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Conversions/Reconversions

Official Procedure Last Change December 27, 2019

Conversions/Reconversions

How to file: 

Location of event:

  • 11 USC 1112, 1208 (a),(d), 1307(a),(c),(e), 706 , 348
  • FRBP 1017

General Information

  • Chapter 12 and 13 debtors must file a Notice of Conversion if seeking to convert to Chapter 7.  For any other conversion type, a Motion to Convert must be filed.
  • Conversions cannot be filed if the case is dismissed. If seeking relief from a dismissal order, do not file a conversion until an order granting has been entered (i.e., case has been 'reinstated').
  • If a conversion is filed on a joint case where one debtor is deceased, the case can still be converted as to both debtors. If a conversion is sought as to the surviving debtor only, a Motion to Terminate Joint Administration or Consolidation of Case or a Motion to Dismiss Party as to the deceased debtor must be filed and granted prior to the filing of the conversion.
  • If an In Forma Pauperis case or a case where the court waived a portion of the filing fee is converted to Chapter 13, the Chapter 13 filing fee or balance thereof will become due. The Order Converting will fix the deadline for payment.

Filing requirements

  • A conversion filing fee may be due. View current fees
  • The conversion must be signed by the filing party.
  • A Notice of Conversion must be titled as such, not as Motion to Convert, and vice versa.
  • For both Motion to Convert and Notice of Conversion, a Certificate of Service is required.
  • It is not necessary to upload a proposed order - the court will prepare one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log into CM/ECF.

2. Conversion from chapter 12 or 13 to chapter 7:

    a.  Select Bankruptcy > Notices & Certifications.

    b.  Enter the case number (in the format xx-xxxxx). Click Next.

    c.  Select Conversion to Chapter 7 by Ch 12/13 Debtor from the event list. Click Next.

Any other conversion:

    a.  Select Bankruptcy > Motions, Applications & Briefs.

    b.  Enter the case number (in the format xx-xxxxx).  Click Next.

    c.  Select Convert, Motion to from the event list.  Click Next.

3. Motions to Convert only: Select appropriate radio button to indicate whether or not the Motion you are filing is amended.

4. Check box if jointly filing with another attorney. Click Next.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Non Chapter 7 cases: If filing a Motion to Convert rather than a Notice of Conversion, a radio button appears asking for verification that the case is converting to a chapter other than Chapter 7. (If a debtor is seeking to convert to Chapter 7, he/she will need to file a Notice of Conversion, not a Motion to Convert.)  Select the relevant radio button and click Next.

8. Browse to attach the document to be filed (pdf file). Click Next.

9. Conversion to Chapter 7: Fee amount due is displayed. Click Next.

Note: The conversion fee is waived for any motion to convert filed by a Chapter 13 trustee in a case to which that trustee has been assigned.        

    Conversion to any other chapter: Select the chapter case converting to and click Next. Any fees due will then be displayed.

10. Motions to Convert only: If you indicated in step 3 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.

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

Note: The prefix text option is not available if you indicated in Step 3 that the Motion you are filing is amended.

12. 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.