Multifactor Authentication for CM/ECF and PACER: Starting May 11, 2025, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) is adding multifactor authentication (MFA) to enhance system security for CM/ECF and PACER. All CM/ECF users will be required to enroll in MFA and are encouraged to do so at their earliest convenience. CM/ECF users who do not voluntarily enroll will be randomly selected to enroll starting in August. By the end of 2025, everyone with CM/ECF access will be required to use MFA when logging in.
In accordance with the public notice provided on or about March 28, 2025, changes have been made to the following Local Bankruptcy Rules.
RULE
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
4001-5
Adds a new paragraph (a) that imposes a seven day time limit within which to file a motion to extend the stay under Section 362(c)(3)(B) and renumbers the existing provisions accordingly.
5005-3
Eliminates the use of faxes to transmit documents to the Court in the event of Court systems failure.
9010-2
Eliminates the requirement that attorneys provide a fax number.
9015-1
Eliminates the rule concerning jury trials because the bankruptcy court is not authorized to conduct jury trials in this District.
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania proposes to amend certain of its Local Bankruptcy Rules. The changes have been provisionally approved by the Bankruptcy Judges. The Court hereby offers public notice of the proposed amendments and seeks public comment. The amendments to the Local Rules will become effective on May 1, 2025. Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted either by email to PAMB_Local_Rules [at] pamb.uscourts.gov or by U.S. Mail to the Clerk of Court, United States Bankruptcy Court, Max Rosenn U.S. Courthouse, 197 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18701. Comments must be submitted no later than April 28, 2025.
All hearings for Judge Van Eck on March 19, 2025 will be conducted by Zoom. All participants shall appear remotely but make sure to register at least 1 day in advance. https://www.pamb.uscourts.gov/remote-appearance-guide
On April 1, a number of Official Bankruptcy forms are updating for the triennial update. Certain dollar amounts in the United States Code applicable to bankruptcy cases are adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the most recent 3-year period. If you have local copies of the forms, be sure to get the updated ones on April 1, 2025. You should check with your software providers that they will use the new forms from April 1 forward.
Official Form 106C, Schedule C: The Property You Claim as Exempt, Line 3
Official Form 107, Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy, Line 6
Official Form 122A-2, Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation, Lines 29 and 40
Official Form 122C-2, Chapter 13 Calculation of Your Disposable Income, Line 29
Official Form 201, Voluntary Petition for Non-Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy, Line 8
Official Form 207, Statement of Financial Affairs for Non-Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy, Lines 3 and 4
Please note that the elevator to the Clerk's Office in the Max Rosenn Courthouse is temporarily out of order.
This post will remain up until the issue is resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience.
