Let me tell you about BK in New Jersey.
The trustee's office was jam-packed. Along with the trustee (Chapter 13) there were two assistants also conducting meetings.
I arrived 1/2 hour early for my scheduled 11 AM meeting. I did not get to see the trustee until 12:15 PM. My attorney and the trustee were addressing each other by first name and acted like they were old friends. The trustee remarked that he would like to get finished with my attorney's 3 cases real fast because "I would really like to get something to eat, and I have a whole afternoon's worth of meetings still to go starting at 1PM".
I raised my right hand and swore that the answers I would provide will be the truth.
The trustee asked me my name, if I owned any property (no), if I rented the place where I live (yes), if I was current on my secured debt payments (yes), if the Chapter 13 involves only unsecured debt (yes), if I made my first plan payment (yes).
That's all. The trustee remarked that my proof of income paperwork was missing from my case file and asked my attorney to forward it ASAP. To me he said "Continue making the plan payments and we will be in touch". I bid both gentlemen a good day and left the meeting room. Total meeting time: less than 3 minutes.
I must say, however, that mine is a no-asset, clear-cut case with absolutely no complications. While I was waiting to be called, I did notice that some folks were in the meeting for quite some time - apparently due to case complexities, judging from my treatment.
I am informed that Chapter 13 trustees in New Jersey always object to the initial proposed payment plan - ostensibly, to prevent the possibility of ever being perceived as not living up to the US Trustee's expectations. I'll tell you this - if I end up paying twice as much as the original plan proposal, I will still be happy as a clam.
The trustee's office was jam-packed. Along with the trustee (Chapter 13) there were two assistants also conducting meetings.
I arrived 1/2 hour early for my scheduled 11 AM meeting. I did not get to see the trustee until 12:15 PM. My attorney and the trustee were addressing each other by first name and acted like they were old friends. The trustee remarked that he would like to get finished with my attorney's 3 cases real fast because "I would really like to get something to eat, and I have a whole afternoon's worth of meetings still to go starting at 1PM".
I raised my right hand and swore that the answers I would provide will be the truth.
The trustee asked me my name, if I owned any property (no), if I rented the place where I live (yes), if I was current on my secured debt payments (yes), if the Chapter 13 involves only unsecured debt (yes), if I made my first plan payment (yes).
That's all. The trustee remarked that my proof of income paperwork was missing from my case file and asked my attorney to forward it ASAP. To me he said "Continue making the plan payments and we will be in touch". I bid both gentlemen a good day and left the meeting room. Total meeting time: less than 3 minutes.
I must say, however, that mine is a no-asset, clear-cut case with absolutely no complications. While I was waiting to be called, I did notice that some folks were in the meeting for quite some time - apparently due to case complexities, judging from my treatment.
I am informed that Chapter 13 trustees in New Jersey always object to the initial proposed payment plan - ostensibly, to prevent the possibility of ever being perceived as not living up to the US Trustee's expectations. I'll tell you this - if I end up paying twice as much as the original plan proposal, I will still be happy as a clam.