When a client and their attorney file for bankruptcy it is not automatically presumed that everything listed on the petition is the exact truth. Attorneys generally will not file any claims knowing they are not accurate, but then again, the attorney is relying on the client’s honesty to insure all the appropriate information is available.
In the majority of bankruptcy cases the attorney filing the petition has already gone through the paperwork to determine if any claims being made are inaccurate. Once the case is filed, the trustee will go over all information supplied by the client, looking for inaccuracies or reasons to believe fraud may be involved.
The role of the trustee in bankruptcy to insure all creditors are treated fairly and that any non-exempt assets are sold for the most money, which is then distributed to the creditors in accordance with their claims.
The United States Trustee who is an officer of the Department of Justice appoints trustees. There are no state agencies involved in a bankruptcy proceeding as all matters are handled through the federal bankruptcy courts. They will also participate in creditor meetings and has the power to discharge of debt if evidence of fraud or ineligibility is found with the creditor. Additionally, any actions required by new bankruptcy laws concerning money management and budget planning will also be reviewed by the trustee to insure the client is meeting all requirements. Typically, bankruptcy attorneys work with the same trustees on numerous cases and know how the paperwork needs to be filed to meet specific trustees’ concerns. Any concerns with how the trustee handles a case should be left up to the attorney to get answered.
The trustee’s role in bankruptcy differs with the type of bankruptcy filed. Whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or a Chapter 11 for businesses, his roles to determine the true value of any assets claimed and to protect the creditors from fraudulent claims, insuring they get a fair value of any assets. While a Chapter 13 trustee’s role is more of an overseer, they stay close to the case, representing clients to insure payments are received and distributed according to the court’s plan.
Trustees for Chapter 7 filings generally serve a one-year term while those working with Chapter 13 filings may be standing trustees serving a geographic area or a court region. Some clients may have confusion over the role of a bankruptcy trustee and believe they are more interested in helping creditors than insuring the client receives a fair chance. The In most Chapter 7 bankruptcies there are few assets involved, however if there are it is the trustee’s responsibilities include liquidating the assets and distributing the money.