We’ve written a series of blog posts answering common questions regarding bankruptcy. Call (262) 827-0375 for a FREE consultation

How to Pay for Bankruptcy?

How to Pay for Bankruptcy | Waukesha, WIFiling for bankruptcy can be expensive. Hiring an attorney and paying court filing fees can cost you anywhere from hundreds to several thousand dollars. When you’re in tough financial shape, this added cost can seem stressful…and even impossible.

Don’t fear: you have options. Here is a breakdown of what bankruptcy costs and how to afford it.

The Cost of Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy comes with two types of expenses: court filing fees and attorney fees.

An attorney is critical to filing for bankruptcy, as they help file your petition, represent you in court, and take over communication with your creditors.

The two types of bankruptcy are Chapter 7, in which most or all of your debts are forgiven, and Chapter 13, in which your debts are reorganized into a repayment plan.

Here is an estimated breakdown of what you can expect to pay*:

Chapter 7 Chapter 13
Court Filing Fees $335 $310
Attorney Fees $1,000 – $1,500 /
$200 down
$1,500 – $6,000
Total $835 – $1,835 $1,810 – $6,310

*Please note, attorney fees vary greatly based on location and complexity of your case.

When filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court will review your attorney fees to find out if they’re reasonable.

(At Burr Law office, we offer monthly payment plans starting with as little as $100 down.)

Your Bankruptcy Payment Options

If you are filing Chapter 7, you may be required to pay your attorney fees before they file your case. The reasoning behind this is: if you are granted Chapter 7, all unsecured debts are wiped out, including any outstanding attorney fees.

If you cannot afford these costs, you have three options:

  • Raise the money.
  • Establish a payment plan.
  • Find a pro-bono attorney, or one who will take your case without charging a fee.
  1. Raising the money. Use these steps to minimize your expenses and save enough to cover your costs:
    1. Stop payment on credit cards. If you’re planning to file for bankruptcy, continuing to pay your credit cards is not useful. Save that money and put it toward your bankruptcy costs.
    2. Secure additional income. Sell big-ticket items, like furniture or electronics, or find part-time employment.
    3. Ask family or friends for help.
    4. As a last resort, you can borrow against your 401(k) or IRA. However, doing so may deplete the money you will need in retirement.
  1. Using a payment plan. The right attorney may agree to payment in installments. Ask the lawyer you are considering about their payment plan policy during your initial meeting. Please note: most attorneys will require payment upfront before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.

Your attorney may also work with the court to allow you to pay your court filing fee in installments.

  1. Finding a pro-bono attorney. If your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty line for your family size, you may qualify for free legal assistance. You have several options for finding a pro bono attorney:
    1. Reach out to your local bankruptcy court to request information on local free legal aid resources and free legal clinics. These organizations may be able to connect you with free legal assistance, but be aware: legal aid organizations are often extremely busy and understaffed.
    2. Research The American Bankruptcy Institute’s bankruptcy attorney directory for more pro bono resources in your area.
    3. Contact your state’s bar association to inquire about free legal aid. Some attorneys are required to take on 10%-15% of their caseloads as pro bono work.
    4. Consider hiring a petition preparer instead of a lawyer. If you’re in a rush to file your bankruptcy, a petition preparer will help you fill out paperwork for an hourly fee. Though they can’t give you legal advice like an attorney would, a petition preparer is a good solution if you are looking to quickly trigger the automatic stay that halts collection efforts.
    5. Finally, we strongly advise against filing on your own without the help of an attorney or petition preparer. Bankruptcy filing is an extremely complicated process and it is easy to make mistakes, which could lead the court to throw out your case.

When making decisions about bankruptcy, you may feel that the deck is stacked against you. But remember: you have options. And if you’re in the Milwaukee area, the experts at Burr Law Office are here to help. We have earned a reputation as experienced advocates, and can help you reclaim your life and get a fresh start. Give us a call today at (262) 827-0375!

 

A Brief Context & History of Western Bankruptcy Law: Part 3

We’ve come to the third and last installment of our overview of the history of bankruptcy law in the west (and specifically the United States). Though we’ve been able to see bits and pieces of modern-day law developing throughout history, much of the law has looked quite different from what we know today. If you recall, western bankruptcy law in its infancy did very little to protect the debtor and was used almost completely as a means for the creditors to either ruthlessly get their money back or to exact revenge on the debtor when he was unable to pay. In this last post, we will look at the most recent history of bankruptcy law that will explain how we have gotten to where we are today.

