How To Manage Incompetent, Unprepared, and Negligent Bankruptcy Counsel

Previously the Emeritus Trustees (“ETC”) were asked to comment on “How to Manage Unprofessional and Discourteous Attorneys”. We now turn to ETC to share their collective wisdom when addressing the issues raised by incompetent, unprepared, and negligent bankruptcy counsel.

Chapter 13 Trustees are required to administer cases in accordance with the duties set forth in 11 U.S.C. Sec. 1302 and the Handbook for Chapter 13 Trustees, Chapter 3. (Handbook October 1, 2012). These duties include a requirement to screen . . .

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The NACTT Emeritus Trustees

Former Chapter 13 Standing Trustees

The NACTT Emeritus Trustee Committee is made up of former Chapter 13 Standing Trustees from all over the country: Michael Joseph, Isabel Balboa, Carl Bates, S.J. Beaulieu, Carl Bekofske, Herb Beskin, Chuck DeHart, Pete Fessenden, Mike Fitzgerald, Barb Foley, Nancy Grigsby, Mary Grossman, Jan Hamilton, James Henley, Howard Hu, Jan Johnson, Jeff Kellner, Tom King, Debbie Langehenning, John Logan, Judge Brian Lynch (retired), Mike Macco, Mike Meyer, Bill Miller, Denise Pappalardo, Frank Pees, Jan Sensenich, George Stevenson, Jon Waage and Robert Wilson.

Thoughts on Zealous Advocacy – Addendum: “Zeal” Case Summaries – Discharge Violation – Part 8

The Honorable Cynthia A. Norton

August 30, 2026

Continuing for your dog days of summer reading pleasure, Judge Norton’s attention is directed to the category of "Discharge Violation”. Part 1 - History of Zealous Advocacy Part 2 - How Have Courts Discussed “Zealous Advocacy”? Part 3 - Practical Takeaways Part 7 – Case Summaries - Filing

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IRS Issues Standard Mileage Rates For 2019

January 6, 2019

IRS issued the 2019 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from...

In re Fulton: Seventh Circuit Affirms Its Position with Majority of Circuits on Passive Retention of Property as Violation of Sections 362 and 542

June 30, 2019

By Lawrence R. Ahern III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN) Introduction In In re Fulton,1 the Seventh Circuit has restated its position on passive violation of the automatic stay, holding that failure by the City of Chicago to turn over impounded vehicles after the owners' bankruptcy filings violated Bankruptcy Code sections 362 and 542. Fulton – Background and Ruling The...

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Omission and § 532(a)(2)(B)

M. Jonathan Hayes

September 21, 2025

Can an omission be a “statement of financial condition” sufficient to establish non-dischargeability under § 523(a)(2)(B)? Yes, says Judge Dennis Montali

Members

Reaffirmations Impose Impossible Demands on Bankruptcy Counsel

February 28, 2021

By Cathy Moran, Esq. (Redwood City, CA) When BAPCA gutted the ipso facto clause, reaffirmation was left as the only way a debtor could be assured of retaining his wheels. Car lenders took sides back then, then changed sides, on whether they would automatically repossess a vehicle when the debt was not reaffirmed. Some wanted the in terrorem effect of...

Members

Tribute to Barbara P. Foley, Esq.

Hon. Scott W. Dales

September 15, 2024

“ . . . Barb quickly put my concerns to rest . . . . She was respectful but firm, of course, and I could also detect a nurturing side. We talked about, of all things, my relationship with my mother (let's not go there!) and I foresaw that Barb would be making her mark on our district.” We will miss you, Barb!!!

ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy – Dischargeability of Homeowner Association Fees

May 19, 2019

By Henry E. Hildebrand, III, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee (Nashville, TN) Homeowner association fees that obligate homeowners of condominium and planned unit developments can be a substantial obligation that accrue on a monthly basis. These obligations are generally a burden when a debtor files for bankruptcy relief. To be fair, homeowners’ associations provide a significant benefit to homeowners. Exterior maintenance,...

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Meet a New Trustee

The Academy

April 27, 2025

Charles A. Pisaturo, Jr., was appointed as the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the District of Rhode Island on January 1, 2023. “Charlie” maintains his office in Providence.

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Best Practices in Bankruptcy: Power of Attorney or Guardian

Michael B. Joseph

June 12, 2022

It is always troublesome when an individual bankruptcy petition is filed by power of attorney. It may be less of a concern in a chapter 7 case when the debtor is in the military, incarcerated, or temporarily disabled. More worrisome is the incompetent or advanced aged debtor who has been placed in a chapter 13 by someone holding a power...

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From the Editor – Discharge Injunction

May 31, 2020

By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired) Only bankruptcy court issuing discharge order can enforce injunction. The Fifth Circuit held that only the bankruptcy court issuing a discharge order has authority to enforce the discharge injunction. The opinion reviews pre-2005 Code provisions and current 28 U.S.C. § 1963, citing other Circuits that “have insisted on a return to the bankruptcy...

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How To Manage Incompetent, Unprepared, and Negligent Bankruptcy Counsel

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The NACTT Emeritus Trustees

Former Chapter 13 Standing Trustees

Related Articles

Thoughts on Zealous Advocacy – Addendum: “Zeal” Case Summaries – Discharge Violation – Part 8

IRS Issues Standard Mileage Rates For 2019

In re Fulton: Seventh Circuit Affirms Its Position with Majority of Circuits on Passive Retention of Property as Violation of Sections 362 and 542

Omission and § 532(a)(2)(B)

Reaffirmations Impose Impossible Demands on Bankruptcy Counsel

Tribute to Barbara P. Foley, Esq.

ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy – Dischargeability of Homeowner Association Fees

Meet a New Trustee

Best Practices in Bankruptcy: Power of Attorney or Guardian

From the Editor – Discharge Injunction

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