When you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition, a bankruptcy trustee will be appointed to your case. Throughout the proceedings, you and your bankruptcy lawyer will work closely with the trustee. The trustee will thoroughly review the petition, your proposed repayment plan, and all other necessary documents to ensure accuracy. The trustee is also responsible for conducting the meeting of creditors and administering your repayment plan. Since the trustee has an integral role in the process, it’s important to understand how to work with him or her.
Understand the Trustee’s Limitations
Your bankruptcy attorney can help you understand the role of the trustee in the proceedings, including what the trustee can and cannot do. For example, if you have a legal question about the process, the trustee is prohibited from answering it. Instead, direct all questions to your bankruptcy lawyer. If you need more information from the trustee in order to comply with a document request; however, the trustee can likely answer you or your lawyer.
Submit Accurate Paperwork
If the trustee detects a discrepancy in your petition and related documents, he or she may raise an objection. It’s important to submit accurate paperwork to ensure the process goes smoothly. Your lawyer can ensure your petition’s accuracy for you.
Disclose All Recent Payments
Before submitting your petition, your bankruptcy attorney is likely to ask you about any recent payments you’ve made to creditors, including family members. The trustee will thoroughly review your payment history and may decide to recover substantial payments. Disclose all payments made to creditors within the past 90 days and disclose all payments made to family members within the past 12 months.
Comply with Document Requests
The trustee may request additional documentation after your lawyer has submitted the petition. It’s important to comply fully with the trustee’s requests. If you do not have access to a particular document, the trustee may be willing to accept a different document that contains the same information.
It’s challenging to handle the bankruptcy process on your own. By working with a bankruptcy lawyer at Cutler & Associates, Ltd., you can rest assured that your petition will be filed accurately.