Picking up where we left off last time, the next major reform came with The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, often simply referred to as “The Bankruptcy Code.” It went into effect on October 1, 1979 and contained four sections or “titles.” The details of each of the four titles are technical in nature and quite a bit could be written about each one, so we won’t cover them in detail here.

In addition to establishing and defining the four titles, the 1978 Act also dramatically altered the courts themselves by conferring pervasive subject matter jurisdiction to the courts. The act granted jurisdiction over all “civil proceedings arising under title eleven or arising in or related to cases under title 11.” 28 U.S.C. §1471(b) These new bankruptcy courts were designated as adjuncts of the district court, but for all intents and purposes, they operated as free-standing courts apart from the district court. The newly-granted jurisdiction was given to bankruptcy judges who would continue to be Article I judges appointed for a set term.

Though many of the changes made with the 1978 Act served the general population better than previous bankruptcy law, the provisions of the Act weren’t without scrutiny by some. Take, for example, the case of Northern Pipeline Co. v. Marathon Pipe Line Co. in 1982. In this case, the court determined that the wide grant of jurisdiction given to bankruptcy judges was unconstitutional because those judges were not appointed under and protected by the provisions of Article III of the Constitution. While the technical details of this case are fascinating, the explanation is too lengthy to detail here; however, the important part to note is that this decision paved the way for the next set of reforms to be made.

Because of the court’s ruling that the appointment of the judges and their broad jurisdiction was unconstitutional, the law needed to be adjusted. In the time immediately following the 1982 case, Congress put into place the “Emergency Rule” until such a time where something permanent could be hammered out and put into effect. It’s interesting to note that many challenged even the constitutionality of the “Emergency Rule” itself, so it was clear that something permanent needed to happen.

Finally, in 1984—two years after the initial Marathon case, Congress implemented a “permanent” solution with the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984. In many ways, this act resembled the Bankruptcy Act of 1898 (which we covered in previous blog posts) by re-designating separate units for judges under the district court.

Since 1984, a couple more acts have been passed, including one in 1986 and one in 1994. These acts dealt more specifically with cases of family farming and mortgage and banking, respectively. Today, bankruptcy cases in America are all subject to the rules spelled out by these reforms.

Though this three-part series has only been the most basic of a review of how bankruptcy law developed in the west, and more specifically, in America, it should give you a clear picture of just how complex and involved bankruptcy law can be. Also, because things are constantly changing, getting the best bankruptcy settlement requires the knowledge of someone who has studied the law and is up to date with the very latest changes to the laws. In case you missed them, click here to view Part 1 and click here to view Part 2.

At Burr Law, our bankruptcy attorneys are experts and their expertise means they will use the law to your advantage, always working for the best possible outcome for you. After all, bankruptcy law is all about protecting you and looking out for your future. Always keep in mind that the laws that exist are there to protect you.

If you’re facing a tough financial situation and need more information about bankruptcy, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our Milwaukee bankruptcy attorneys and let us help you.

A Brief Context & History of Western Bankruptcy Law: Part 2

In this second installation of our three-part blog series on western bankruptcy law, we will pick up where we left off last month. We so far have been looking at the evolution of bankruptcy law in England as that is where the formation for our United States laws came from. We’ll still continue in England as there is a little more to cover, and then we’ll look at the beginnings of some laws in the United States.

We had last talked about the “Insolvent Debtors Act 1813.” If you recall, this act was a move toward more protection for those owing a debt; however, the Act still did favor the creditors quite a bit and didn’t offer true protection for debtors. Though things were starting to move in a positive direction, there was still a long way to go to bring the laws to a place where they worked to protect all parties.

The page really started to turn, and so did attitudes, in 1825. In this year, the “Bankrupts Act 1825” was passed, and this was the first law that allowed people to initiate the proceedings for their own bankruptcy. They did need to do this in agreement with their creditors; however, it was the first time that they had any real say in the process or in initiating the process. Prior to this only a creditor could bring charges to a debtor, and if they couldn’t pay, it was often done as a measure of revenge or as punishing those who owed a debt. Many have questioned if processes that only favored creditors actually served to try to resolve an issue or if they were really simply there as a way to punish people who were insolvent.

