Local Rule 4002-1: DEBTOR – DUTIES

RULE 4002-1. DEBTOR – DUTIES A. Failure to Appear at Meeting of Creditors. In a joint case when only one debtor spouse appears at the meeting of creditors, the non-appearing debtor may be dismissed from the case pursuant to a motion under Bankruptcy Rules 1017 and 2002(a).

B. Duty to Provide Information about Domestic Support Obligations in Cases Under Chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13. Within fourteen (14) days after the filing of the schedules and statements under Bankruptcy Rule 1007(b)(1), an individual debtor in a case under Chapter 7, 11, 12 or 13 shall provide to the trustee on Local Form 4002-1B the following information regarding any domestic support obligations (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101(14A)): (1) the name, address and telephone number of all domestic support obligation claimants and (2) the current name and address of the debtor's employer. The debtor shall notify the trustee of any changes in such information until the debtor's discharge is granted or denied.

C. Filing of, and Access to, Income Tax Returns. A party in interest may file and serve upon the debtor and debtor's counsel a request, pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 521(f), that an individual debtor in a case pending under Chapter 7, 11 or 13, file with the Clerk the debtor's federal income tax returns. Within seven (7) days of the filing of the request, the debtor shall redact personal data identifiers, as specifically set forth in Local Rule 1007-1(H), and file such tax returns as a secure event in accordance with ECF Administrative Guide. A party in interest seeking access to a debtor's tax information shall file a motion that includes: (i) a description of the movant's status in the case, to allow the Court to ascertain whether the movant may properly be given access to the requested tax information; (ii) a description of the specific tax information sought; (iii) a statement indicating that the information cannot be obtained by the movant from any other source; and (iv) a statement showing a demonstrated need for the tax information. If the motion is granted, the requesting party shall pay the appropriate copying fees and provide to the Clerk a stamped, self-addressed envelope or retrieve the permitted tax information in person from the Clerk. TAX INFORMATION OBTAINED BY A PARTY IN INTEREST SHALL BE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL. SANCTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED FOR IMPROPER USE, DISCLOSURE OR DISSEMINATION OF SUCH TAX INFORMATION.