Us Trustee

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice, established by Congress in 1978 as a pilot effort 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 acts to prevent fraud, dishonesty, and overreaching within the system.

The Program holds broad administrative, regulatory, and litigation and enforcement authority. Its duties include appointing and supervising private trustees for cases under chapters 7, 12, and 13, and overseeing trustees in small business chapter 11 cases. The USTP also approves and monitors credit counseling and debtor education providers. It engages in civil enforcement to combat bankruptcy fraud and abuse, seeking remedies against debtors who conceal assets or make false oaths, and protecting consumers from professionals who engage in harmful conduct. Additionally, the USTP refers matters that may constitute a crime to U.S. Attorneys' offices for investigation and prosecution, assisting with these efforts. A key part of its mission is facilitating access to justice, which includes providing virtual section 341 meetings and making interpreters available for individuals with limited English proficiency. The USTP also supervises the administration of chapter 11 reorganizations, monitoring professional applications and compensation, and reviewing plans of reorganization. The Program covers 88 federal judicial districts across 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide, plus an Executive Office in Washington, D.C.