1825 marks the beginning of a time when both parties started to see the process as a means to truly resolving an issue and looking out for the interests of both parties and come to as amicable a solution as was possible given the circumstances.

By the middle of the same century, attitudes towards corporations were also changing. Thanks, in part, to the South Sea Bubble fiasco and some other high-profile cases in which people lost a lot of money, many people started to view companies as dangerous to invest in and also inefficient and incompetent. Without being able to trust their own investments, the economy stalled as no one wanted to put up money to support businesses that had proven to simply lose money and be a poor investment. Through a few pieces of legislation, companies were able to be started without royal permission, and companies could take on their own separate legal “personality.” This separated company debts and profits from being tied to individuals personally.

In the next several years, quite a bit happened in terms of bankruptcy law for corporations. While this history is fascinating, we’ll continue on to talk about personal bankruptcy law as that is the focus of this blog series.

While laws were changing and the foundations of modern bankruptcy was being set in Great Britain, the same thing was happening here in the U.S. Because of the relatively young economy at the time, the changes in the U.S. were fewer and further between, but the general direction of the laws were following those of Great Britain throughout the 1800s.

The first real law that established our modern concepts of debtor-creditor relationships came in the form of the “Nelson Act” of 1898. Though changed over time, this Act would ultimately be in tact until a major overhaul in 1978 which we will look at in depth next month.

Next came the Bankruptcy Act of 1938, also known as the “Chandler Act.” Though the previous “Nelson Act” remained in effect, the “Chandler Act” expanded voluntary access to the bankruptcy system. It also gave the US Securities and Exchange Commission authority in the administration of bankruptcy procedures. This was yet another move towards formalizing and establishing precedent for bankruptcy filings.

Although we’ve seen how things have been changing over the centuries, the biggest reform to date will come in 1978, and that will be the single biggest Act that affects the current-day law that we practice at Burr Law as Milwaukee bankruptcy attorneys.

We’re reminded again that, the history is interesting, but what matters most for our clients right here and now is that we know the law and work toward your best interest. Our Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the field and always have your future and well-being in mind as we work towards the best possible outcome for you.

Missed the first installment? Click here to take a look at that. As always, we welcome you to contact us to get more information on what we can do to help you.

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 1

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 3 

A Brief Context & History of Western Bankruptcy Law: Part 1

In this three-part series, we will be taking a brief look at the history of western bankruptcy law. Though there is detailed history of bankruptcy law dating back to the most ancient societies, it is, most specifically, English bankruptcy law starting in Renaissance England that has most directly evolved into what we know and practice today as Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers.

It bears repeating that some of the earliest societies we have records of do have detailed histories of how debt and debtors were handled in society. While the history is fascinating, it’s not the purpose of this series to review the entire world history of debt and bankruptcy law & culture as it is simply too large a subject to cover in a small blog series. Furthermore, some of the ancient societies used slavery and severe criminal punishment as an integral part of how debt was repaid or settled, and that simply is a far cry from what has evolved into modern bankruptcy law which is now used as a protective measure to the debtor to protect his or her future and financial well-being.

We begin in Renaissance England in 1542. This is when the first recognized piece of legislation, called the “Statue of Bankrupts 1542” was adopted into English law. Though debt and debt repayment was handled in society before this, it was done so informally and satisfaction conditions were often largely left up to the creditor alone. This statue was the first piece of legislation officially adopted to actually give some formal structure to the process of debt satisfaction, and while it didn’t go very far in protecting the parties owing a debt, it did start to provide some basic measures of protection for them. It should be noted that this first piece of legislation was created more to protect the creditor than it was the debtor. Prior to formal legislation, many debtors would seek to intentionally borrow with no good faith intention of repaying, and when they had borrowed enough, they would flee the land. Though there were certainly people with debt for legitimate reasons, many “bankrupts” at this time were often seen as thieves because of the ones who borrowed with no intention of repaying.

