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Adversary Proceedings: INTRODUCTION

7001:  Adversary Proceedings: INTRODUCTION; Injunctive Relief 

FRBP 7001 provides that some requests for relief can not be made by starting a contested matter (filing and serving a motion), but can be made only by commencing an adversary proceeding (filing and serving a complaint with a summons). 

  • The provisions of FRBP 7001-7087 apply; these are called the "Part VII Rules.
  • The provisions of LBR 7003-1 to 7069-2 apply to support the Part VII Rules. 

FRBP 7001(1)-(10) lists the situations in which an adversary proceeding is required.   Be sure to note a few specific scenarios:

  • Proceeding to Deny Discharge -- FRBP 7001(4) identifies types of discharge that can be denied by filing a motion instead of a complaint.  
  • Provisional Injunctive Relief in a Chapter 15 Case -- FRBP 7001(7) identifies that a request for injunctive relief (except when made in a chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13 case) requires an adversary proceeding.  When a party in a chapter 15 case seeks provisional injunctive relief under Bankruptcy Code section 1519(e), a summons is required to initiate the proceeding.  The party seeking injunctive relief must prepare and submit the summons to the court, which will then insert the date/time/location of a status conference.  

Commencing an Adversary Proceeding:  See FRBP 7003 and 7004

  • A plaintiff commences an  adversary proceeding by filing a complaint and paying the fee to file a complaint (a fee is required in most situations).  See link below
  • The plaintiff then serves the complaint along with a summons on all defendants, using a proper service method and service deadline found in FRBP 7004.  
  • Defendants can file a variety of responses. 
  • A host of other procedures are available to all plaintiffs and all defendants, including taking discovery.    These are contained in the Part VII rules and in related LBR.

 

Section: 
Section 4 - Match Local Bankruptcy Rules with Forms
Section Number or LBR Number: 
7001
Reference to Local Rules and/or Forms: 
Reference to Common Topics: