U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
5 judges profiled from their own signed orders: how each rules on motions, with the orders quoted. Court-wide standing orders ↓
Catharine R. AronRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Benjamin A. Kahn
Bankruptcy judge
Lena M. James
Bankruptcy judge
Thomas W. Waldrep Jr.Retired 2013
Bankruptcy judge
William L. StocksRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Standing orders for every case in this court
Orders the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina applies to all of its cases, whichever judge has them, as published on the court's website (checked October 11, 2026). Courts revise these, so confirm the current version before you file. The court's local rules ↗
- Standing Order Regarding Procedures for the Filing, Service, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents (25-01) ↗
- Standing Order Regarding Attorney’s Fees for Representation of Debtors and Secured Creditors in Chapter 13 Cases (25-02) ↗
- Standing Order Regarding Procedures in Aid of the Administration of Chapter 13 Cases (24-03) ↗
Motions
If Chapter 13 debtor’s counsel opts out of the presumptive base fee, file the first fee application within 30 days after plan confirmation.
“In the event counsel elects to opt out of the presumptive base fee, counsel’s initial application for compensation must be filed within 30 days after entry of the order confirming the plan in the case.”
Motions
After dismissal before confirmation, Chapter 13 debtor’s counsel has 14 days to apply for fees and expenses.
“Upon the entry of an order dismissing a chapter 13 case prior to confirmation, counsel for the debtor(s) will have 14 days from the entry of the order of dismissal within which to file an application for attorney’s fees and expenses”
Sealing
Seek leave before filing a highly sensitive document.
“Any party seeking to file an HSD must, before such filing, seek leave of Court for such filing in the manner provided in paragraph 2(b).”
Sealing
Deliver the HSD request and proposed material in a sealed envelope marked “HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT” with a redacted caption page affixed outside.
“The request and the proposed HSD material must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office in a sealed envelope marked ‘HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT.’ The outside of the envelope must be affixed with a copy of the HSD’s caption page (with confidential information redacted).”
Other
Within seven days of the Chapter 13 case notice, the debtor must contact the appointed trustee to arrange an interview and plan payments.
“Within 7 days after service of the ‘Notice of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case,’ the debtor must contact the office of the appointed chapter 13 trustee (‘Trustee’) for an interview appointment and to make arrangements for the commencement of payments under the proposed plan.”
Other
A Chapter 13 debtor must obtain trustee approval before incurring debt of $10,000 or less and court approval for greater debt.
“The debtor must obtain the approval of the Trustee before incurring any debt of $10,000.00 or less. The debtor must obtain approval of the Court before incurring any debt greater than $10,000.00.”
Other
A Chapter 13 debtor must obtain trustee approval before transferring personal property valued at $1,500 to under $5,000, and court approval for $5,000 or more.
“The debtor must obtain approval of the Trustee before transferring any interest in personal property having a value between $1,500.00 and $5,000.00. The debtor must obtain approval of the Court before transferring any interest in personal property having a value of $5,000.00 or greater.”