Adversary Proceedings

File a Complaint

Updated 11/10/2021

Process Overview

  • Open adversary proceeding, attaching Complaint and Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet
  • Fee: $350, unless debtor is the plaintiff or trustee is requesting deferral.
  • File Summons and Notice of Scheduling Conference in an Adversary Proceeding.

Forms

References

FRBP 7001-7087

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Adversary Proceeding Screen

  • Select Adversary > Open an AP.
  • Complaint - Select y

Search for a Plaintiff Screen

  • Search for an existing party record by entering plaintiff's name.  Click Search.
  • If no match is found, No person found displays.  Click Create new party.
  • If a possible match is found, parties with the same name display.  
  • Click a name and the party's information displays in a pop up window.
  • If the displayed information is an exact match, click Select name from list.  If you are not sure it is the same party, click Create new party.
  • If not an exact match, click Create new party.

Plaintiff Information screen - Complete the following fields.  Leave all other fields blank.

  • Last name, First name, Middle name - Enter exactly as they appear in the caption of the complaint.  Do not use all caps.
  • Generation (Jr., III, etc.) - Enter, if any.
  • Address 1, Address 2, Address 3 - Optional.
  • City, State, Zip - Optional. 
  • Party Text - If applicable, enter extraneous party information, e.g. a Vermont insurance company, in her capacity as Commissioner of Financial Securities.
  • Role in Bankruptcy Case - Select appropriate option.
  • Add additional attorney - The attorney opening this adversary proceeding is automatically added as the plaintiff's attorney.  Click to add additional attorneys.  
  • Alias - Add alias, if any. 
  • Click Review… and verify entered information is correct.  Click Return to Party Screen.
  • Click Submit.

Search for a Plaintiff Screen

  • Repeat until all plaintiffs have been added.  
  • When done, click End plaintiff selection.

Search for a Defendant Screen

  • Search for an existing party record by entering defendant's name.  Click Search.
  • If no match is found, No person found displays.  Click Create new party.
  • If a possible match is found, parties with the same name display.  
  • Click a name and the party's information displays in a pop up window.
  • If the displayed information is an exact match, click Select name from list.  If you are not sure it is the same party, click Create new party.
  • If not an exact match, click Create new party.

Defendant Information Screen - Complete the following fields.  Leave all other fields blank.

  • Last name, First name, Middle name - Enter exactly as they appear in the caption of the complaint.  Do not use all caps.
  • Generation (Jr., III, etc.) - Enter, if any.
  • Address 1, Address 2, Address 3 - Required.
  • City, State, Zip - Required.
  • Party Text - If applicable, enter extraneous party information, e.g. a Vermont insurance company, in her capacity as Commissioner of Financial Securities.
  • Role in Bankruptcy Case - Select appropriate option.
  • Attorney - Add attorney for defendant, if any.  If debtor is the defendant, you must add the debtor's attorney.
  • Alias - Add alias, if any. 
  • Click Review… and verify entered information is correct.  Click Return to Party Screen.
  • Click Submit.

Search for a Defendant Screen

  • Repeat until all defendants have been added.  
  • When done, click End defendant selection.

Case Association Screen

  • Lead case number - Enter case number of related bankruptcy case.
  • Association type - Adversary.

Case Assignment Screen

  • Click Next.

Statistical Information Screen

  • Party Code - Select appropriate option.
  • Rule 23 (class action) - Select appropriate option.
  • Jury demand - If a demand for jury trial is included in the complaint, select Plaintiff. If not, select None.
  • Demand ($000) - Enter in thousands (e.g. "5" for $5,000)
  • State law - Select appropriate option.
  • Nature of suit - Select the primary nature of suit and up to four more natures of suit.
  • Note:  If one of the natures of suit is 41 (Objection / revocation of discharge - 727(c),(d),(e)), select it as the primary nature of suit.

PDF Upload Screen

  • Click Browse/Choose File and upload PDF of complaint.  You may also attach the Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet but do NOT attach the Summons and Notice of Scheduling Conference.  The summons must be filed separately.

Jury Demand Screen

  • Answer prompt regarding jury demand

Fee Policy Screen

  • Information regarding the court's policy regarding payment of filing fees display.  Read it carefully.

Fee Screen

  • If plaintiff is the debtor, enter 0.0 as the fee amount. 
  • If trustee is requesting deferral of the payment, enter 0.0 as the fee amount.
  • Otherwise, click Next to accept default fee amount of $350.00.
  • Click Next again at the blank screen.  

