Chapter 13 Trustee Office

For individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, navigating the complexities of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Chapter 13 Trustee Office plays a crucial and statutory role. Unlike a private attorney who represents individual clients, the Chapter 13 Trustee Office, specifically for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, acts as a neutral third party responsible for overseeing the administration of Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Its address at 517 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA, places it within the official legal infrastructure of the federal bankruptcy system.

The primary function of the Chapter 13 Trustee is not to provide legal advice to debtors, but rather to administer the repayment plans of individuals who have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This involves a range of critical responsibilities aimed at ensuring the bankruptcy process is fair and efficient for both debtors and creditors. The current Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern District of Wisconsin is Scott Lieske, who leads the office in carrying out its duties.

The core services and functions performed by the Chapter 13 Trustee Office include:

• Reviewing Bankruptcy Petitions and Plans: Before a Chapter 13 plan is confirmed by the court, the Trustee's office meticulously reviews the debtor's bankruptcy petition and proposed repayment plan. This review ensures that the plan meets all the criteria and legal requirements set forth by the Bankruptcy Code. If deficiencies are identified, the Trustee may file an objection to the plan, which debtors (through their attorneys) typically have an opportunity to address by amending their plan or petition.
• Conducting the Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting): The Trustee presides over the meeting of creditors, also known as the 341 meeting. This is a mandatory meeting where the debtor appears under oath to answer questions from the Trustee and creditors regarding their financial affairs and proposed repayment plan. The Trustee ensures that proper procedures are followed and information is gathered to assess the viability and fairness of the plan.
• Collecting Payments from Debtors: A central role of the Trustee is to collect regular plan payments from debtors. These payments are crucial for the successful completion of a Chapter 13 plan, which typically lasts between three to five years. The Trustee's office provides clear instructions on how payments are to be made, primarily via money order, cashier's check, or electronic fund transfer (TFS Bill Pay). They explicitly state that payments are NOT accepted via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards, and warn against scams requesting such payments.
• Disbursing Funds to Creditors: After collecting payments from debtors, the Trustee's office acts as a disbursing agent, distributing these funds to the various creditors as outlined in the confirmed Chapter 13 plan. This ensures that creditors receive their entitled payments in an organized and legally compliant manner.
• Monitoring Debtor Plan Compliance: Throughout the duration of the Chapter 13 plan, the Trustee's office monitors the debtor's compliance with the terms of the plan, including making timely payments and fulfilling other obligations, such as providing annual tax returns. If a debtor fails to meet their obligations, the Trustee can petition the court to dismiss the bankruptcy case.
• Providing Information: While not offering legal advice, the Trustee's office provides essential information to debtors about their duties and the bankruptcy process. Their website (www.chapter13milwaukee.com) offers resources like "The Chapter 13 Trustee Booklet" and free access to the "Trustee's Education Network" for debtor education courses. They also facilitate access to case information for debtors and creditors through the National Data Center (www.NDC.org).

The environment of the Chapter 13 Trustee Office at 517 E Wisconsin Ave in Milwaukee is that of a professional government entity. As part of the federal bankruptcy court system for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the office adheres to strict protocols and procedures. The building itself is a formal setting, designed for official legal and administrative functions. While direct public access for hand-delivering documents or payments is discouraged in favor of mail, fax, or email for correspondence and designated electronic or mail options for payments, the location is central and easily identifiable within Milwaukee's downtown area.

A key feature of the Chapter 13 Trustee Office is its impartial role. Unlike an attorney who advocates solely for their client's interests, the Trustee's duty is to ensure the integrity and proper administration of the bankruptcy system. They facilitate the process, safeguard assets, and ensure that debtors meet their obligations while creditors receive appropriate distributions. This neutrality is essential for the fairness and effectiveness of Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

For individuals considering or currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, understanding the Trustee's role is paramount. Debtors are explicitly reminded of their duties, including being cooperative and truthful, carefully reviewing all bankruptcy documents, notifying their attorney and the Trustee of any changes in personal information (name, address, phone, employment, income), and refraining from incurring new credit or selling property without permission. The Trustee's office emphasizes that they do not provide legal advice, reinforcing the importance of debtors having their own bankruptcy attorney to guide them through the process.

Promotional information, in the traditional sense, is not applicable to a Chapter 13 Trustee Office, as it is a government-mandated entity rather than a service provider competing in the market. However, its public contact information, including phone (414) 271-3943 and mobile phone (+1 414-271-3943), along with its dedicated website and email (info@chapter13milwaukee.com), serve as essential communication channels for debtors, attorneys, and creditors. These channels facilitate inquiries about case status, payment procedures, and general information about the Chapter 13 process. The office also explicitly warns against common scams, highlighting its commitment to protecting debtors from fraudulent activities.

While specific customer reviews for the "Chapter 13 Trustee Office" itself are not generally prevalent in the way they are for private attorneys (as the Trustee's role is administrative and statutory, not client-facing in a traditional sense), online discussions about bankruptcy in Milwaukee often touch upon the role of the Trustee and the general experience of Chapter 13. Debtors often work closely with their own bankruptcy attorneys who communicate directly with the Trustee's office on their behalf. The effectiveness of the Trustee's office is often reflected in the smooth processing and successful completion of Chapter 13 plans for debtors in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

In summary, the Chapter 13 Trustee Office in Milwaukee, WI, located at 517 E Wisconsin Ave, is a fundamental component of the federal bankruptcy system. Its services are not those of a traditional lawyer, but rather revolve around the impartial administration, oversight, and facilitation of Chapter 13 repayment plans. Under the leadership of Trustee Scott Lieske, the office ensures compliance with bankruptcy law, manages debtor payments, and distributes funds to creditors, all aimed at helping individuals achieve financial stability through a structured debt reorganization process.