Standing Chapter 13 Trustee

- 100 S 5th St Suite 480, Minneapolis, MN 55402

For many individuals and families in Minnesota facing overwhelming debt, filing for bankruptcy can be a path toward financial stability. Within the bankruptcy process, particularly for those filing under Chapter 13, a specific legal entity plays a crucial role: the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee. This is not a law firm in the traditional sense, but rather a local government office that acts as a neutral third party to oversee the administration of Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. For residents in the Twin Cities, understanding the function and location of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee's office is an essential part of navigating this complex legal and financial journey. This article is designed to provide a clear, factual, and informative overview of this office, helping local users learn more about its purpose and operations.

The primary role of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee is to administer the bankruptcy cases assigned to them. This involves reviewing a debtor's proposed repayment plan, collecting payments from the debtor, and distributing those funds to creditors according to the court-approved plan. They are an officer of the court and a key part of the bankruptcy system, ensuring that the process is fair, orderly, and compliant with federal bankruptcy laws. Their work is a fundamental component of the Chapter 13 process, which allows individuals with regular income to repay all or part of their debts over a period of three to five years. For anyone in our community considering or currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, knowing about the Trustee’s office is an important part of the process.

We will explore the key functions of this office, its accessible location in downtown Minneapolis, and other relevant information to help you understand its purpose and how to interact with it.

The Standing Chapter 13 Trustee's office is located at 100 S 5th St Suite 480, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA. This central downtown Minneapolis location places the office in a key business and legal hub, making it easily accessible for debtors, attorneys, and creditors. Being in a major commercial area, the office is well-served by public transportation, including both bus lines and light rail, making it convenient for people to reach their appointments without a car. For those who drive, the downtown location is well-connected to major highways, and there are numerous parking garages available in the immediate vicinity.

A significant feature of this location is its commitment to accessibility. The building provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all individuals can enter without difficulty. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available, which is a key convenience for individuals with mobility challenges. The restrooms are also wheelchair accessible, demonstrating a professional and thoughtful approach to accommodating every visitor. This focus on accessibility underscores the office's role as a public service entity. As with many government and legal offices, appointments are recommended to ensure you receive the necessary assistance without undue delay.

The Standing Chapter 13 Trustee’s office provides legal and administrative services specific to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process. Their primary functions are to:

• Review and Analyze Repayment Plans: The Trustee and their team review the proposed repayment plans submitted by debtors and their attorneys to ensure they comply with the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. They assess the feasibility of the plan and may raise objections if it does not meet legal requirements.
• Collect and Distribute Payments: A core function is to collect the monthly payments from debtors and distribute those funds to the creditors in a timely and accurate manner according to the confirmed plan.
• Provide Oversight: The Trustee is responsible for overseeing the debtor's financial conduct during the repayment period. This includes reviewing tax returns and other financial information to ensure the debtor is meeting their obligations.
• Conduct Meetings of Creditors: The Trustee presides over the "341 meeting," which is the meeting of creditors, a required part of the bankruptcy process. During this meeting, the Trustee verifies the debtor's identity and asks questions about their financial situation.
• Act as a Legal Entity: As a local government office and an officer of the court, the Trustee may also take legal action to protect the interests of creditors, such as filing motions to dismiss a case or objecting to a plan.

These functions are all part of the Trustee’s role to ensure the bankruptcy system operates as intended, balancing the interests of both debtors and creditors.

The key features of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee’s office are defined by its function as a legal and government entity.

• Mandatory Role: Unlike a private attorney whom a person chooses to hire, the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee is a mandatory part of every Chapter 13 bankruptcy case in their district. Their involvement is automatic and court-appointed.
• Neutral Third Party: The Trustee's role is to be a neutral administrator of the case. They are not the debtor's attorney, nor are they the creditor's advocate. Their job is to ensure that the bankruptcy plan is fair and that the law is followed.
• Public Service Focus: As a local government office, their services are a part of the public legal system. Their physical location and online resources are designed to provide information and facilitate the bankruptcy process for all parties involved.
• Oversight and Administration: The Trustee is responsible for the ongoing administration of a case over a period of years, providing consistent oversight and management of the repayment process.

For those who need to contact the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee's office, here is the contact information:

Address: 100 S 5th St Suite 480, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

Phone: (612) 338-7591

Mobile Phone: +1 612-338-7591

As noted, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment before visiting the office to ensure you can receive the assistance you need.

When you are navigating the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process, understanding the role of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee is not a matter of "choosing" them, but rather understanding their purpose and how to work with them. What is worth knowing about this office is its fundamental role as a court-appointed administrator. It is an impartial entity that ensures the bankruptcy plan is executed correctly, providing a structured and legally compliant process for both the debtor and their creditors. The office's commitment to accessibility and its central location in downtown Minneapolis make it a convenient resource for those involved in a Chapter 13 case. While some debtors may find the Trustee's oversight challenging at times, particularly regarding requests for information or funds, it is important to remember their role is to enforce the law and the approved plan. For anyone in Minnesota going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee's office is an essential part of the journey toward financial recovery.

Standing Chapter 13 Trustee

100 S 5th St Suite 480, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA