Click here to download a printable version of the DeBN brochure.
What is DeBN?
Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing (DeBN) is a FREE and voluntary service that allows debtors to receive bankruptcy court notices and orders by email instead of by mail. With a DeBN account, only the court is allowed to send notices to you by email through the DeBN. You will continue to receive documents from all other parties (such as creditors, trustees and attorneys) via U.S. mail or in person. The Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) sends all court notices and orders to parties by either email or mail.
What is the BNC?
The Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) provides services to all bankruptcy courts by sending court notices and orders to parties either by mail or, if requested, by email.
What are Court Generated Notices and Orders?
Court generated notices and orders are documents created and filed by the bankruptcy court, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Meeting of Creditors Notice
- Notice of Deficient Filing
- Notice of Requirement to Complete Course in Financial Management
- Order Discharging Debtor
- Notice of Dismissal
Who Can Send Emails to Me if I Have a DeBN Account?
When you request a DeBN account, you agree to service by email of ONLY court generated orders and notices. The BNC will send emails to you on behalf of the court. All other parties, including creditors, attorneys, and trustees, must continue to serve documents upon you according to court rules (by U.S. Mail, overnight mail, or personal delivery).
How Does DeBN Work?
Once you submit a DeBN request form and the clerk's office creates your DeBN account, all future court notices and orders will be emailed to you at the end of the same day they are filed. The notice or order will be attached to the email as a single PDF attachment. A separate email will be sent for each notice or order.
There is no limit to the number of times you may view the PDF attachment, and you may print the attachment, save it to your computer, or simply keep the email for viewing at any time. If the PDF attachment exceeds 8 MB, the notice will be sent to the debtor by U.S. mail instead of email.
For more information, see the page entitled "How DeBN Email Works."
How Do I Sign-Up for DeBN?
1. Obtain the Debtor's Electronic Noticing Request (DeBN) form here or from the clerk's office.
2. Complete and sign the form. If signing electronically, type your full name followed by "/s/".
3. Submit the completed form electronically through our electronic filing portal or deliver the form to the clerk's office by mail or in person, or have your attorney file the form.
4. The Clerk's office will create your account within 48 hours of receiving your request. You will receive a confirmation email from the BNC when your account is activated. Going forward, all court generated orders and notices will then be emailed to you as long as you keep your contact information current and there are no email transmission failures.
How Long Do I Stay Enrolled in DeBN
You are enrolled in DeBN as long as your DeBN account is active.
You will receive email notice of court generated orders and notices in any current or future bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding (lawsuit) from any bankruptcy court in which your name and mailing address match the name and mailing address on your DeBN account.
At any time you can file a request form with the court and ask to have your DeBN account closed. When the DeBN account is closed, you will receive notices from the court by U.S. Mail. You also need to keep the court informed of any changes to your email. If an email is undeliverable, or bounces back, your DeBN account will be closed and the notice attached to the bounce back email will be sent by U.S. Mail.
Can My DeBN Account be Cancelled?
Your DeBN account can be cancelled or deactivated if:
- The BNC disables the account because of an email delivery failure ("bounce-back");
- You submit a Debtor's Electronic Noticing Request (DeBN) form and request deactivation; or
- Your mailing address on file with the court changes and it no longer matches the DeBN account mailing address.