Court Operations after the Termination of the COVID-19 National Emergency

 

Honorable Stephen L. Johnson, Chief Judge • Edward Emmons, Clerk of Court

News and Announcements


Effective January 1, 2023, the Northern District of California
adopted a new Chapter 13 Plan

Revised Chapter 13 Calendar Procedures and Sample Order re Confirmation Hearing for Judge Blumenstiel and Judge Montali

链接: Chapter 13 Calendar Procedures and Sample Order re Confirmation Hearing

The Honorable Charles Novack, Chief Judge Emeritus, to Retire on May 15, 2026 - Case Assignments to Change

The Bankruptcy Judges of the Northern District of California announce the pending retirement of Chief Judge Emeritus Charles Novack. He will leave the court on May 15, 2026. The court expresses its sincere gratitude to Judge Novack for sixteen years of faithful service, including his significant contributions to the education of the bankruptcy bar of this district.

Effective April 15, 2026, Judge Novack will cease receiving new case assignments.  Cases filed on or after April 15, 2026, in the Oakland, Santa Rosa and San Francisco Divisions will be assigned to Judges Dennis Montali, William J. Lafferty, and Hannah L. Blumenstiel.

Effective May 15, 2026, the Court will issue an order reassigning cases pending before Judge Novack to other judges of the district.

 

Revised Subchapter V Chapter 11 Form Plan

The District's Subchapter V Chapter 11 Plan has been revised and is now available on the District's SBRA Procedure page.  Use of the revised Form Plan is strongly encouraged. Previous versions are obsolete.