What does a Bankruptcy Trustee do?

I was recently appointed to the Panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Northern District of Illinois, and am hearing my first cases as Trustee.  Even though I have been a practicing attorney in the US Bankruptcy Court for over 30 years, representing Debtors and
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How Tax Refunds Impact Filing for Bankruptcy in Illinois

It’s that time of year again!!  Income Tax Return fime!!  Remember, the Tax Return is the set of documents you file with the IRS and State, and the Tax Refund is the money you receive if you overpay that year’s taxes.  Every bankruptcy client is
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Persistence Pays off in Chapter 13 with Student Loans

There are many strategies on how to deal with Student Loans in Bankruptcy.  One of them is to try to file an Adversary Complaint to try to discharge the loans, based on the  “undue hardship” standard.  (the “Bruner” standard) Courts have had varying interpretations, and,
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How Bankruptcy Can Help with Overwhelming Medical Bills

One of the most common kinds of debt that I see when people consult with me is medical debt. Medical bills can quickly become overwhelming, especially when unexpected health issues arise. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can be substantial, leading many to seek relief
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The Risks of Delaying Bankruptcy: What Can You Lose?

Financial difficulties can be overwhelming, and the decision to file for bankruptcy is never an easy one. However, delaying this decision can often lead to more problems. This post aims to shed light on the potential issues that debtors may face if they postpone filing
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