| Bankruptcy Case Administration |
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| All bankruptcy proceedings are referred to a bankruptcy judge and all related papers, including the original petition, are filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. The United States Bankruptcy Court has its own local rules governing procedures within that court. More... |
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| Compensation for Professionals |
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| The Bankruptcy Code provides the statutory authority for compensating the services and reimbursing the expenses of officers of the estate. These claims are afforded first priority in the distribution of an estate. The Bankruptcy Code prescribes the standards according to which the amount of compensation is to be determined. More... |
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| Case Commencement |
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| Under the Bankruptcy Code, a voluntary or involuntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. A Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy case may be initiated by a voluntary filing by the debtor or by an involuntary filing by the debtor's creditors. Cases under all other chapters may be initiated only by a voluntary petition. More... |
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| Dischargeability of Debt |
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| Discharging a debt in bankruptcy means that the debt is eliminated or wiped out. However, not all types of debts can be discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding. More... |
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| Joint and Consolidated Cases |
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| A husband and wife can file a joint case under Chapter 7, 11, 12 or 13. Both names are on the same petition and schedules, and only one filing fee is due. Only spouses are allowed to file a joint petition. Former spouses, partners or other relatives do not qualify for a joint petition. Whether a husband and a wife should file a bankruptcy together depends on whether both are liable on the debts involved. Filing bankruptcy generally only protects the person who filed the bankruptcy. Married couples who are jointly liable on most debts should file a joint bankruptcy. More... |
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