"Illinois Bankruptcy Meeting of the Creditors"

Trustees are assigned multiple roles in Illinois bankruptcy cases under Chapter 7 & Chapter 13. During the meeting of the creditors, trustees examine debtors and their schedules for compliance with all statutes and laws. Also, and equally important, trustees protect debtors from unfounded allegations and abuse from creditors who may choose to attend this public meeting. Unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated from any party.

New privacy rules went into effect December 1, 2003 for all Illinois bankruptcy courts. Previously, the social security number for each debtor was made publicly available through the clerk's office in all cases. The new rule now requires only the last four digits to be made publicly available because of the rise in identity theft. Concerns regarding inclusion of the names and ages of minor children within schedules remain hotly debated. The Illinois Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District issued a standing order on February 17, 2004 because of the dischargeability of attorney fees. In a case under Chapter 7 of the Code, where the debtor's attorney agreed to represent the debtor upon the condition of a later written agreement to pay attorney fees after filing, the Court will now allow an attorney to withdraw if the debtor refuses to sign the agreement.

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