Fed. R. Bankr. P. 5001

Court Operations; Clerks’ Offices

(a) Courts Always Open.

Bankruptcy courts are considered always open for filing a pleading, motion, or other paper; issuing and returning process; making rules; or entering an order.

(b) Location for Trials and Hearings; Proceedings in Chambers.

Every trial or hearing must be held in open court—in a regular courtroom if convenient. Except as provided in 28 U.S.C. § 152(c), any other act may be performed—or a proceeding held—in chambers anywhere within or outside the district. But unless it is ex parte, a hearing may be held outside the district only if all affected parties consent.

(c) Clerk’s Office Hours.

A clerk’s office—with the clerk or a deputy in attendance—must be open during business hours on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and the legal holidays listed in Rule 9006(a)(6).

(As amended Mar. 30, 1987 , eff. Aug. 1, 1987 ; Apr. 30, 1991 , eff. Aug. 1, 1991 ; Apr. 23, 2008 , eff. Dec. 1, 2008 ; Apr. 2, 2024 , eff. Dec. 1, 2024 .)