Final Docket Screen

  • Carefully review the final docket entry.
  • If incorrect, use your browser back button to the applicable screen to make corrections.
  • If correct, click Next to file your adversary proceeding.
  • If fees are due, a Summary of current charges displays in a separate window.  Click Pay Now or Continue Filing.  

Notice of Electronic Filing

Next Steps

 

Summons (AP)

Updated 11/10/2021

In General

The summons is the notice which accompanies the complaint, advising of the names of the parties, the time limits for responding to the complaint and the details of the scheduling conference.  When completing the summons, refer to the CHAP Chamber Presets Report for available scheduling conference dates. (Click here for more information about hearing presets.)

Form

Summons and Notice of Scheduling Conference in an Adversary Proceeding (H2500B) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Adversary > Complaint & Summons.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • Select Summons (AP).
  • Click Browse/File and upload PDF of the summons.
  • Carefully read the message that displays: Enter name of each defendant at prompt Summons Issued on. Use date of filing (today) for issue date.
  • Select the appropriate defendants upon which the summons was issued.  Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select multiple parties.
  • From the drop-down list of preset hearings, select the Scheduling Conference date stated on your summons .
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.
  • Verify final docket text.  Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays.  This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.

 

Certificate of Service of Summons

Updated 11/10/2021

In General

Plaintiff(s) must serve the complaint and summons on the defendant(s) in the manner and within the time limit set forth in FRBP 7004. File the Certificate of Service after service has been made.

Form

Page 2 of Summons and Notice of Scheduling Conference in an Adversary Proceeding (H2500B) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Adversary > Complaint & Summons.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • Select Certificate of Service of Summons.
  • Click Browse/File and upload PDF of the certificate of service.
  • Select the appropriate defendants upon which the summons was served.  Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select multiple parties.
  • Enter the Date served.
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.
  • Verify final docket text.  Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays.  This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.

 

Answer

Updated 11/11/2020

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Adversary > Answers / Responses to Motions.
  • Select Complaint, 3rd, cross, counter.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • If filing this document with other attorneys, check the box and add co-counsel.  If not, click Next to skip the joint filing screen.
  • Select Party filer. Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select multiple parties.
  • The Attorney/Party Association screen displays if the association does not already exist. Carefully read the message in red and click Next when done.
  • Place a check in the box next to the complaint, amended complaint, cross-claim, counter-claim or third party complaint to which your answer refers.
  • Click Browse/File and upload the PDF.
  • If you are filing only an answer, click Next to skip the third-party, cross-claim, counterclaim screen.  If your answer includes a third-party, cross-claim or counterclaim, place a check in the appropriate box, click Next and select the appropriate party/parties.
  • Select whether a demand for jury trial is included in the answer.
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.
  • Verify final docket text.  Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays.  This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.

 

Crossclaim, Third-Party Complaint and Counterclaim

Updated 11/11/2020

In General

A crossclaim is a claim asserted by one defendant against another defendant. A third-party complaint is a complaint filed by a defendant against a third (new) party. A counterclaim is a claim by the defendant against the plaintiff.  These are typically filed as part of the Answer to the original complaint.  Follow the instructions below to file it separately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Adversary > Complaint & Summons.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • Select Crossclaim, Third-Party Complaint or Counterclaim.
  • Click Browse/File and upload PDF.
  • Select the appropriate parties against whom the document is being filed. Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select multiple parties.
  • Select Party filer.
  • The Attorney/Party Association screen displays if the association does not already exist. Carefully read the message in red and click Next when done.
  • Select whether a demand for jury trial is included in the document.
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.
  • Verify final docket text.  Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays.  This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.

 

Summons - Counterclaim / Cross Claim / Third Party

Updated 11/15/2020

In General

The summons is the notice which accompanies the complaint, advising of the names of the parties and the time limits for responding to the complaint.

Forms

Summons on a Cross-Claim / Counter Claim (H2500cc)
Third-Party Summons (H2500D) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Adversary > Complaint & Summons.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • Select Summons - Counterclaim / Cross Claim / Third Party.
  • Select Party filer. Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select multiple parties.
  • Click Browse/File and upload PDF of the summons.
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.
  • Verify final docket text.  Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays.  This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.

 

File a Notice of Removal

Updated 11/11/2020

Process Overview

  • Open adversary proceeding, attaching Notice of Removal and Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet.
  • Fee: $350, unless debtor is the plaintiff or trustee is requesting deferral.
  • File Process and Pleadings in Removed Matter.
  • Court will issue a Notice of Removed Matter and Scheduling Conference.

Forms

Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet (Official Form 1040)

References

FRBP 9027

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Adversary Proceeding Screen

  • Select Adversary > Open an AP.
  • Complaint - Select n.
  • Counsel for - Select whether you represent the plaintiff or defendant in the removed matter.

