There are several different types of professionals called trustees who handle different aspects of bankruptcy cases. Most trustees now serving are licensed attorneys, but not all. They are not appointed or employed by the Bankruptcy Court, but their fees and expenses are subject to court approval.
The United States Trustee's Office is a department within the U.S. Department of Justice which appoints, supervises, audits, and evaluates the performance of the case trustees, and appoints Creditors Committees in Chapter 11 cases. It is not part of the Bankruptcy Court and does not have the power to resolve disputes but handles the administrative aspects of bankruptcy estates. Call them if you have complaints about an individual trustee's handling of a case, or evidence of a bankruptcy crime or fraud. They are not allowed to advise private parties of their rights in bankruptcy.
The U.S. Trustee appoints private individuals to act as trustees in bankruptcy cases. Chapter 7 (liquidation) cases are handled by members of a panel of trustees, who are assigned cases on a rotating or geographical basis. You may hear them referred to as Panel Trustees. Contact them about buying or repossessing property or with information about a debtor or estate, but don't ask them for legal advice.
Only one trustee handles all Chapter 13 cases (repayment by individuals with regular income), and he is designated as the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee. The same trustee handles all Chapter 12 cases as well. Contact him about any matter of administration of any Chapter 13 or Chapter 12 case, but not to ask for legal advice.
Businesses reorganizing under Chapter 11 are managed by the company's directors and officers, or owners, as a "debtor-in-possession" unless the Bankruptcy Court orders the appointment of a trustee. If ordered, a trustee is appointed by the U.S. Trustee after consultation with principal parties.
Trustees in all different types of bankruptcy cases are responsible for convening the Meeting of Creditors pursuant to section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Instructions and Forms Required for 341 Meeting of Creditors:
What to expect at your Section 341 Meeting of Creditors.
United States Trustee Web Site
Chapter 11 Operating Reports
Effective June 21, 2021, the United States Trustee Program (USTP) is requiring chapter 11 debtors in possession and trustees — other than small business debtors — to file monthly operating reports (MORs) and post-confirmation reports (PCRs) using streamlined, data-embedded, uniform forms in every case in every judicial district where the USTP operates.
The uniform forms, and instructions for their use and filing, are available on the USTP’s website: https://www.justice.gov/ust/chapter-11-operating-reports.
The U.S. Trustee’s Operating Guidelines and Reporting Requirements for Chapter 11 Cases (Region 1) are also available on the USTP’s website: https://www.justice.gov/ust/ust-regions-r01/region-1-general-information
Trustee Reference Guides
Trustee Reference Guide - Unclaimed Funds
Office of United States Trustee:
Stephen Morrell, Assistant U.S. Trustee
537 Congress Street
Portland. ME 04101
tel (207) 780-3564
Jennifer Pincus, Trial Attorney
537 Congress Street
Portland, Me 04101
tel (207) 780-3564
Chapter 7, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 Subchapter V Trustees