12. Chapter 11 Cases

[Note: This section does not apply to cases under the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (new Subchapter V of Ch. 11), eff. February 19, 2020]

A.   Status Conferences

The Court calendars regular conferences on the status of each pending Chapter 11 case and issues a Chapter 11 Status Conference Order and Notice of Possible Conversion or Dismissal.  All Chapter 11 debtors are required to file a Status Conference Statement at least 7 days prior to the conference that addresses the items set forth the Chapter 11 Status Conference Order.

B.   Disclosure Statements

The Court follows BLR 3017-1 and does not issue tentative approval of disclosure statements, unless Rule 3017.1 applies and the proponent so requests.  The proponent of a disclosure statement shall inform the Courtroom Deputy Ms. Ruby Bautista via phone or email at least 3 days prior to the hearing to approve a disclosure statement if the party intends to go forward with the hearing.  Failure to notify the Court shall result in the removal of the disclosure statement hearing from the calendar.

C.   U.S. Trustee Motions to Convert or Dismiss

Once he has filed a motion to convert or dismiss a chapter 11 case, the United States Trustee is directed not to withdraw that motion without advance approval of the Court.

D.   Final Decree in Chapter 11 Cases

Chapter 11 debtors in possession and trustees are expected to apply for final decrees as soon as claims disputes and any other litigation in Bankruptcy Court are resolved.  The Court expects all counsel for Chapter 11 debtors to understand fully the provisions of Rule 3022 and the Advisory Committee notes thereto, and BLR 3022-1.