Roles of Bankruptcy Trustees in Indiana Explained
When you file for bankruptcy in Indiana, an Indiana bankruptcy trustee is automatically assigned to oversee your case. This trustee plays a crucial role in protecting the bankruptcy estate, which includes all your assets at the time of filing, and ensures that the process adheres to both federal and state laws.
One of the Indiana Bankruptcy Trustee’s main responsibilities is to distinguish between exempt assets and non-exempt assets. Exempt assets are safeguarded by law and cannot be sold to pay creditors, allowing you to keep them. Conversely, non-exempt assets may be liquidated (sold) to repay your creditors.
Beyond managing assets, the trustee oversees the entire bankruptcy process. This includes leading the 341 Meeting of Creditors, a mandatory meeting where your financial information is reviewed and any concerns can be addressed. The trustee also has the authority to take legal action to recover assets and protect the integrity of the estate if there’s any indication of fraud.
The Trustee Responsibilities in Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The duties of a bankruptcy trustee vary significantly depending on the type of bankruptcy filed. In a Chapter 7 case, the trustee’s main objective is to identify and sell non-exempt assets to distribute the proceeds among creditors.
Conversely, a Chapter 13 trustee primarily focuses on administering the debtor’s repayment plan. Their role is to ensure the plan adheres to court approval and all legal stipulations. While Chapter 13 often allows debtors to retain non-exempt assets, individuals also have the option to surrender such assets for liquidation.
Distinguishing the Indiana Bankruptcy Trustee from the Office of the U.S. Trustee
It’s crucial to understand the difference between the Indiana Bankruptcy Trustee, who is a private individual appointed to manage the specifics of your bankruptcy case. The Office of the U.S. Trustee is a division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). U.S.T.’s office provides nationwide oversight of bankruptcy trustees. Their responsibilities include ensuring that trustees fulfill their duties ethically and in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code and prosecuting instances of bankruptcy fraud.
Chapter 7 Trustees in the Northern District of Indiana
Douglas R. Adelsperger
1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200
South Bend, IN 46617
E-mail: trustee@adelspergerlawoffices.com
Phone: (260) 407-0909
Lori D. Fisher
P.O. Box 92
Valparaiso, IN 46384
E-mail: trustee.lfisher@gmail.com
Phone: (219) 769-0783
Daniel L. Freeland
9105 Indianapolis Blvd.
Highland, IN 46322
E-mail: dlf9601@aol.com
Phone: (219) 922-0800
Jacqueline S. Homann
929 Lincolnway East
Suite 100
South Bend, IN 46601
E-mail: trustee@pinnaclelegal.us
Phone: (574) 544-0725
Rebecca L. Hoyt-Fischer
525 E. Colfax Avenue, Unit #101
South Bend, IN 46617
E-mail: rebecca@ladfislaw.com
Phone: (574) 284-2354
Yvette G. Kleven
229 W. Berry Street, Suite 200
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
E-mail: trustee@ygklevenlaw.com
Phone: (260) 407-7077
Fax: (260) 407-7137
Kenneth A. Manning
120 W. Clark St.
Crown Point, IN 46307
E-mail: trusteemanning@gmail.com
Phone: (219) 865-8376
Tasha Reed Outlaw
P.O. Box 6156
South Bend, IN 46660
E-mail: trusteetro@gmail.com
Phone: (574) 400-5297
Dustin M. Roach
P. O. Box 15588
Fort Wayne, IN 46885
E-mail: trdroach@gmail.com
Phone: (260) 443-4454
Christopher Schmidgall
417 W. 81st Avenue
# 622
Merrillville, IN 46410
E-mail: trusteecrs@gmail.com
Phone: (219) 736-7732
Martin E. Seifert
444 East main Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
E-mail: mseiferttrustee@hallercolvin.com
Phone: (260) 399-1518
Mark A. Warsco
505 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
E-mail: mwarsco@rothberg.com
Phone: (260) 422-9454
Chapter 7 Trustees in the Southern District of Indiana
Kathryn L. Pry Coryell
P.O. Box 6771
New Albany, IN 47151
E-mail: kpry.trustee@gmail.com
Phone: (812) 944-2646
Gregory S. Fehribach
50 S. Meridian St., #700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
E-mail: trusteefehribach@gmail.com
Phone: (317) 638-2400
Sarah L. Fowler
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
E-mail: trustee@bbfr.law
Phone: (317) 469-9495
Joanne B. Friedmeyer
1389 W. 86th Street, #280
Indianapolis, IN 46260
E-mail: jfriedmeyer@friedmeyerlaw.com
Phone: (317) 755-3103
Jenice R. Golson-Dunlap
P. O. Box 68328
Indianapolis, IN 46268
E-mail: jgolsondunlap@gmail.com
Phone: (317) 263-3580
Curt Hochbein
211 North Pennsylvania St.,
Suite 1330
Indianapolis, IN 46204
E-mail: trustee.hochbein@romclaw.com
Phone: (317) 608-1137
Christine K. Jacobson
PO Box 55092
Indianapolis, IN 46220
E-mail: trusteejacobson@gmail.com
Phone: (317) 608-1139
Thomas A. Krudy
236 E. 15th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
E-mail: tkrudytrustee@gmail.com
Phone: (317) 635-4428
Lou Ann Marocco
P.O. Box 1206
Greenwood, IN 46142
E-mail: trustee@maroccolawindy.com
Phone: (317)631-0145
NiCale L. Rector
P.O. Box 2028
Anderson, IN 46018
E-mail: nrectortrustee@gmail.com
Phone: (765) 757-0098
Meredith Theisen
135 N. Pennsylvania Street
Suite 1400
Indianapolis, IN 46204
E-mail: trustee@rubin-levin.net
Phone: (317) 634-0300
Anastasia M. Wissel
P.O. Box 68
Decker, IN 47524 -0068
E-mail: swissel@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (812) 886-6452
Chapter 13 Trustees in the Northern District of Indiana
Paul R. Chael
401 West 84th Drive, Suite C
Merrillville, IN 46410
E-mail: Paul@pchael13.com
Phone: (219)650-4015
Tracy L. Updike
PO Box 11550
South Bend, IN 46634
E-mail: trustee@southbend13.com
Phone: (574) 254-1313
Chapter 13 Trustees in the Southern District of Indiana
Joseph M. Black, Jr.
P.O. Box 846
Seymour, IN 47274
E-mail: jblacktrustee@trustee13.com
Phone: (812)524-7211
Ann M. DeLaney
P.O. Box 441285
Indianapolis, IN 46244
E-mail: ann@trustee13.com
Phone: (317)829-7360
John M. Hauber
320 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46204
E-mail: johnh@hauber13.com
Phone: (317) 636-1062
Robert P. Musgrave, II
401 SE 6th
Evansville, IN 47713
P.O. Box 972
Evansville, IN 47706 -0972
E-mail: trusteegeneral@chap13evv.com
Phone: (812)424-3029
Contact information for the Indiana Bankruptcy Courts can be found here. To learn how to complete the bankruptcy petition, visit this page and see the full-length videos on YouTube. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. Section 341 the Meeting of Creditors of the Bankruptcy Code can be found via this link.
Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.
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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.