Frequently Asked Questions

When you file a bankruptcy petition, the Bankruptcy Clerk assigns a case number. You will need this number whenever you communicate with the Trustee's office or make payments. An example of a complete case number is 02:20-bk-00001; the short form is 20-00001. The Trustee organizes cases using the short version.

This website is for Russell Brown, Chapter 13 Trustee, located at 3838 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-1965. The office is open 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (except federal holidays). Phone: 602.277.8996. Email: mail@ch13bk.com. Please have your case number ready when you call.

The Bankruptcy Court no longer automatically sets plan confirmation hearings. You will need to appear for a Meeting of Creditors (conducted via Zoom or telephone) approximately 30–45 days after your case is filed. A bankruptcy judge will NOT be present at this meeting.

The United States Trustee offers language interpretation services at no cost. Please inform the Chapter 13 Trustee's office in advance of your meeting. To request a sign language interpreter or assisted listening device, contact Ms. Lana LeDuc at the Office of the U.S. Trustee: 602-682-2609. Make arrangements no later than seven business days prior to the meeting.

You must immediately inform your attorney, the Court, and the Trustee in writing of your new address. Download the appropriate change of address form from the Forms page and send it to the Bankruptcy Court.

Continue to reference the name under which you filed bankruptcy on any payments or correspondence with the Trustee's office.

Unlisted creditors can cause serious problems. Let your attorney know immediately so they can amend the proper schedule. Only two types of post-petition debts may be included in a Chapter 13 Plan: (1) taxes that become payable while the case is pending, and (2) consumer debts approved in advance by the Chapter 13 Trustee.

The automatic stay that goes into effect upon filing prohibits all listed creditors from contacting you or your employer to collect a debt. Inform your attorney if any creditor contacts you for payment. You may provide creditors with your case number, filing date, and your trustee's and attorney's contact information.

No. The automatic stay remains in effect during the entire Chapter 13 case. However, if secured creditors are not being paid under the Plan, they may petition the Court for relief from the automatic stay to exercise their state law remedies.

Chapter 13 can discharge a broader range of debts than Chapter 7, including certain debts for property settlements in divorce cases and debts from willful and malicious injury to property (not persons). However, child support, alimony, most student loans, recent income taxes, and criminal fines are generally not dischargeable. Consult your attorney for your specific situation.

Plan payments must begin within 30 days after the date your Chapter 13 petition is filed, whether or not your plan has been confirmed. You must keep making payments until your plan is confirmed.

Payments should be sent to: Russell Brown, Trustee, P.O. Box 842480, Los Angeles, CA 90084-2480 by cashier's check or money order. Include your case number on each payment. Online payments are accepted through TFSBillpay.com or CourtCompass. The Trustee does not accept online bill payments directly from a debtor's bank account.

Yes. You must provide copies of your most recently filed income tax returns to the Trustee at least 10 days before your meeting of creditors, and you must provide copies of any subsequent tax returns filed during the case.

Tax refunds for the pre-petition period are generally turned over to the Trustee as nonexempt funds. Post-petition tax refunds may also need to be turned over or used to increase plan payments. Sometimes a debtor may keep a refund if there is an exigent circumstance and the funds are reasonably necessary. Consult your attorney for specific guidance.