Application for Final Decree

General Information

• Once the estate has been fully administered, the debtor or trustee files an Application for Final Decree in order to receive a discharge (if the debtor is an individual) and to have the court enter the Final Decree.

• The Application for Final Decree event automatically sets up a 21 day objection deadline. If no objections are filed, the discharge is issued (if applicable), the Final Decree is entered and the case is closed.

• If a Motion to Close was previously granted on the case, the court sends a notice to all creditors advising them of the 21 day objection deadline.

Filing Requirements

• The Motion must be signed by the filing party or their attorney.

• The Motion must state the percentage paid to general unsecured creditors in the plan.

• A Certificate of Service must be included.

• It is not necessary to upload a proposed order - the Court will prepare one.

Step-by-Step Procedures

1. Log into CM/ECF

2. Select Bankruptcy > Motions, Applications & Briefs

3. Enter the case number (in the format xx-xxxxx) and click Next

4. Select Final Decree, Application for from the event list and click Next

5. Select appropriate radio button to indicate whether or not the Motion you are filing is amended.

6. Check box if jointly filing with another attorney, click Next.

7. If you indicated that you are filing jointly with other attorney(s), select additional attorney(s) and click Next

NOTE: You cannot add attorneys. Only attorneys who have previously entered an appearance will be available for selection.

8. Select the party filer.  If the party is not listed, click on Add/Create New Party. Click Next

Note: The "Attorney/Party Association” screen may appear. If your party selection was correct, check the box to create an association and click Next.

9. Browse to select the Application (pdf file).  Click Next

10. A warning message is displayed. Click Next (unless you are filing an amended motion - see next step)

11. If you indicated that you are filing an amended motion, all pending motions on the docket are displayed. Select the motion that is being amended and click Next

12. Select prefix text, if applicable, and click Next

Note: The prefix text option is not available if you indicated in Step 5 that the Motion you are filing is amended.

13. Verify the final docket text; if correct, click Next to submit your document(s).

Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing displays giving you the document number. Copies of this notice are immediately e-mailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case.

Curing a Deficient Filing

A corrected application, fixing deficient items, must be filed prior to the deficiency deadline using the instructions above, or the original Application may be stricken from the record.