When debtors go through bankruptcy proceedings, managing court notices efficiently can help ensure they stay organized and receive necessary updates. To streamline this process, the court offers the Debtor’s Electronic Noticing program, commonly known as DeBN, which allows individuals to receive notices and orders directly via email rather than waiting for traditional paper mail through the U.S. mail.
The DeBN program provides a secure, digital alternative for court communication. However, specific rules govern how accounts are activated, maintained, and updated throughout the pendency of a case.
Debtors enroll voluntarily at any time
A debtor can enroll in DeBN at any time during the pendency of his case. Participation is entirely voluntary, and participants maintain the right to request the deactivation of their account at any time.
For married couples filing a joint petition, specific protocols apply to electronic noticing. Only one joint debtor can request DeBN.
A husband and wife can use the same email address.
Participants receive evening emails from the BNC
Once enrolled, participants do not receive every single document associated with their case electronically.
Electronic delivery is strictly limited to notices and orders filed by the court and sent to the BNC for service upon you.
A party only has the option to receive notices either by email or U.S. mail.
A Certificate of Mailing must include the party’s name and the address where they were served.
Participants must update changed email addresses immediately
Accidental deletions of electronic notices require specific troubleshooting steps because neither the court nor the BNC can resend notices.
Life changes also necessitate administrative updates within the DeBN framework.
Similarly, if a debtor moves, you or your attorney should file a notice of change of address with the court.
File an updated form to reactivate accounts
Account interruptions occur under specific circumstances.
Your DeBN account may have been disabled due to an email bounce-back (undeliverable email).
Reactivating a dormant or deactivated account requires completing, signing, and filing an updated DeBN request form, check-marking the section to request reactivation of your account.
For direct assistance regarding account status or technical hurdles, individuals can contact the Clerk’s Office at (540) 857-2391 ext. 409 or via email at CMHelpdesk@vawb.uscourts.gov. Do not contact the BNC, or reply to emails you receive from the BNC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western District DeBN Accounts
Can I receive my notices by both email and U.S. mail at the same time?
No; a party only has the option to receive notices either by email or U.S. mail.
Who should I contact if I have technical questions about my electronic noticing account?
Do not contact the BNC, or reply to emails you receive from the BNC.
