to dismiss under §707 of the Bankruptcy Code postpones the entry of the discharge. Under the present version of the rule, only motions to dismiss brought under §707(b) cause the postponement of the discharge. This amendment would change the result in cases such as In re Tanenbaum, 210 B.R. 182 (Bankr. D. Colo. 1997).
Changes Made After Publication and Comments. No changes were made.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (c)(1)(G) is amended to reflect the fee waiver provision in 28 U.S.C. §1930, added by the 2005 amendments.
Subdivision (c)(1)(H) is new. It reflects the 2005 addition to the Code of §§727(a)(11) and 1328(g), which require that individual debtors complete a course in personal financial management as a condition to the entry of a discharge. Including this requirement in the rule helps prevent the inadvertent entry of a discharge when the debtor has not complied with this requirement. If a debtor fails to file the required statement regarding a personal financial management course, the clerk will close the bankruptcy case without the entry of a discharge.
Subdivision (c)(1)(I) is new. It reflects the 2005 addition to the Code of §727(a)(12). This provision is linked to §522(q). Section 522(q) limits the availability of the homestead exemption for individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who owe a debt arising from certain causes of action within a particular time frame. The existence of reasonable cause to believe that §522(q) may be applicable to the debtor constitutes grounds for withholding the discharge.
Subdivision (c)(1)(J) is new. It accommodates the deadline for filing a reaffirmation agreement established by Rule 4008(a).
Subdivision (c)(1)(K) is new. It reflects the 2005 revisions to §524 of the Code that alter the requirements for approval of reaffirmation agreements. Section 524(m) sets forth circumstances under which a reaffirmation agreement is presumed to be an undue hardship. This triggers an obligation to review the presumption and may require notice and a hearing. Subdivision (c)(1)(J) has been added to prevent the discharge from being entered until the court approves or disapproves the reaffirmation agreement in accordance with §524(m).
Subdivision (c)(1)(L) is new. It implements §1228(a) of Public Law Number 109–8, an uncodified provision of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, which prohibits entry of a discharge unless required tax documents have been provided to the court.
Subdivision (c)(3) is new. It postpones the entry of the discharge of an individual debtor in a case under
Other changes are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadline in the rule is amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2010 Amendment
Subdivision (a). Subdivision (a) is amended to include a deadline for filing a motion objecting to a debtor's discharge under §§727(a)(8), [sic] (a)(9), or 1328(f) of the Code. These sections establish time limits on the issuance of discharges in successive bankruptcy cases by the same debtor.
Subdivision (c). Subdivision (c)(1) is amended because a corresponding amendment to subdivision (d) directs certain objections to discharge to be brought by motion rather than by complaint. Subparagraph (c)(1)(B) directs the court not to grant a discharge if a motion or complaint objecting to discharge has been filed unless the objection has been decided in the debtor's favor.
Subdivision (c)(4) is new. It directs the court in
Subdivision (d). Subdivision (d) is amended to direct that objections to discharge under §§727(a)(8), (a)(9), and 1328(f) be commenced by motion rather than by complaint. Objections under the specified provisions are contested matters governed by Rule 9014. The title of the subdivision is also amended to reflect this change.
Changes Made After Publication. Subdivision (d) was amended to provide that objections to discharge under §§727(a)(8), (a)(9), and 1328(f) are commenced by motion rather than by complaint and are governed by Rule 9014. Because of the relocation of this provision from the previously proposed Rule 7001(b), subdivisions (a) and (c)(1) of this rule were revised to change references to "motion under Rule 7001(b)" to "motion under §727(a)(8) or (a)(9)." Other stylistic changes were made to the rule, and the Committee Note was revised to reflect these changes.
Committee Notes on Rules—2011 Amendment
Subdivision (b). Subdivision (b) is amended to allow a party, under certain specified circumstances, to seek an extension of time to object to discharge after the time for filing has expired. This amendment addresses the situation in which there is a gap between the expiration of the time for objecting to discharge and the entry of the discharge order. If, during that period, a party discovers facts that would provide grounds for revocation of discharge, it may not be able to seek revocation under §727(d) of the Code because the facts would have been known prior to the granting of the discharge. Furthermore, during that period the debtor may commit an act that provides a basis for both denial and revocation of the discharge. In those situations, subdivision (b)(2) allows a party to file a motion for an extension of time to object to discharge based on those facts so long as they were not known to the party before expiration of the deadline for objecting. The motion must be filed promptly after discovery of those facts.
