Reopen a Case

Last Updated: December 12, 2017

There are five (5) events available for use to file a Motion to Reopen a Case;

Reopen Chapter 11 Case
Reopen Chapter 12 Case
Reopen Chapter 13 Case
Reopen Chapter 15 Case
Reopen Chapter 7 Case

Select the event according to the chapter of the case.

Reminder:

If you are reopening the case for the Judge to rule on a specific matter, you also need to file that specific motion.

Examples: Motion to Avoid Lien, Motion to Vacate Discharge or Dismissal, Motion for Sanctions, etc.

You can file a Multi-part motion in one document with one proposed order. (See Tips for Filing Motions)

Inactive / Retired Judge Listed

If an inactive / retired Judge for example, Judge Schwartz is lisetd on the case, refer to Administrative Order 17-01.

For Cook County Cases: Chief Judge will hear the Motion

Note: File only the Motion to Reopen before the Chief Judge. Once Reopened, the case will be reassigned to a current Judge. You can then file your specific motion before the assigned Judge.

For an Outlying County Case: Judge assigned to the county will hear motion.

Reopen Case Filing Fee

A filing fee is required as outlined below.

Step-by-Step Procedures:

Select [Bankruptcy>Motions/Applications]
Enter case number and click Next
Select Appropriate Reopen event from pick list and click Next

Select Party from party pick list
Click Next
A reminder screen will display. Click Next

REMINDER: The title of your proposed order should match the title of your motion. Please remember to attach your proposed order and select the category Proposed Order. If attaching more than 1 proposed order, please add the specific title in the description field. Example Proposed Order - Relief from Stay Proposed Order - Dismiss Case.

IMPORTANT: If you are reopening the case for the Judge to rule on a specific matter, you can file a multi-part motion and include that relief in the same event. To file a multi-part motion, use the Ctrl key to select Motion to Reopen and the other event, i.e. Motion to Avoid Lien, Motion for Sanctions etc. Only 1 proposed order is required unless you are asking for alternative relief.

EXCEPTION:If case is Cook County and the Judge is retired, file only the Motion to Reopen before the Chief Judge. Once reopened, the case will be reassigned to a current Judge.
The Reopen Menu will display.
- Select an option
- Click Next
The PDF Document selection screen will display.
- Click Browse button and navigate to locate the appropriate document/file
- View file to verify the correct file is being selected
- Click Open button and filename will appear in the browse window
- The Proposed Order must be added as an attachment to the notice of motion and motion.
- Click Yes radio button for Attachment to Document and click Next
- Attach Proposed Order
A fee screen may display. If yes, click Next. If no, Skip to Step 10.
The Hearing Screen will display.
- Insert hearing date, time and select hearing location
- Click Next

The Modify Text screen will display.

Click Next

The Final Text screen will display. This is your final opportunity to modify the entry before submitting the filing.

Verify the accuracy of the docket text
Click Next to complete filing process

The Notice of Electronic Filing will display. It is the verification that the filing has been sent electronically to the court.

Copies of this notice and the document filed are emailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case. You have a period of 15 days for a one time free look at the document filed.