Motion to Extend Time to File Initial Documents (Schedules, Plan, Etc.)

Official Procedure Last Change December 1, 2022

Motion to Extend Time to File Initial Documents (Schedules, Plan, Pay Advices, Etc.)

How to file: 

Location of event:   Bankruptcy > Motions, Applications & Briefs > Extend Time to File Initial Documents (Schedules, Plan, Pay Advices, Etc.), Motion to

Things to be aware of when filing: For a second or subsequent request for extension of time, a certificate of service must be included that complies with FRBP 1007(c).

General Information

  • The Court shall treat the first motion for an extension of time to file initial documents as a request for an extension to a date 30 days from the petition date. 
  • The U.S. Trustee and case trustee are deemed to have no objection to the first request for extension of time to file original schedules or related documents.
  • If the new date for filing documents is extended beyond the deadline in 11 U.S.C. 704(b)(1), then the Debtor is deemed to have waived any objection to the timeliness of a notice of presumed abuse which is filed no later than fourteen days after the missing documents are filed or after the meeting of creditors has been concluded, whichever is later.
  • This event should not be used to seek an extension of time to file Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 plans, since these are not considered 'initial documents'.

Filing requirements

  • Motion must be signed by the filing party.
  • For a second or subsequent request for extension of time, a certificate of service must be included that complies with FRBP 1007(c).
  • It is not necessary to upload a proposed order - the Court will prepare one. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log into CM/ECF.

2. Select Bankruptcy > Motions, Applications & Briefs.

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

4. Select Extend Time to File Initial Documents (Schedules, Plan, Pay Advices, Etc.), Motion to 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, or cannot be selected, view instructions on adding a 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 attach the document to be filed (pdf file). Click Next.

10. Check box Refer to existing event(s)? and click Next.

11. Click Next.

12. Check box(es) to which the Motion to Extend Time relates and click Next.

13. Check all appropriate box(es) to specify which items require additional time, click Next. If the specific item is not listed, also check the box for Miscellaneous documents required with initial bankruptcy filing, click Next, type the specific document(s) in the field provided, then click Next.

14. If you indicated in step 5 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.

15. 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.

16. Verify final docket text. If correct, click Next to submit.

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.