DALLAS, Texas - A claims process for Stanford Financial victims is before a federal judge.

Wednesday, the Stanford receiver, Ralph J. Janvey, asked the court to set a deadline and approve claim forms and rules for thousands of victims to attempt to recover some part of their financial losses.

If U.S. District Judge David Godbey approves the process, claims can be filed by anyone or entity holding a claim on any of dozens of companies set up as part of R. Allen Stanford's financial empire.

This includes investments in certificates of deposit issued by Stanford International Bank Ltd. based in Antigua.

But first, Janvey says, he must identify "the nature and scope" of the potential claims against the enterprises. A claims deadline is necessary for an efficient, successful distribution plan, his court request notes.

Janvey isn't saying how much money will be available for victim restitution, only describing it as "limited proceeds."

Published reports speculate as many as 30,000 investors worldwide lost billions when the Stanford financial empire collapsed in 2009 under the weight of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.

Janvey also advised the court that proofs of claim must be submitted by all claimants, except administrative claims incurred after Feb. 16, 2009.

If the judge approves, Janvey's office will mail notice to all SIBL CD account holders with a positive balance as of Feb. 16, 2009, and others who have provided them with physical addresses. Emails also will go out to those known by his office.

Published notice of the deadline and claim form will be posted on the receiver's website, www.stanfordfinancialreceivership.com, and in newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, The New York Times and Financial Times.

Claimants should attach to each proof of claim all documents they have to support their claims, Janvey said.

Meanwhile, Stanford awaits a competency hearing in Houston, Texas, where his company headquarters once was. He is set to go on trial in January on criminal charges related to a $7.2 billion Ponzi scheme.

His former chief investment officer, Laura Pendergest-Holt, a Baldwyn native, also is expected to go on trial separately with three others later in 2012.

Former Stanford CFO James M. Davis, also a Baldwyn native, will be the prosecution's chief witness against them all. He pleaded guilty to his part in the scheme later in 2009. He remains free on bond until his work is done.

patsy.brumfield@journalinc.com