Us Trustee

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, established by Congress in 1978 and made permanent in 1986. Its mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. Often referred to as the "watchdog of the bankruptcy system," the USTP works to prevent fraud, dishonesty, and overreaching within the system.

The program operates nationally, with an Executive Office in Washington, D.C., and 21 regions encompassing 82 field offices across the United States. The USTP holds broad administrative, regulatory, and litigation/enforcement authorities. Its duties include overseeing private trustees who administer cases under Chapter 7, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13, as well as Chapter 11 reorganizations, including those for small businesses. The USTP also supervises credit counseling and debtor education providers.

Key functions involve civil enforcement against debtors, lawyers, creditors, or petition preparers who engage in fraud or abuse the bankruptcy system, and referring potential criminal matters to U.S. Attorneys' offices. The program is committed to facilitating access to justice by offering services such as virtual section 341 meetings and telephonic interpreter services for individuals with limited English proficiency.