--- title: "Frank J. Santoro | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/frank-j-santoro-8989" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Frank J. Santoro U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge ## Profile - Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia - State: Virginia - Role: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-06-30 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, serving in the Norfolk and Newport News divisions since his appointment on February 21, 2008 - Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Virginia, 2008-present - Pre-judicial career: Standing Chapter 13 Trustee (1987–present) for Norfolk and Newport News divisions, supervising ~3,000 cases Chapter 7 Trustee (1981–1990) Managing partner of Marcus, Santoro & Kozak, P.C - He also serves as Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, a role he assumed on December 13, 2019 - focusing on bankruptcy, corporate reorganizations, and corporate finance Former law clerk to Judge Hal J. Bonney, Jr. ### Education - B.A. in Political Science, Economics, and Finance (Phi Beta Kappa), Allegheny College, 1976 J.D., Marshall Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary, 1979 ### Additional information - His current term runs through 2036. - In 2003, Judge Santoro was named Outstanding Bankruptcy Lawyer in Virginia by his peers. - Judge Santoro presides over bankruptcy cases in both divisions, including Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 matters. - His courtroom deputies are Jennifer Hinkle (Newport News) and Jennifer Hinkle (Norfolk), with Tai Brown as the supervisor for both judges. - He is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and a frequent speaker at national bankruptcy and restructuring conferences. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### motion form Scope: courtwide 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. Evidence excerpt: A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### motion notice timing Scope: courtwide 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### contested matter notice Scope: courtwide 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### disputed fact testimony Scope: courtwide Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### evidentiary hearing notice Scope: courtwide Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### evidence rules Scope: courtwide Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### oath or affirmation Scope: courtwide 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. Evidence excerpt: If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8989/frank-j-santoro/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8989/frank-j-santoro/) - [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8989/frank-j-santoro/) - [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8989/frank-j-santoro/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/frank-j-santoro-8989", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/frank-j-santoro-8989", "name": "Frank J. 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Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.