A request for an order must be made by written motion unless:
(1) an application is authorized by these rules; or
(2) the request is made during a hearing.
(b)Form and Service of a Motion.
• the trustee or debtor in possession and those entities specified by these rules; or
• if these rules do not require service or specify the entities to be served, the entities designated by the court.
Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)
When you need to ask a bankruptcy court to do something, you usually have to put that request in writing. This written request is called a motion. The only times you don't need a written motion are when you're asking for something during an actual court hearing, or when the bankruptcy rules specifically allow a different type of request called an application.
When you file a written motion, you also have to send a copy to the right people. Those people are usually the trustee or the debtor in possession. The bankruptcy rules spell out who else needs to get a copy in most situations. If the rules don't cover your specific situation, the court will tell you who needs to receive the motion.
Summary generated March 09, 2026
Committee Notes
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from Rule 5(a) and Rule 7(b)(1) F.R.Civ.P. Except when an application is specifically authorized by these rules, for example an application under Rule 2014 for approval of the employment of a professional, all requests for court action must be made by motion.
Committee Notes on Rules—2013 Amendment
A cross-reference to Rule 9006(d) is added to this rule to call attention to the time limits for the service of motions, supporting affidavits, and written responses to motions. Rule 9006(d) prescribes time limits that apply unless other limits are fixed by these rules, a court order, or a local rule. The other changes are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication and Comment. No changes were made after publication and comment.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 9013 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
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