By 1705, it was becoming clear that the approach of seeing debtors as criminals was not accurate in many cases, and steps towards a more humane approach in regard to the relationship between debtors and creditors was sorely needed. The “Bankrupts Act 1705” was adopted, and this act gave the Lord Chancellor the power to step in and mediate in bankruptcy cases and to actually discharge debts when the agreed upon procedures had been followed. This was really the first move toward the creation of laws that were designed to start to protect the borrowers and not just the creditors as had been the case up until that time. Still, the law was largely in favor of the creditors, and in the famous case of “Folwer v Padget, Lord Kenyon reasserted the old feeling toward debtors when he said “Bankruptcy is considered a crime and a bankrupt….is called an offender.” Still, though they had a long way to come, it is with this act that we can really start to see the beginning of changes in attitudes toward protecting all people in different financial situations.

We jump ahead about one hundred years, and English society continued to progress in the overall perception of indebtedness. By 1813, the “Insolvent Debtors Act 1813” provided for the protection from jail after 14 days. Under this act, debtors could be sent to jail in some cases, but they had to be released after 14 days provided their assets did not exceed £20 (about $30). If, however, they did have more than that, they were ordered to pay their creditors from their assets. Even though this was a big step in the right direction toward offering the people more protection, creditors did still have the upper hand, and they were ultimately the ones who had the most power in dictating an outcome that was ultimately beneficial to them.

In the next installation in this series, we will start to hear about changes in laws and attitudes that really sought to provide much more protection to the borrowers and really start to give them rights and protections in the entire process of making financial satisfaction. The changes in laws will really start to form the foundation of modern bankruptcy law and practices as a protective measure for the borrowers and not simply a way to only look out for creditors.

While the history of bankruptcy law is certainly fascinating, we are seeing that, in its infant stages, it is much different from the laws we have today. At Burr Law we thoroughly understand today’s bankruptcy laws that are truly there to protect you and your financial future. As Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers, we’ll work with you and fight for you to protect your best interest.

Look for next month’s installment of this three-part series, and in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us today with all your questions about how we can help you.

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 2

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 3 

What does it mean to be “in the black” or “in the red?”

 

If you’re even slightly familiar with the world of accounting and finance, you’ve probably heard the phrases “in the red” and “in the black” before. Even if you are not in finance, you may have heard the terms anyway—they have become a part of our everyday speech and they are often used in common conversation.

For those of you not familiar with the phrases, I’ll briefly explain. The phrase “in the black” refers to being financially solvent or profitable, or sometimes more generally, just not in debt. A business that is “in the black” is usually making a profit or, at the very least, making enough to get by without having to worry about going bankrupt. Conversely, the phrase, “in the red” means to be in debt, running a deficit, or generally just not making money—being cash negative. Although cash flow cycles for businesses and people change from year to year, a business that is “in the red” for several years in a row without a plan to get out of debt often fail. Of course, the phrases aren’t always used consistently, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, being “in the black” is a positive thing, and being “in the red” is usually considered to be a negative thing.

So, now that you know what both of these phrases mean, you may be wondering where the terms came from or what their origins are? After all, there aren’t really any other fields in which these colors (black and red) are used to indicate positive and negative. So if you are guessing that these color indicators are somewhat unique to the world of finance, you would be correct.

To understand where these phrases come from, we have to go back to the days before accounting was done on computers. Before computers, accountants did everything by hand and with pen and paper. In order to help them differentiate between deposits and debits, they started using different color ink for each. Because black and red ink were two readily available colors, they were chosen for the purpose. Though it’s only speculation, some say that red was chosen to denote debits/losses/debts because red is considered a harsh color and can catch one’s attention. It also subtly reinforces the idea of negativity or something “bad.” They wanted to make debts stand out and catch people’s attention. It’s the same reason that teachers often correct homework and quizzes and tests with red pens—it grabs a student’s attention and lets them focus on what they did wrong so, hopefully, they can learn from their mistake and correct the mistake on the next test or quiz or homework assignment.

And now that everything is done on computers, the history of the phrases has still stuck around. In many cases, they really are meaningless. Most software now uses parentheses to indicate a negative number or a debit. Sometimes, they also simply put a minus sign before a number or even have a separate column in a spreadsheet for debits. It is, however, interesting to note that some computer programs still do use red type for debts and debits—a nod to the history of accounting. Again, there is really no practical purpose for this, but it fits with the history of accounting.

