Chapter 13 Standing Trustee

When individuals in financial distress consider filing for bankruptcy, particularly under Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, they will inevitably interact with a crucial, impartial figure known as the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee. In Plano, Texas, serving the Eastern District of Texas (specifically the Sherman/Plano and Texarkana divisions), this role is currently fulfilled by Carey D. Ebert. Her office is located at 500 N Central Expy #350, Plano, TX 75074, USA. The primary phone number for the Trustee's office is (972) 943-2580, which also serves as the mobile contact, +1 972-943-2580. Phone hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

It is vital for local users searching under the "Lawyers Near Me" category to understand that a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee, such as Carey D. Ebert, is not a legal representative who provides advice or advocacy for debtors or creditors. Instead, the Trustee is an impartial administrator appointed by the bankruptcy court to oversee and facilitate the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process. Their duties are statutory and fiduciary, ensuring that the bankruptcy system operates fairly and efficiently for all parties involved.

The core services and duties of a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee include:

• Reviewing the Repayment Plan: Upon a debtor filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, they propose a repayment plan outlining how they will pay their creditors over a period, typically three to five years. The Trustee meticulously reviews this plan to ensure it complies with the Bankruptcy Code, is feasible for the debtor, and meets the "best interests of creditors" test, meaning creditors receive at least as much as they would in a Chapter 7 liquidation.
• Conducting the Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting): Approximately one month after a Chapter 13 case is filed, the Trustee presides over the Meeting of Creditors. During this meeting, the Trustee places the debtor under oath and asks questions regarding their financial affairs, the accuracy of their bankruptcy petition and schedules, and their ability to make plan payments. Creditors also have an opportunity to ask questions. In many instances, these meetings are conducted via videoconference or telephonically.
• Collecting and Disbursing Payments: A primary administrative function is collecting monthly payments from the debtor as outlined in the confirmed repayment plan. The Trustee then disburses these payments to the various creditors according to the court-approved plan. This acts like a consolidation loan, centralizing payments for the debtor and distributing them to creditors.
• Monitoring Plan Compliance: Throughout the duration of the Chapter 13 plan (3-5 years), the Trustee monitors the debtor's adherence to the plan, including timely payments and any significant changes in financial circumstances.
• Objecting to Improper Claims: The Trustee examines proofs of claims filed by creditors and has the authority to object to any claims that are improperly filed, duplicative, or otherwise invalid.
• Reporting to the Court: The Trustee keeps the bankruptcy court informed of the status of cases, including any issues such as missed payments, non-compliance, or circumstances that might warrant a motion to dismiss the case or convert it to Chapter 7.
• Providing Information: The Trustee's office provides general information concerning the estate and its administration to parties in interest, though they are explicitly prohibited from providing legal advice.

The environment of the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee's office, while not a typical client-facing law firm, is structured for efficient administrative processing of numerous bankruptcy cases. Located in a professional building in Plano, the office handles a significant volume of financial data and communications. It is designed to be a secure and organized hub for receiving payments, processing claims, and managing the flow of information between debtors, creditors, their attorneys, and the bankruptcy court. The office likely features dedicated staff for different functions, such as pre-confirmation supervision, claims analysis, and disbursement processing, to manage the intricate financial and legal aspects of thousands of cases.

Key features of a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee's operations, and specifically relevant to Carey D. Ebert's office, include:

• Impartiality and Fiduciary Duty: The Trustee is committed to serving as an impartial party in the bankruptcy process, upholding a fiduciary duty to both debtors and creditors by ensuring the fair and lawful administration of each case.
• Administrative Efficiency: Given the high volume of cases, the Trustee's office employs systems and processes to ensure efficient handling of payments, claims, and communications. Websites like planoch13.com are often maintained to provide helpful information, forms, FAQs, and online portals for debtors and attorneys to access case information and make payments (e.g., through TFS Bill Pay).
• Commitment to Transparency: The goal is often to make the bankruptcy process as transparent as possible, aiding in the successful completion of the Chapter 13 plan.
• Focus on Compliance: The Trustee plays a critical role in ensuring that all parties comply with the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and court orders, thereby preserving the integrity of the bankruptcy system.

Promotional information for a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee primarily revolves around their administrative efficiency, commitment to the integrity of the bankruptcy process, and accessibility for authorized parties. Unlike a private law firm that advertises for clients, the Trustee's role is a fixed appointment by the U.S. Trustee Program (part of the Department of Justice). Therefore, their "promotion" is more about public information and professional standards. The website, such as planoch13.com for Carey D. Ebert, serves as a central hub for information for debtors, creditors, and attorneys. It often includes:

• Contact information, including physical and mailing addresses for correspondence and payments.
• Hours of operation for phone and office visits.
• Links to attend virtual 341 Meetings.
• Sections with resources, forms, and answers to frequently asked questions for various parties involved in a Chapter 13 case.
• Alerts regarding fraud or operational updates (e.g., inclement weather policies).
• Statements of their commitment to excellence and professional conduct.

The existence of a dedicated website and clear contact channels (including the provided phone numbers) highlights the Trustee's commitment to facilitating the bankruptcy process effectively. For local users searching "Lawyers Near Me" who are involved in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case in Plano, understanding the Trustee's role is paramount. They are not a lawyer to be hired for legal advice or representation; rather, they are a vital administrative component of the bankruptcy court system responsible for overseeing the debtor's repayment plan and ensuring its proper execution. Any legal questions or needs related to a Chapter 13 case should always be directed to one's own bankruptcy attorney.

In summary, the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee, specifically Carey D. Ebert's office at 500 N Central Expy #350, Plano, TX, operates as an essential, impartial administrative entity within the U.S. bankruptcy system. While not a "lawyer for hire," their services are indispensable for the functioning of Chapter 13 cases in the Eastern District of Texas. Their primary function is to administer repayment plans, collect and disburse funds, and ensure compliance with bankruptcy laws. Features include administrative efficiency, transparency through dedicated online resources, and a strict adherence to their fiduciary duties, all designed to facilitate a smooth and equitable bankruptcy process for debtors and creditors alike.