Starting today, October 20, 2025, the judicial branch of the federal government has transitioned to Phase II of its shutdown plan.  The Judiciary no longer has funding to sustain full, paid operations. Until the ongoing lapse in government funding is resolved, the Court will maintain limited operations necessary to perform the Judiciary’s constitutional functions.

The Judges will continue to serve, in accordance with the Constitution, but the Clerk’s Office staff may only perform certain excepted activities permitted under the Anti-Deficiency Act.  Excepted work includes activities necessary to perform constitutional functions under Article III, activities necessary for the safety of human life and the protection of property, and activities otherwise authorized by federal law. During this funding lapse, the Clerk’s Office staff will perform excepted work without pay. 

At this time, the Clerk’s Office will remain open during its regular business hours in all divisions (Albany, Utica, Syracuse). Scheduled hearings and Section 341 Meetings of Creditors will continue to be conducted, filings will be accepted, and excepted services will continue in the normal course.  The Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system will also remain in operation for the electronic filing of documents.

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Cynthia A. Platt
Clerk of Court