As mentioned earlier, businesses and people too (in their personal finances) often go through cycles of “being in the black” and “being in the red.” Maybe you had an exceptionally good year at work or in your line of business and you have a year where you are really making good money. Maybe you inherited some money and it puts you in a good place for the short term, but it’s not money you can count on as reoccurring and consistent income. These would be scenarios where you would be “in the black” for a period of time, but maybe not consistently year to year.

On the other hand, maybe it’s a large but necessary purchase that puts you “in the red” for a brief period of time. The goal, however, should be that running deficits or being heavily indebted should not be standard operating mode. If you have to run in debt, it should be briefly and for a purpose with a specific plan to get back into “the black.” Many times businesses or people can fall into a pattern of consistently running in “the red” without a plan or any practical way of turning things around.

This may be a point where one needs to consider the option of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws are created to protect people and give them a way to turn around their finances. The expert Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers at Burr Law Office know the laws and can help you answer your questions, and explore your options. Contact them today to see what options are available.

Common Misconceptions About Bankruptcy

Many people look down on bankruptcy and those who file. At Burr Law Office, rather than viewing it as a negative thing, we see filing as an empowering way to taking control of your financial situation. All too often, people fall victim to myths and misconceptions about Milwaukee bankruptcy and how it works. Here are a few of the most common ones.

Myth: You have to be completely broke to file

Different types of bankruptcy require different things. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan is set up according to the amount of money someone earns. It’s actually best to seek financial help before you’re “flat broke,” as it will help make the process easier and shorter.

Myth: You’ll never qualify for a loan again

Filing for bankruptcy does affect your credit, but not forever. As long as you stick to it and follow the guidelines for the process, you’ll be able to qualify in no time. Depending on your type of bankruptcy, some people even receive credit offers immediately after discharge.

Myth: You can spend, spend, spend right before you file without consequence

People used to assume you could rack up debt on your credit cards right before you filed and you wouldn’t have to pay that back. This is absolutely not true and, in most cases, is considered fraud by the courts. The most important parts of a successful bankruptcy are honesty and dedication.

If you’ve found yourself in financial trouble and are considering filing for bankruptcy, contact Burr Law Office. Our Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers will help you get started on the path to financial freedom!

How to File for Bankruptcy

Waukesha bankruptcy adviceMany people find themselves in difficult financial situations and come to a point where they need to decide whether or not bankruptcy is the right option. The best thing to do in this situation is schedule a complimentary consultation with Attorney Michael Burr. He will help guide you through the entire process of how to file for bankruptcy, catering to your specific needs. Here are a few quick bits of information that can help you determine if you should move forward.

You won’t lose everything.

It’s a common misconception that filing for bankruptcy means you’ll lose everything. Depending on your particular situation, you are allowed to exempt a certain amount of property. You cannot, however, hide possessions or “sell” things to family or friends in attempts to keep them. There are serious penalties for such actions, as they are considered fraud. An experienced Milwaukee bankruptcy attorney, like Attorney Michael Burr, can explain how to properly list your assets to maximize your exemptions.

There are multiple types of bankruptcy.

Depending on your situation, you may only qualify for certain types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7, or “straight bankruptcy,” is quite difficult to qualify for. More common is Chapter 13, or “wage earners bankruptcy,” which reorganizes your debts into a repayment schedule. In order to qualify for bankruptcy, you will be required to complete a means test which determines your eligibility.

Work with a lawyer.

New bankruptcy laws in 2005 have made it much more difficult to file for bankruptcy. While it’s not required by law, it is highly recommended that you work with a lawyer when filing. Milwaukee Bankruptcy Attorney, Michael Burr, has over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy law and truly cares about his clients. At the very least, we recommend scheduling a consultation to learn why working with Attorney Burr can help save time, money, and pain.

These tips are by no means legal advice and should be considered a guide as to whether or not you should inquire further about how to file for bankruptcy with Attorney Burr. At Burr Law Offices, we want to give you the fresh financial start you’re looking for. Contact the best bankruptcy lawyers Milwaukee us today to schedule your consultation.

Tips to Avoid Financial Troubles During the Holidays

As you head into the holidays, it’s important to keep a close eye on your financials and spending habits. Many people tend to go a bit overboard because of parties and other obligations and find themselves in trouble after the holidays have ended. Milwaukee bankruptcy Attorney Michael Burr has a few tips to help keep your spending under control this season.

Shop with a plan.

