9004-1: FILING & SERVING DOCUMENTS: Format: Caption: Contents: Legibility: Clarity
** UPDATED 11-14-2024 **
LBR 9004-1 provides that documents prepared by parties for filing and service must comply with form and format requirements. The Board of Judges approved an edit to LBR 9004-1 to indicate that these requirements also apply to documents that are served.
See link below to TCG Supplement: Form and Format Requirements for Documents. Instructions contained in this Central Guide Supplement were previously found in the Court Manual in section 2, at pages 2-31 to 2-38.
Documents that are SERVED must have the same font size and image size:
- When a document is served, it may be a double-sided copy IF IT IS SERVED ON ANOTHER PARTY. A Judge's copy must still be single-sided.
- Do not shrink the size of text font or photos/images.
- Each side of a page must be the same size of words and photos/images as the size that was filed. This means that a service copy may not contain multiple pages on one side of the document.
Examples of form and format requirements that you will find in LBR 9004-1 and in the TCG Supplement include:
- Information to include on the caption page
- Contact information for the filing party and attorney
- Clear identification of all parties
- Clear identification of bankruptcy case number and chapter
- Hearing Date, time and location
- Typeface font and size
- Legible content
- Clear photos, charts, and other visual materials
- Signature line
- Exhibits and declarations under penalty of perjury
PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY THESE REQUIREMENTS. Failure to comply may result in a determination that your documents do not provide adequate notice and may delay a court ruling or result in denial of your request for relief.