The Bankruptcy Trustee

Generally speaking, the bankruptcy process can be confusing for an individual who is not familiar with all the different procedures and terminology involved. This makes it important for a debtor to obtain the counsel of a skilled and experienced bankruptcy attorney who can advise you about your legal rights and the specific benefits and consequences of choosing a particular course of action.

One key figure in the handling of cases filed under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is the bankruptcy trustee. Because of the significant role of the bankruptcy trustee, you should be sure that you understand the part that he or she will play.

The Arizona bankruptcy lawyers of the Harmon Law Office, L.L.C., are available to answer any questions that you have about the appropriateness of bankruptcy in your financial situation and the requirements if you should choose to file. Contact us at 480-829-0494 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Different Chapters, Different Duties

Bankruptcy cases fall under the legal jurisdiction of the United States Bankruptcy Court. The responsibilities are divided up among the district courts and each oversees the claims filed in a specific locale. During the course of a bankruptcy case, the court appoints a bankruptcy trustee to manage the debtor’s so-called “bankruptcy estate”. This assigns the following responsibilities:

• Under Chapter 7 – the trustee administers the bankruptcy sale of non-exempt property and distributes the proceeds from the liquidation to the creditors; also may deny discharge or seek to dismiss a case if fraud or other misbehaviors are uncovered
• Under Chapter 13 – utilize the debtor’s bankruptcy plan to divide and distribute payments to creditors accordingly
• Under Chapter 11 – the filing debtor is considered a “debtor in possession” and bears the trustee responsibilities

Contact Us

Let us help you put an end to the stress. Contact the Arizona bankruptcy lawyers of the Harmon Law Office, L.L.C. at 480-829-0494 to learn what we can do for you.