Local Rule 5011. WITHDRAWAL OF THE REFERENCE

(a) Form of request and place for filing.A request for withdrawal of the reference in whole or in part of a matter referred to the bankruptcy judge, other than a request by the bankruptcy court on its own or the automatic withdrawal as provided in a jury case by LR 9015(e) must be by motion and filed timely with the clerk of the bankruptcy court. All such motions must conspicuously state that "RELIEF IS SOUGHT FROM A UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE."

(b) Time for filing. A motion to withdraw the reference of a bankruptcy case in whole or in part must be served and filed at or before the time first scheduled for the meeting of creditors held under 11 U.S.C. § 341(a). A motion to withdraw the reference of an adversary proceeding, in whole or in part, must be served and filed on or before the date on which the party enters its first appearance in the case. A motion to withdraw the reference of a contested matter must be served and filed concurrently with the first motion, opposition, or other paper filed in connection with the contested matter by the party requesting withdrawal of the reference.

(c) Docket in the District Court. Upon the filing of a motion to withdraw, all pleadings and papers with respect to the motion to withdraw the reference must be filed in the district court.

(d) Filing of other documents not affected. All pleadings or papers, other than those relating to the motion to withdraw the reference, must continue to be filed with the clerk of the bankruptcy court.

(e) Sua sponte motion to withdraw the reference. Any motion and any request by the bankruptcy court on its own to withdraw the reference must be referred to the chief district judge or the chief district judge’s designee for decision in the district court.