The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee announced on Apr. 16 that attorneys representing debtors must pay filing fees electronically for each bankruptcy case filed online. The change, in accordance with local rules, will take effect on May 4.
This update means attorneys have until May 3 to adjust their intake procedures and inform clients about the new electronic payment requirement. After this date, represented parties who attempt to pay a filing fee at the Office of the Clerk’s intake counter will be redirected and instructed to make payments through their attorney’s office.
Payments sent by mail from represented debtors on or after May 4 will also be returned with instructions to submit payment through their attorney. The court said that failure by attorneys to comply with these rules may result in an order to show cause for non-compliance.
These changes are intended to streamline the payment process and ensure adherence to local bankruptcy court procedures.
