Frank L. Kurtz at a glance
- Current role
- U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Court
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · Federal
- Judicial service
- November 1, 2005–present
Frank L. Kurtz
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge · U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- Kurtz began his legal practice in Yakima, Washington, with Kirschenmann, Devine and Porter, later becoming a partner in Kurtz, Hurley, Lara and Adams from 1979. He was an original incorporator and first co-chair of the Bankruptcy Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington and held the role of a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee.
- Frank L. Kurtz was a distinguished jurist with a long career in both state and federal courts, most notably as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Washington from 2005 until his retirement in 2019.
Judicial service
- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Washington, 2005-present
- Federal court: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of Washington (2005–2019)
- On November 1, 2005, Kurtz was appointed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Washington. He served a renewable 14-year term, becoming Chief Judge of the court from 2007 to 2014. His tenure coincided with the implementation of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, which brought a heavy caseload.
- Notable roles: Chief Judge of the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court (2007–2014)
- In 1996, Governor Mike Lowry appointed him to the Washington Court of Appeals (Division III). He served nine years, held leadership roles such as Acting Chief Judge (1997–1999) and Chief Judge (1999–2001), and was a member of the Court of Appeals Executive Committee and the Board for Judicial Administration.
Courtroom rules and guidance
Motion Form
Request an order by written motion unless the rules authorize an application or the request is made during a hearing. State the grounds with particularity and specify the requested relief or order.
A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Motion Notice Timing
Unless a motion may be heard ex parte or another period applies, serve the written motion and hearing notice at least seven days before the hearing. Serve supporting affidavits with the motion.
A written motion (other than one that may be heard ex parte) and notice of any hearing must be served at least 7 days before the hearing date, unless the court or these rules set a different period.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Contested Matter Notice
In a contested matter not otherwise governed by the bankruptcy rules, request relief by motion and give the opposing party reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. A response is required only if the court orders one.
Reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard must be given to the party against whom relief is sought. No response is required unless the court orders otherwise.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Disputed Fact Testimony
Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.
A witness's testimony on a disputed material factual issue must be taken in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidentiary Hearing Notice
Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.
The court must provide procedures that allow parties-at a reasonable time before a scheduled hearing-to determine whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidence Rules
Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases.
The Federal Rules of Evidence and Fed. R. Civ. P. 43, 44, and 44.1 apply in a bankruptcy case.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Oath Or Affirmation
A solemn affirmation may substitute when an oath is required. The national rule identifies the bankruptcy judge, clerk, deputy clerk, U.S. trustee, and other authorized officers as persons who may administer it.
If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Sources
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington current judicial profile
Identity source · HTML · checked August 2, 2026
https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8996/frank-l-kurtz/Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 30, 2026
https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf