Understanding the Role of Idaho Bankruptcy Trustees
The Idaho bankruptcy trustee is automatically appointed when you file for bankruptcy. The trustee plays a crucial role in safeguarding your bankruptcy estate, which encompasses all of your assets.
A key responsibility of the trustee is to distinguish between exempt assets and non-exempt assets. Exempt assets are those protected by law, and you get to keep them, while non-exempt assets may be liquidated by the trustee to distribute among your creditors.
Beyond managing assets, the trustee administers your entire bankruptcy case. This includes conducting the 341 Meeting of Creditors, a vital step where your financial disclosures are reviewed, and any concerns are addressed. If the trustee suspects fraud, they have the authority to take legal action to recover assets and maintain the integrity of the bankruptcy estate.
Updated on September 6, 2026.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustees
In Chapter 7 cases, the trustee serves as the estate’s fiduciary and is required under 11 U.S.C. §§541 and 704 to evaluate the debtor’s financial disclosures, examine supporting records, and determine whether any non‑exempt property can be administered for creditors. This includes verifying the accuracy of schedules, conducting the 341 Meeting of Creditors, identifying recoverable assets, and administering liquidation when the Code requires it.
Chapter 13 operates differently. Instead of liquidating assets, the trustee’s role centers on reviewing the debtor’s proposed repayment plan, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and overseeing the distribution of monthly payments to creditors throughout the life of the case.
It is also important to distinguish the case trustee, an appointed private individual responsible for administering the bankruptcy estate, from the Office of the United States Trustee, a Department of Justice program that supervises panel trustees and monitors cases for compliance with federal bankruptcy law.
The following panel trustees are appointed to administer Chapter 7 cases in the District of Idaho.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees
| Trustee Name & Role | Address | Contact Information |
| Patrick J. Geile | 953 South Industry Way Meridian, ID 83642 | Email: PGeile@foleyfreeman.com Phone: (208) 947-1575 |
| Timothy R. Kurtz | P.O. Box 956 Boise, ID 83702 | Email: trk@kurtztrustee.com Phone: (208) 287-8125 Fax: (208) 287-8130 |
| Kimberly L. Stevens | 1104 Country Hills Drive, Suite 750, Ogden, UT 84403 | Email: Trustee@utlegal.net Phone: (801) 393-5555 |
In addition to the panel trustees who administer Chapter 7 cases, the District of Idaho also appoints a standing Chapter 13 trustee responsible for overseeing repayment plans and distributing funds to creditors throughout the duration of the case.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee
Kathleen Ann McCallister
P.O. Box 1150
Meridian, ID 83680
E-mail: kam@kam13trustee.com
Phone: (208)922-5100
Fax: (208)922-5599
| Trustee Name | Address | Contact Information |
| Kathleen Ann McCallister | P.O. Box 1150, Meridian, ID 83680 | Email: kam@kam13trustee.com Phone: (208) 922-5100 Fax: (208) 922-5599 |
Review the Idaho Bankruptcy Resource Page for local court procedures, updated 2026 means test calculations, and state exemption guidelines, including Idaho’s unique homestead protections.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Educational Resources
- For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
- For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
- Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.
Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources
Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:
- A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
- Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
- State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
- 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
Bankruptcy Code Statutory References
- 11 U.S. Code §341 – Meetings of creditors and equity security holders.
- 11 U.S. Code §541 – Property of the estate.
- 11 U.S. Code §704 – Duties of trustee.
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