The partial government shutdown has had some far-reaching effects, but many of the offices that were affected are still operating despite Congress’s failure to pass a spending bill. South Florida’s Bankruptcy Court is one of those entities that is continuing to operate.
The bankruptcy court has three different locations in Miami, Broward and West Palm Beach, all three of which are still open as usual and will continue to operate.
The court has the ability to remain open due to non-appropriated funding that it receives from sources outside of congressional funding. Because of this funding, business can keep running, and these three offices have remained open with regular business hours.
Here is how the government shutdown has affected the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida Operations.
The trustee’s office has been able to offer limited staff for tasks, including scheduling Section 341 creditor meetings, making sure that trustees are appointed to cases, handling means testing for bankruptcy cases, and handling emergencies as they have come up.
Section 341 meetings are continuing as scheduled. These meetings are important for ensuring that bankruptcy cases move smoothly and do not get backlogged during the shutdown. In the event the judiciary does shut down, the court will maintain its online electronic filing system, PACER, for all bankruptcy filings.
Government Shutdown Update: After submitting to mounting pressure amid growing disruption, President Trump signed a bill to reopen the government for three weeks, backing down from his demand that Congress give him money for his border wall before federal agencies get back to work. Trump said he would sign legislation funding shuttered agencies until February 15 and try again to persuade lawmakers to finance his long-sought wall. The deal he reached with congressional leaders contains no new money for the wall but ends the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
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If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.