Category: US Courts Glossary

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of a “family farmer” or “family fisherman,” as the terms are […]

A person appointed to administer a Chapter 13 case. A Chapter 13 trustee’s responsibilities are similar to those of a Chapter 7 […]

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income, often referred to as […]

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code dealing with cases of cross-border insolvency. Source: US Courts Glossary

A person appointed in a Chapter 7 case to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the creditors. The trustee’s responsibilities […]

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for “liquidation,” that is, the sale of a debtor’s nonexempt property and the distribution of […]

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for reorganization of municipalities (which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing […]

The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court; chief judges are determined by seniority Source: US Courts Glossary

A creditor’s assertion of a right to payment from a debtor or the debtor’s property. Source: US Courts Glossary

A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf […]

The court officer who oversees administrative functions, especially managing the flow of cases through the court. The clerk’s office is often called […]

Property that is promised as security for the satisfaction of a debt. Source: US Courts Glossary

The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of […]

A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work – without pay – for a civic or nonprofit organization. […]

A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant. Source: US Courts Glossary

Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other. Example: Two […]

Approval of a plan of reorganization by a bankruptcy judge. Source: US Courts Glossary

Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, […]

A bankruptcy case filed to reduce or eliminate debts that are primarily consumer debts. Source: US Courts Glossary

Debts incurred for personal, as opposed to business, needs. Source: US Courts Glossary

The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person’s appearance in […]

An officer of the Judiciary serving in the judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina who, like the United States trustee, is […]

The informal name for title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1330), the federal bankruptcy law. Source: US Courts […]

The bankruptcy judges in regular active service in each district; a unit of the district court. Source: US Courts Glossary

All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The estate technically becomes the temporary legal owner […]