Local Rule 1002-1: Commencement or Continuation of Case Without Counsel.

Local Bankr. R. 1002-1 Commencement or Continuation of Case Without Counsel. Effective March 16, 2026

(a) Individual Filers.

Only an individual may file a voluntary bankruptcy petition or appear in Court without being represented by an attorney as a Self-Represented Filer/Litigant. All other entities, including but not limited to corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trusts, may not appear in Court or sign pleadings, including the petition, without being represented by an attorney. If a Debtor that is not an individual files a petition without an attorney, the Court may dismiss the case without notice, either sua sponte, or on motion of a party-in-interest after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

If an agent on behalf of an individual, such as a court-appointed conservator, court-appointed guardian or the holder of an unexpired power of attorney or other authority pursuant to non-bankruptcy law files a pleading/document with the Court, the filer shall file evidence of such authority and shall attach such authority simultaneously with the pleading/documents filed on behalf of the individual. Failure to file such authority may result in a dismissal of the case (if the document filed is the petition) or no action being taken on the pleading/document, either sua sponte, or on motion of a party-in-interest after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

(b) Responsibility of Individual Self-Represented Filers/Litigants.

An individual proceeding on his or her own behalf is considered to be proceeding as a Self-Represented Filer or Self-Represented Litigant. Self-Represented individuals must read and follow these Local Bankruptcy Rules, the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. See USDC Local Rules and Notice to Self-Represented Filers/Litigants.

(c) Corporation, Partnership, Unincorporated Association, or Trust Must Be Represented by An Attorney A corporation, a partnership including a limited liability partnership, a limited liability company, or any other unincorporated association, or a trust may not file a petition, pleading, document or otherwise appear without counsel in any case or proceeding, including any adversary proceeding; provided however, it may file a proof of claim, file or appear in support of an application for professional compensation, or file a reaffirmation agreement, if signed by an authorized representative of the entity.