Changes Made After Publication. Following publication minor stylistic changes were made to the language of the rule, and a sentence was added to the Committee Note to clarify that the rule applies whenever the debtor commits an act during the gap period that provides a basis for both denial and revocation of the discharge.
Committee Notes on Rules—2013 Amendment
Subdivision (c)(1) is amended in several respects. The introductory language of paragraph (1) is revised to emphasize that the listed circumstances do not just relieve the court of the obligation to enter the discharge promptly but that they prevent the court from entering a discharge.
Subdivision (c)(1)(H) is amended to reflect the simultaneous amendment of Rule 1007(b)(7). The amendment of the latter rule relieves a debtor of the obligation to file a statement of completion of a course concerning personal financial management if the course provider notifies the court directly that the debtor has completed the course. Subparagraph (H) now requires postponement of the discharge when a debtor fails to file a statement of course completion only if the debtor has an obligation to file the statement.
Subdivision (c)(1)(K) is amended to make clear that the prohibition on entering a discharge due to a presumption of undue hardship under §524(m) of the Code ceases when the presumption expires or the court concludes a hearing on the presumption.
Changes Made After Publication and Comment. Because this amendment is being made to conform to a simultaneous amendment of Rule 1007(b)(7) and is otherwise technical in nature, final approval is sought without publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4004 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Additionally, the following substantive changes have been made.
The amendments to Rule 4004(c)(1)(H) and (c)(4) reflect the amendment to Rule 1007(b)(7) that replaces the requirement for submission of a statement showing that the debtor has completed a course on personal financial management with the requirement that the debtor provide the certificate of course completion issued by the approved provider of that course.
Rule 4005. Burden of Proof in Objecting to a Discharge
At a trial on a complaint objecting to a discharge, the plaintiff has the burden of proof.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule does not address the burden of going forward with the evidence. Subject to the allocation by the rule of the initial burden of producing evidence and the ultimate burden of persuasion, the rule leaves to the courts the formulation of rules governing the shift of the burden of going forward with the evidence in the light of considerations such as the difficulty of proving the nonexistence of a fact and of establishing a fact as to which the evidence is likely to be more accessible to the debtor than to the objector. See, e.g., In re Haggerty, 165 F.2d 977, 979–80 (2d Cir. 1948); Federal Provision Co. v. Ershowsky, 94 F.2d 574, 575 (2d Cir. 1938); In re Riceputo, 41 F. Supp. 926, 927–28 (E.D.N.Y. 1941).
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4005 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4006. Notice When No Discharge Is Granted
The clerk must promptly notify in the manner provided by Rule 2002(f) all parties in interest of an order:
(a) denying a discharge;
(b) revoking a discharge;
(c) approving a waiver of discharge; or
(d) closing an individual debtor's case without entering a discharge.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
The suspension by §108(c) of the Code of the statute of limitations affecting any debt of a debtor terminates within 30 days after the debtor is denied a discharge or otherwise loses his right to a discharge. If, however, a debtor's failure to receive a discharge does not come to the attention of his creditors until after the statutes of limitations have run, the debtor obtains substantially the same benefits from his bankruptcy as a debtor who is discharged.
This rule requires the clerk to notify creditors if a debtor fails to obtain a discharge because a waiver of discharge was filed under §727(a)(10) or as a result of an order denying or revoking the discharge under §727(a) or (d).
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
This amendment was necessary because the 2005 amendments to the Code require that individual debtors in a
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4006 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4007. Determining Whether a Debt Is Dischargeable
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule prescribes the procedure to be followed when a party requests the court to determine dischargeability of a debt pursuant to §523 of the Code.
Although a complaint that comes within §523(c) must ordinarily be filed before determining whether the debtor will be discharged, the court need not determine the issues presented by the complaint filed under this rule until the question of discharge has been determined under Rule 4004. A complaint filed under this rule initiates an adversary proceeding as provided in Rule 7003.
Subdivision (b) does not contain a time limit for filing a complaint to determine the dischargeability of a type of debt listed as nondischargeable under §523(a)(1), (3), (5), (7), (8), or (9). Jurisdiction over this issue on these debts is held concurrently by the bankruptcy court and any appropriate nonbankruptcy forum.
Subdivision (c) differs from subdivision (b) by imposing a deadline for filing complaints to determine the issue of dischargeability of debts set out in §523(a)(2), (4) or (6) of the Code. The bankruptcy court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine dischargeability of these debts. If a complaint is not timely filed, the debt is discharged. See §523(c).
