---
title: "Index service of an involuntary petition and the time to contest it"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/insolvency-restructuring-and-bankruptcy/settle-service-evidence-and-the-challenge-period-before-the-demand-is-se/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A8-SD-3-US"
practice_area: "Insolvency, Restructuring & Bankruptcy"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Index service of an involuntary petition and the time to contest it

> List how the summons and petition were sent, the date of service printed on the proof, and the page. Leave the answer date blank.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/insolvency-restructuring-and-bankruptcy/settle-service-evidence-and-the-challenge-period-before-the-demand-is-se/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Insolvency, Restructuring & Bankruptcy](https://ailawframework.com/practice/insolvency-restructuring-and-bankruptcy.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | List how the summons and petition were sent, the date of service printed on the proof, and the page. Leave the answer date blank. |
| What the lawyer must review | Bankruptcy Rule 1010 requires the clerk to issue a summons promptly after an involuntary petition is filed. The summons is served with a copy of the petition in the manner Rule 7004(a) and (b) provide. If that service cannot be made, the court may order mail to the last known address and at least one publication. Rule 1011(b) requires a defence or objection to be filed and served within 21 days after the summons is served, unless service is by publication on a party or partner who does not reside in, or cannot be found in, the state where the court sits, in which case the court sets the time. Rule 1013(b): if the petition is not contested within the time Rule 1011 allows, the court must issue the order for relief on the next day or as soon as practicable. You compute the 21 days from the proof of service. Section 303(h) orders relief if the petition is not timely controverted. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Settle service evidence and the challenge period before the demand is sent](https://ailawframework.com/practice/insolvency-restructuring-and-bankruptcy/settle-service-evidence-and-the-challenge-period-before-the-demand-is-se.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List how the summons and petition were sent, the date of service printed on the proof, and the page. Leave the answer date blank.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The 21 days run from service of the summons, not from a demand.
- Publication service uses the time the court sets. Do not apply 21 days to that path.

## Sources

- [Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 1010](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frbp/rule_1010) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 1011](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frbp/rule_1011) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 1013](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frbp/rule_1013) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*