New Judge Appointed

Appeals Court Names Erie Lawyer as Newest Bankruptcy Judge – John C. Melaragno has been named the new judge for the Erie Division of U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

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Consumer Bankruptcy Education

The NACTT Academy offers a comprehensive community for bankruptcy professionals seeking to advance their education in consumer bankruptcy.

The Cost of Proposing Zero

Michael J. McCormick, Esq.

January 18, 2026

Objections matter. Court rejected proposed 0% interest, finding it bad faith and ordering the debtor to pay servicer 5.1666% instead.

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By Henry E. Hildebrand, III, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Middle District of Tennessee (Nashville) When a case converts from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 prior to the confirmation of a plan, the Chapter 13 Trustee is not permitted to divert funds from the debtor to the debtor’s attorney. In re Lettie, 597 B.R. 637 (Bankr. E.D Wis. 2019)...

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Passing of Retired Ohio Judge

The Academy

August 20, 2023

Passing of Retired Ohio Judge Judge Baxter was appointed United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Ohio on December 16, 1985, and served in the Court’s Cleveland, Ohio location until his retirement in 2011. He served as Chief Judge between 2004 and 2008. Click here for obituary.

Farewell to a Powerhouse of Energy!

Sylvia Ford Brown Esq.

September 29, 2024

When you hear the words “gone too soon,” it is usually related to death. Fortunately, that is not the case here. Pamela Simmons Beasley, Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of South Carolina in Columbia, made an indelible impression on me and the NACTT. We will miss you, Pam!

Holiday Memories

The NACTT Emeritus Trustees

December 22, 2024

We thought it would be enjoyable during this time of year to share some memories of the Holiday Season.

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Meet the New Trustee

November 1, 2020

Lloyd T. Kraus was appointed as a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Eastern District of Texas on August 1, 2019. While Kraus loves his job, he would much rather still be serving as a staff attorney to his best friend and mentor John Talton. Talton was tragically killed in a traffic accident in October of 2018. Kraus received his...

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Is Voluntary Dismissal of a Chapter 13 Case an Absolute Right?

July 12, 2020

By Daryl J. Smith, Senior Staff Attorney to Sylvia Ford Brown, Chapter 13 Trustee (Memphis, TN) and Katherine L. Rea, Staff Attorney to Pamela Simmons-Beasley, Chapter 13 Trustee (Columbia, SC) Is there ever a reason to oppose a voluntary dismissal of a chapter 13 that has not been converted from a chapter 7? Maybe. But will you be successful? Probably...

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Fixing Broke: Consumer Bankruptcy Diary Podcast

The Academy

March 23, 2025

The Academy dropped two new podcast episodes – Do Not Engage Parts 1 & 2. Host Jody Bledsoe interviews Trustee Ed Maney and Attorney Ross Mumme regarding the Cestui Que Vie of Arizona. Entertaining for everyone but particularly educational for trustees who may run into this particularly difficult type of debtor. Wherever you listen to podcasts, search “Fixing Broke: Consumer Bankruptcy Diary.” And while there, leave a positive review!!

Representing Elderly Clients in Bankruptcy – Part 3 of 3

January 19, 2020

By David Cox,1 Cox Law Group, PLLC (Lynchburg, VA) Click here for Part 1 of 3 Click here for Part 2 of 3 C. Challenges unique to older debtors. Mobility/hearing attendance requirements. Attendance at 341 hearing. Section 343 Examination of the debtor clearly . . . It looks like you are not signed in or registered! This content is only...

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Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 Signed 2/6/26

The Academy

February 15, 2026

Doubles Chapter 7 no asset case compensation Extends the terms of temporary bankruptcy judgeships

New Judge Appointed

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Consumer Bankruptcy Education

Related Articles

The Cost of Proposing Zero

Critical Case Comment

Passing of Retired Ohio Judge

Farewell to a Powerhouse of Energy!

Holiday Memories

Meet the New Trustee

Is Voluntary Dismissal of a Chapter 13 Case an Absolute Right?

Fixing Broke: Consumer Bankruptcy Diary Podcast

Representing Elderly Clients in Bankruptcy – Part 3 of 3

Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 Signed 2/6/26

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