Subdivision (e). The complaint required by this subdivision should be filed in the court in which the case is pending pursuant to Rule 5005.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to delete the words "with the court" as unnecessary. See Rules 5005(a) and 9001(3).
Subdivision (c) is amended to apply in
Committee Notes on Rules—1999 Amendment
Subdivision (c) is amended to clarify that the deadline for filing a complaint to determine the dischargeability of a debt under §523(c) of the Code is 60 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors, whether or not the meeting is held on that date. The time for filing the complaint is not affected by any delay in the commencement or conclusion of the meeting of creditors. This amendment does not affect the right of any party in interest to file a motion for an extension of time to file a complaint to determine the dischargeability of a debt in accordance with this rule.
The substitution of the word "filed" for "made" in the final sentences of subdivisions (c) and (d) is intended to avoid confusion regarding the time when a motion is "made" for the purpose of applying these rules. See, e.g., In re Coggin, 30 F.3d 1443 (11th Cir. 1994). As amended, these subdivisions require that a motion for an extension of time be filed before the time has expired.
The other amendments to this rule are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 4007. No changes since publication, except for stylistic changes in the heading of Rule 4007(d).
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (c) is amended because of the 2005 amendments to §1328(a) of the Code. This revision expands the exceptions to discharge upon completion of a
The amendment to subdivision (d) reflects the 2005 amendments to §1328(a) that expands the exceptions to discharge upon completion of a
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4007 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 4008. Reaffirmation Agreement and Supporting Statement
(a)
(b)
(As amended Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Section 524(d) of the Code requires the court to hold a hearing to inform an individual debtor concerning the granting or denial of discharge and the law applicable to reaffirmation agreements.
The notice of the §524(d) hearing may be combined with the notice of the meeting of creditors or entered as a separate order.
The expression "not more than" contained in the first sentence of the rule is for the explicit purpose of requiring the hearing to occur within that time period and cannot be extended.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is changed to conform to §524(d) of the Code as amended in 1986. A hearing under §524(d) is not mandatory unless the debtor desires to enter into a reaffirmation agreement.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
This rule is amended to establish a deadline for filing reaffirmation agreements. The Code sets out a number of prerequisites to the enforceability of reaffirmation agreements. Among those requirements, §524(k)(6)(A) provides that each reaffirmation agreement must be accompanied by a statement indicating the debtor's ability to make the payments called for by the agreement. In the event that this statement reflects an insufficient income to allow payment of the reaffirmed debt, §524(m) provides that a presumption of undue hardship arises, allowing the court to disapprove the reaffirmation agreement, but only after a hearing conducted prior to the entry of discharge. Rule 4004(c)(1)(K) accommodates this provision by delaying the entry of discharge where a presumption of undue hardship arises. However, in order for that rule to be effective, the reaffirmation agreement itself must be filed before the entry of discharge. Under Rule 4004(c)(1) discharge is to be entered promptly after the expiration of the time for filing a complaint objecting to discharge, which, under Rule 4004(a), is 60 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors under §341(a). Accordingly, that date is set as the deadline for filing a reaffirmation agreement.
Any party may file the agreement with the court. Thus, whichever party has a greater incentive to enforce the agreement usually will file it. In the event that the parties are unable to file a reaffirmation agreement in a timely fashion, the rule grants the court broad discretion to permit a late filing. A corresponding change to Rule 4004(c)(1)(J) accommodates such an extension by providing for a delay in the entry of discharge during the pendency of a motion to extend the time for filing a reaffirmation agreement.
Rule 4008 is also amended by deleting provisions regarding the timing of any reaffirmation and discharge hearing. As noted above, §524(m) itself requires that hearings on undue hardship be conducted prior to the entry of discharge. In other respects, including hearings to approve reaffirmation agreements of unrepresented debtors under §524(c)(6), the rule leaves discretion to the court to set the hearing at a time appropriate for the particular circumstances presented in the case and consistent with the scheduling needs of the parties.
Changes Made After Publication. The only change was stylistic. The phrase "of the Code" was added to subdivision (b).
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
Subdivision (a) of the rule is amended to require that the entity filing the reaffirmation agreement with the court also include Official Form 27, the Reaffirmation Agreement Cover Sheet. The form includes information necessary for the court to determine whether the proposed reaffirmation agreement is presumed to be an undue hardship for the debtor under §524(m) of the Code.
Changes Made After Publication. No changes since publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 4008 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.