Just as you bring a list when you grocery shopping, it’s important to make a list when buying gifts. Before you go to any stores, decide how much you are able to spend on each person and stick to that amount. It’s helpful to jot down a few gift ideas, too. If you find yourself wanting to purchase things that aren’t on your list, hold on to them but give yourself time to look around and really think about whether or not it’s a necessary purchase. Note: Don’t forget about extra expenses like wrapping materials, host gifts, etc. when making your list!

Retail isn’t the only place to shop.

In this day and age, there are tons of opportunities to find lower prices on gifts for the holidays. Don’t feel as though you need to purchase every gift from the mall or other retail stores. Many sites offer free shipping and other discounts during the holidays.

Pay in cash as often as possible.

The biggest mistake people make during the holidays is racking up enormous charges on their credit cards that they aren’t able to pay back after the holidays. Try to pay for as many purchases with cash as you can. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying cash and don’t have a debit card, use one credit card and keep close tabs on your purchases by writing each one down.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Rushing to the store the day before (or worse, the day of) a party can cause you to impulsively buy the first thing you see. When you don’t have time to think about your purchase, you’re more likely to overspend or convince yourself that the cost is not important. Plus, if you’re an online shopper, waiting until the last minute will generally lead to massive shipping fees to get things on time.

The best advice we can give is to make a budget plan and stick to it. There’s no need to go out of your means to impress anyone. Enjoy the holidays with friends and family and keep your finances in check. Our Milwaukee bankruptcy team at Burr Law Office is here to answer any questions you may have about shopping during the holidays!

Answering Common Questions About Milwaukee Credit

Credit and debt are among some of the most complicated financial topics to grasp, which is often why so many individuals find themselves facing massive debt and other major financial troubles. A good way to help protect your financial future is to educate yourself on common credit topics. Read over these answers to common questions about credit to boost your knowledge.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

While there is no perfect number, most individuals benefit from having two credit cards —one that offers a low-rate when you must carry a balance, and one that offers a grace period. However, it is recommended that you carry at least four different lines of credit to help boost your overall rating, such as a major credit card, retail card, car loan, and home loan.

Does Checking Your Credit Rating Hurt Your Score?

Checking your credit rating does not affect your score if you utilize a “soft inquiry” rather than request it directly from your lender. By requesting your score from a service that provides reports directly to consumers for a fee, these inquiries will show up on your credit report, but will not deduct any points from your overall score.

How Can You Repair Your Credit Rating?

There are a number of ways to improve your credit rating. This includes reviewing your credit report for discrepancies or errors, obtaining a secured credit card, and paying all of your bills on time each month. It is also important that you pay the maximum balance on all of your credit cards on a monthly basis rather than just the minimum balance to avoid compounding interest.

With years of experience, the bankruptcy attorneys with the Burr Law Office are here to help you with your financial struggles. To learn more about our debt relief services or Milwaukee Chapter 13 bankruptcy, contact our bankruptcy law office at (877) 891-1638 today!

A Basic Overview of the United States Trustee Program

The mission of the United States Trustee Program is to safeguard the integrity of the federal bankruptcy system by monitoring the conduct of all parties and overseeing related administrative tasks. In addition, the United States Trustee Program facilitates compliance with laws and procedures by investigating cases of fraud and abuse. To safeguard the integrity of the federal system, the United States Trustee Program frequently works with attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and various law enforcement agencies.

History

The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 established the United States Trustee Program. The United States Trustee System Fund collects fees from individual parties and businesses filing for bankruptcy protection in order to fund the United States Trustee Program. The main purpose of this government agency is to regulate the process, ensuring that parties filing petitions comply with federal code.

Structure

The Attorney General appoints the United States Trustees and Assistant United States Trustees. At the head of the agency is the Director of the Executive Office, who provides managerial and administrative support to individual U.S. Trustee Offices in the states as they enforce and implement federal laws.

Duties

The United States Trustee Program supervises the liquidation and reorganization proceedings outlined in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 petitions. In particular, the office appoints an individual trustee to monitor estates and to review the applications for signs of fraud or abuse. The individual trustee also ensures that an estate is properly administered and that the professional fees associated with the case are reasonable.

Milwaukee bankruptcy attorney Michael Burr provides affordable services. Our mission is to help you gain a fresh financial start and to find relief from overwhelming debt obligations. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (262) 827-0375.