New Notice

Regarding Court Operations during COVID-19 Virus Outbreak

(Hearings to Be Conducted Telephonically Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020)

On March 13, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee issued a notice advising that “open hearings as presently scheduled will continue to be held.” New information having been considered, the court has determined now:

Beginning March 17, 2020, all hearings noticed for the Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee will be held telephonically unless arrangements have been made otherwise with the chambers staff of the presiding judge. This applies to all divisions of the court.

The hearings will be held via AT &T call-in numbers. Information on how to call in and participate is posted on the court’s website at www.tneb.uscourts.gov.

The court will continue to be open and staff will continue to be present. Future hearings should continue to be scheduled and noticed as in the past in accordance with the provisions of E.D. Tenn. LBR 9013-1. However, the following additional statement must be prominently displayed in the hearing notice:

Given the current public health crisis, hearings may be telephonic only. Please check the court’s website www.tneb.uscourts.gov prior to the hearing for instructions on whether to appear in person or by telephone. Information on how to call in and participate is also posted on the website.

This Notice does NOT apply to 11 U.S.C. § 341 meetings of creditors or any other requirements of the United States Trustee.

We appreciate your patience as we work through this new procedure during this difficult time. Counsel may facilitate the telephonic hearings by contacting

opposing counsel in advance of hearings to resolve any issues that can be resolved. If you have any questions about a specific case, please contact the appropriate judge’s chambers.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are committed to continuing the work of the court in a manner that is consistent with public health guidelines for the health and safety of the public and our staff.

Marcia Phillips Parsons

Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge March 15, 2020