Search for a Plaintiff Screen

  • Search for an existing party record by entering plaintiff's name.  Click Search.
  • If no match is found, No person found displays.  Click Create new party.
  • If a possible match is found, parties with the same name display.  
  • Click a name and the party's information displays in a pop up window.
  • If the displayed information is an exact match, click Select name from list.  If you are not sure it is the same party, click Create new party.
  • If not an exact match, click Create new party.

Plaintiff Information screen - Complete the following fields.  Leave the other fields blank.

  • Last name, First name, Middle name - Enter exactly as they appear in the caption of the complaint.  Do not use all caps.
  • Generation (Jr., III, etc.) - Enter, if any.
  • Address 1, Address 2, Address 3
  • City, State, Zip 
  • Party Text - If applicable, enter extraneous party information, e.g. a Vermont insurance company, in her capacity as Commissioner of Financial Securities.
  • Role in Bankruptcy Case
  • Add additional attorney - The attorney opening this adversary proceeding is automatically added as the plaintiff's attorney.  Click to add additional attorneys.  
  • Alias - Add alias, if any. 
  • Click Review… and verify entered information is correct.  Click Return to Party Screen.
  • Click Submit.

Search for a Plaintiff Screen

  • Repeat until all plaintiffs have been added.  
  • When done, click End plaintiff selection.

Search for a Defendant Screen

  • Search for an existing party record by entering defendant's name.  Click Search.
  • If no match is found, No person found displays.  Click Create new party.
  • If a possible match is found, parties with the same name display.  
  • Click a name and the party's information displays in a pop up window.
  • If the displayed information is an exact match, click Select name from list.  If you are not sure it is the same party, click Create new party.
  • If not an exact match, click Create new party.

Defendant Information Screen

  • Last name, First name, Middle name - Enter exactly as they appear in the caption of the complaint.  Do not use all caps.
  • Generation (Jr., III, etc.) - Enter, if any.
  • Address 1, Address 2, Address 3 
  • City, State, Zip
  • Party Text - If appropriate, enter extraneous party information, e.g. a Vermont insurance company, in her capacity as Commissioner of Financial Securities.
  • Role in Bankruptcy Case
  • Attorney - Add attorney for defendant, if any.  If debtor is the defendant, you must add the debtor's attorney.
  • Alias - Add alias, if any. 
  • Click Review… and verify entered information is correct.  Click Return to Party Screen.
  • Click Submit.

Search for a Defendant Screen

  • Repeat until all defendants have been added.  
  • When done, click End defendant selection.

Case Association Screen

  • Lead case number - Enter case number of related bankruptcy case.
  • Association type - Adversary.

Case Assignment Screen

  • Click Next.

Statistical Information Screen

  • Party Code - Select appropriate option.
  • Rule 23 (class action) - Select appropriate option.
  • Jury demand - If a demand for jury trial is included in the complaint, select Plaintiff. If not, select None.
  • Demand ($000) - Enter in thousands (e.g. "5" for $5,000)
  • State law - Select appropriate option.
  • Nature of suit - Select 01 (Determination of removed claim or cause)

Select Event Screen

  • Select Notice of Removal

PDF Upload Screen

  • Click Browse/Choose File and upload PDF of Notice of Removal and Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet.

State Court Prompts

  • Identify state court action being removed, e.g., Civil No. 19-00123, Circuit Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaii.
  • Enter the name of the party removing the action, e.g., John Smith. 

Fee Policy Screen

  • Information regarding the court's policy regarding payment of filing fees display.  Read it carefully.

Fee Screen

  • If plaintiff is the debtor, enter 0.0 as the fee amount. 
  • If trustee is requesting deferral of the payment, enter 0.0 as the fee amount.
  • Otherwise, click Next to accept default fee amount of $350.00.
  • Click Next again at the blank screen.  

Final Docket Screen

  • Carefully review the final docket entry.

Sample docket entry: Adversary case 20-90005. ADVERSARY PROCEEDING OPENED. 01 (Determination of removed claim or cause): Notice of Removal: Civil No. 19-00123, Circuit Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaii. Party removing the action: John Smith . Fee Amount $350. (01 (Determination of removed claim or cause))(Attorney, Test)

  • If incorrect, use your browser back button to the applicable screen to make corrections.
  • If correct, click Next to file your adversary proceeding.
  • If fees are due, a Summary of current charges displays in a separate window.  Click Pay Now or Continue Filing.  

Notice of Electronic Filing  

Next Steps

  • File Adversary Proceeding Cover Sheet, if not already attached to complaint.
  • File Process and Pleadings in Removed Matter.