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. The USTP operates as a national program with broad administrative, regulatory, and litigation/enforcement authorities.

The Program covers 88 federal judicial districts across the United States, excluding those in Alabama and North Carolina. It participates in over one million active bankruptcy cases annually. The USTP's structure includes an Executive Office in Washington, D.C., and 21 regions with 82 field office locations nationwide.

Key duties of the USTP involve overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees. This includes appointing and supervising private trustees for cases under Chapter 7, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V of Chapter 11. The Program also oversees credit counseling and debtor education providers. Its enforcement roles include civil enforcement to combat bankruptcy fraud and abuse, and criminal enforcement where it refers potential crimes to U.S. Attorneys' offices and assists in investigations. Additionally, the USTP works to facilitate access to justice, offering services like virtual section 341 meetings and interpreter services for individuals with limited English proficiency. It also provides oversight for Chapter 11 reorganizations, monitoring various aspects of these cases.