The Middle District of Florida has revised its Legal Assistance Program (LAP) to supplement the types of matters eligible for pro bono services by a volunteer attorney under the LAP. The following types of matters are eligible for referral to a volunteer attorney under the LAP:

• Adversary proceedings or motions relating to the debtor's entitlement to a discharge and/or the dischargeability of a debt, including motions for a hardship discharge under 11 U.S.C. § 1328(b).


• Contested matters concerning the debtor's claimed exemptions.


• Representation of spouses and former spouses of debtors in connection with the dischargeability of obligations under marital settlement agreements and/or judgments for the dissolution of marriage.


• Representation of an individual defendant in an action to recover money or property under 11 U.S.C. §§ 542, 544, or 547 - 550.

In addition, if circumstances warrant, the Bankruptcy Judge assigned to the case may refer a party to LAP.

The Court maintains a list of attorneys who have volunteered to accept a request to serve as a pro bono attorney for a qualifying low-income individual. We hope that all attorneys will consider volunteering for the LAP.

Click HERE for more information on the LAP.

Click HERE for the Attorney Volunteer Form.

The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled virtually for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from Noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom. LOGIN INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE FIRST 100 WHO RSVP. Judge McEwen's special guests for this program are: Jeffrey Hakanson, Esq.; Grace Anne Monnig, Assistant United States Attorney; Pam Arciola, Courtroom Deputy; Acel Masar, IT Tech; and a Special "Ghost" Appearance.

Program Title: HODGE PODGE FOR $400

Click HERE to view the full announcement.

Click HERE to view the January 2024 edition.

The judges of the Middle District of Florida have posted their procedures governing court appearances (including remote access by video and telephone) on their individual webpages, located at www.flmb.uscourts.gov/judges. In addition, the Court has revised its form Notices of Hearing to direct parties to the assigned judge's webpage for procedures governing court appearances. Judge Funk will continue to use CourtCall for telephonic appearances. All other judges will use Zoom for both video and telephonic appearances. NOTE: In accordance with the broadcast policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States, effective September 22, 2023, non-parties (i.e., members of the press or the public) are permitted audio access only to civil and bankruptcy proceedings in non-trial proceedings. Members of the press and the public may attend all hearings in person.

Click HERE for the updated Notice of Hearing procedure.

Click HERE for a sample form Notice of Hearing (bankruptcy case).

Click HERE for a sample form Notice of Hearing (adversary proceeding).

Attorneys and laypersons in need of assistance on December 26 may contact the Orlando Division clerk's office, which will remain open to the public.

The Court has entered Administrative Order FLMB-2023-3, effective in Chapter 13 cases filed on or after December 4, 2023, The Court has also revised the Model Chapter 13 Plan and Order Confirming Plan, effective December 4, 2023. The revisions conform the Administrative Order, the Model Plan, and the Order Confirming Plan to the Middle District's current Chapter 13 procedures; facilitate more uniform Chapter 13 procedures; and make the procedures more understandable for practitioners, debtors, and creditors.

Click HERE for Chief Judge Delano's December 4, 2023 memorandum outlining the revisions to the Administrative Order, Model Chapter 13 Plan, and Order Confirming Plan.

Click HERE for the Administrative Order with revisions highlighted.

Click HERE for the Model Plan (PDF) with revisions highlighted.

Click HERE for the Model Plan (Word) with revisions highlighted.

Click HERE for the Order Confirming Plan (PDF) with revisions highlighted.

Congress has taken no action on the proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Civil Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Evidence, adopted by the Supreme Court and transmitted to Congress on April 24, 2023. Under the Rules Enabling Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2071-75, rules take effect today, December 1, 2023.

Click HERE for the adjusted Miscellaneous Fee Schedule

Click HERE for the Amended Official Forms

Click HERE or the Rules of Practice and Procedure Effective December 1, 2023

Click HERE for a Summary of the Amendments to the Forms and Rules