U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas
14 judges profiled from their own signed orders: how each rules on motions, with the orders quoted. Court-wide standing orders ↓
Edward L. Morris
Bankruptcy judge, appointed by Merit selection
Steven A. FelsenthalRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Michelle V. Larson
Bankruptcy judge
Stacey G. C. Jernigan
Bankruptcy judge
Robert L. JonesRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Bill H. BristerDeceased
Bankruptcy judge
D. Michael LynnRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Harlin DeWayne HaleRetired 2022
Bankruptcy judge
Mark X. Mullin
Bankruptcy judge
Russell F. NelmsRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Robert C. McGuireRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Massie M. TillmanDeceased
Bankruptcy judge, appointed by Merit selection
Brad W. Odell
Bankruptcy judge, appointed by Merit selection
Scott W. Everett
Bankruptcy judge
Standing orders for every case in this court
Orders the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas applies to all of its cases, whichever judge has them, as published on the court's website (checked October 10, 2026). Courts revise these, so confirm the current version before you file. The court's local rules ↗
- General Order 2023-05 — Remote Court Hearings ↗
- General Order 2023-03 — Pleadings Using Generative Artificial Intelligence ↗
- General Order 2026-02 — Procedures for Complex Cases ↗
- General Order 2026-01 — Standing Order Concerning All Chapter 13 Cases ↗
Filing
Verify the accuracy of any generative-AI text included in a filed pleading or paper using reliable sources.
“the Court requires that all attorneys and pro se litigants filing such pleadings or other papers verify that any language that was generated was checked for accuracy”
Filing
Complete required Chapter 13 plan disclosures; failure can result in denial of confirmation.
“Failure to complete the Disclosure(s) shall be grounds for denial of confirmation of the Plan.”
Conferences
In Dallas and Fort Worth, first-day complex-case hearings, Chapter 13 trustee contested dockets, preliminary stay-relief hearings, and stay-extension hearings are ordinarily remote.
“The Court concludes that there exists good cause and compelling circumstances to justify permitting the following types of hearings to be conducted remote-only: (i) all ‘First-Day’ hearings in Complex Chapter 11 or Chapter 15 cases; (ii) all hearings involving matters set on the Chapter 13 Trustees’ monthly contested Chapter 13 hearing dockets; (iii) all preliminary hearings on Motions to Lift the Stay; and (iv) all hearings on Motions to Extend or Impose the Stay;”
Conferences
In Dallas and Fort Worth, evidentiary hearings, adversary trials, and final stay-relief hearings are ordinarily in person.
“The following types of hearings will be conducted by the Court in-person with remote attendance generally not permitted: (i) all evidentiary hearings and trials in adversary proceedings; and (ii) all final hearings on Motions to Lift the Stay;”
Conferences
For complex Chapter 11 or 15 cases filed from April 14, 2026, allow at least 24 hours between filing and the first-day hearing absent exceptional circumstances.
“Absent extenuating circumstances, the judges require at least twenty-four (24) hours between the filing of a Complex Case and first day hearings.”
Conferences
Unless the court directs otherwise, complex-case first-day hearings are virtual.
“Unless otherwise directed by the Court, all first day hearings in Complex Cases will be conducted as virtual hearings;”