June 22 Starting throughout this week, masks must be worn in public spaces in federal courthouses in Kansas
Employees, visitors and attorneys must wear masks in public areas of courthouses in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Masks will be provided at the entrances if needed. Visitors and attorneys are asked to review screening guidelines posted at each courthouse.
June 15 U.S. Trustee Program extends telephonic Section 341 meetings to cases filed through October 10, 2020
See News
May 26 Kansas City Public Counters Open to the Public Normal Business Hours 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
All three Clerk's Offices' public counters are now open. Many hearings and dockets are being conducted by telephone. Check the website frequently for updates. The Court continues to encourage social distancing, and safe and healthy practices at the courthouse. Pro Se Filers may submit documents through special email addresses to each division:
KSBKC_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
KSBTopeka_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
KSBWichita_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
Contact the Clerk's Office if you have questions.
May 11 Topeka and Wichita Clerk's Offices Public Counters Open to the Public Normal Business Hours 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kansas City Clerk's Office public counter remains closed, however staff is available by phone, email, and by appointment if needed at the the public counter.
April 24 U.S. Trustee Program extends telephonic Section 341 meetings to cases filed through July 10, 2020
The U.S. Trustee Program is extending the requirement that section 341 meetings be conducted only through telephonic or other alternative means not requiring in-person appearance to all cases filed through July 10, 2020. Appropriate notice will be provided to parties in accordance with bankruptcy law and rules. See https://www.justice.gov/ust/Local_341_Meeting_Status.
April 24 Notice of Forbearance Events added to CM/ECF
See News
April 9 Special Procedures While the Bankruptcy Court Public Counters are Closed
April 9 Judges share Teleconference Guidelines for court hearings
See KSB Teleconference Guidelines
April 3 Judges are handling upcoming dockets and hearings by telephone
See Calendars & Dockets for call in numbers and schedule updates
March 30 UST announces that section 341 meetings of creditors will be held by telephone until further notice
See call in numbers and instructions.
March 20 Kansas Bankruptcy Court has issued orders to help filers and practitioners address concerns arising from coronavirus
See the court's Local Rules and Order page for more information.
S.O. 20-2 Order Modifying Signature Rules
S.O. 20-3 Order Modifying Procedures for Notice to Creditors
G.O. 20-1 Order Regarding Resets of Meetings of Creditors
March 17 Kansas City, Kansas Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office Reopens
The Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office in Kansas City, Kansas, has reopened after closing temporarily as a precautionary measure. The office closed on March 13, 2020, after being notified that a person who had attended a meeting of creditors on the first floor of the Robert Dole Federal courthouse was deemed positive for the coronavirus. Subsequently, the court was notified that the case turned out to be a false positive. Despite being temporarily closed, the Kansas City Clerk’s Office continued to process matters remotely and staff were available by telephone and email. At present, the Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita Offices remain open to conduct business, however, the District Court’s Amended Administrative Order 2020-2 continues to govern entry to those courthouses.
March 15 Message from Chief Judge Somers Regarding Bankruptcy Court Operations
March 13 Bankruptcy Court COVID-19 Response Plan
In response to increasing concern about the coronavirus, on March 13, 2020, the US District Court for the District of Kansas issued Administrative Order 2020-2 governing access to the federal courthouses in Kansas. The order bars people who have traveled to certain jurisdictions or have possibly been exposed to the virus from entering the courthouse. Lawyers should visit with their clients and other participants in advance of any hearing or trial to determine whether they fall within any of the categories listed in the Order and notify opposing counsel and the court.
On March 10, 2020, a person who was later reported to test positive for the coronavirus entered the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse through the North doors and attended a meeting of creditors on the first floor of the courthouse. The individual was not symptomatic at the time of the visit to the courthouse.
As a precautionary measure, the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office in Kansas City closed for two weeks beginning March 13, 2020, but the Clerk’s Office will continue to process matters remotely. Bankruptcy Court proceedings originally scheduled to be heard in Kansas City may be handled telephonically or rescheduled to a later date or to the Topeka courthouse. Parties may request continuances or permission to appear telephonically.
The Topeka and Wichita Clerk’s Offices remain open for business at present.
March 12 Kansas City, Kansas Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office Closed Until Further Notice