(a) Filing. All pleadings and documents required under this part must be filed using the Judicial Officer Department's electronic filing system, unless the Hearing Official permits otherwise. The Judicial Officer Department's electronic filing system website is accessible 24 hours a day at https://usps-judicialoffice.journaltech.com.

(1) Documents submitted using the electronic filing system are considered filed as of the date and time (Eastern Time) reflected in the system.

(2) Documents mailed to the Recorder are considered filed on the date mailed as evidenced by a United States Postal Service postmark.

(3) Filings by any other means are considered filed upon receipt by the Recorder of a complete copy of the filing during normal business hours. Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

(b) Service. If both parties use the electronic filing system, separate service on the opposing party is not required. Otherwise, documents must be served personally or by mail on the opposing party, noting on the document filed, or on the transmitting letter, that a copy has been so furnished.

(c) Time computation. A filing period under this part excludes the day the period begins and includes the last day of the period, unless the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, in which case the period runs until the close of business on the next business day.

(1) Requests for time extensions must be made in writing before the submission is due, state the reason for the extension request, represent that the moving party has contacted the opposing party about the request, or made reasonable efforts to do so, and indicate whether the opposing party consents to the extension.

(2) Requests for time extensions submitted after the date on which the submission was due must explain why the moving party could not request an extension before the deadline.

(d) Representation of parties. The Postal Service's representative, as designated by the General Counsel, must file a notice of appearance as soon as practicable, but no later than the date the answer is due. If a debtor has a representative, they must also file a notice of appearance as soon as practicable, and further transmissions of documents and other communications by and with the debtor must be made through their representative.