Coronavirus known as COVID-19

Effective immediately, all in-person chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020, in the Middle District of Florida are hereby continued until a later date to be determined. Absent special circumstances, section 341 meetings may not proceed during this period except through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring personal appearance by debtors. Appropriate notice will be provided to parties in accordance with bankruptcy law and rules.

Meetings already noticed as telephonic meetings may proceed as scheduled.

A message from Chief Judge Caryl E. Delano:

The bankruptcy judges of the Middle District of Florida are monitoring reports regarding the Coronavirus Disease known as COVID-19. In light of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s recommendation that everyone avoid crowds and exercise “social distancing,” effective Monday, March 16, 2020, and continuing until further notice, the Court has implemented the following policies:

  1. Judges in all Divisions will conduct all non-evidentiary hearings by telephone. Attorneys should arrange to appear via CourtCall or CourtSolutions as indicated on each judge’s webpage (www.flmb.uscourts.gov). Both CourtCall and CourtSolutions have agreed to waive their charges for pro se parties. A party who is not represented by counsel and is unable to coordinate with CourtCall or CourtSolutions should contact the judge’s courtroom deputy. Contact information is listed on each judge’s webpage.
  2. Individual judges may determine to continue evidentiary hearings and trials that are not time-sensitive. In that event, Court staff will contact counsel for the parties and an order continuing the hearing or trial will be entered.
  3. Any party who has a valid basis for requesting the continuance of an evidentiary or non-evidentiary hearing may file a motion to continue. Motions to continue shall include a statement that the movant has conferred with counsel for opposing parties concerning the requested continuance, and the position of other parties concerning the request.

The Office of Kelly Remick, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, administers chapter 13 bankruptcy cases in the Tampa Division. We work under the supervision of the United States Trustee and act as a clearinghouse, to receive and disburse funds as prescribed by orders of the court.

Please be advised that the Trustee and her staff are not in a position to provide you with legal advice.