Stay On Track With Your Bankruptcy Plan
Making on-time payments to your bankruptcy trustee is one of the most important steps you can take to stay compliant and avoid case dismissal. Whether you’ve filed Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, your trustee oversees the administration of your case.
At DebtErasers, we want you to have all the tools and knowledge to navigate your bankruptcy process with confidence. Below, you’ll find a helpful breakdown of trustee responsibilities, payment methods, and direct links to approved portals for Illinois, Michigan, and Florida.
What Does A Trustee Do In A Bankruptcy Case?
A trustee is a person appointed by the court to manage your bankruptcy case. Their job is to make sure everything follows the rules and guidelines set by federal bankruptcy laws.
Chapter 7
In Chapter 7 cases, the trustee’s primary responsibility is to liquidate non-exempt assets to pay creditors. This involves:
- Review your financial disclosures
- Identify and liquidate non-exempt assets
- Distribute funds to creditors
- Investigate prior financial activity for fraud or preferential payments
Chapter 13
In Chapter 13 cases, the trustee’s role shifts to managing the repayment plan. Their responsibilities include:
- Review and approve your repayment plan
- Collect monthly payments and distribute funds to creditors
- Monitor plan compliance and mediate disputes
The trustee is an unbiased individual who is not your lawyer, and they have an important job in making sure your case stays on track and achieves a positive outcome.
The Importance of Timely Trustee Payments During Bankruptcy
Late or missed payments can have serious consequences:
- Your Chapter 13 case could be dismissed, ending your protection from creditors
- In Chapter 7, you may risk asset seizure if required payments are missed
- You could lose the benefit of the automatic stay, allowing foreclosure, repossession, or wage garnishment to resume
Tip: Always keep proof of your payments and regularly check your balance using trustee-provided online portals.
How to Make Payments
Trustees offer multiple methods to make the process convenient and accessible. Here's a breakdown of the most common options:
| Payment Method | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Direct ACH Transfers | Set up recurring payments from your bank account | Auto-pay ensures on-time payments, ideal for long-term plans |
| Mail-In Payments | Send checks or money orders to the trustee’s office | A good fit for clients without online access or who prefer paper tracking |
| Online Portals | Pay via debit card, bank account, or credit card on trustee websites | Fast, secure, and most widely recommended; often includes payment history |
Trustee Portals by State
Illinois Trustee Portals
Trustee Marshall
Marilyn Marshall offers online transactions through her E-Pay service, which has a quick registration process. However, if a bankruptcy payment is returned for insufficient funds, access to E-Pay will be revoked.
Trustee Hooper
Tom Hooper offers online payments through his E-Pay service with quick and easy registration. However, if a bankruptcy transaction is returned for insufficient funds, access to E-Pay for bankruptcy payments will be revoked.
Trustee Stearns
Glenn Stearns’ online payments can be made via the TFS Billpay website.
Michigan Trustee Portals
Trustees Rusin, Carrol, and Terry
For your convenience, the three Chapter 13 Trustees in Detroit use the TFS Billpay service to accommodate online payments.
Trustee Bekofske
Trustee Bekofske, in Flint, does not use the TFS Billpay service, but does provide for online payments via his personal Online Payment Center.
Florida Trustee Portals
Trustee Weiner
Trustee Weiner provides for online payments through his Online Payment System.
Trustee Neidich
Trustee Neidich’s online payments can be processed through the TFS Billpay website.
Note: If your payment is returned due to insufficient funds, you may be blocked from using online payments. Always ensure your account has a sufficient balance before submitting a payment.
FAQ
What Happens If I Miss a Payment?
Missing a payment can have significant consequences, depending on your bankruptcy chapter:
With Chapter 13, your repayment plan could be dismissed, losing creditor protection. The trustee may allow you to catch up on missed payments, but act quickly.
For Chapter 7, if you miss a payment, it usually means your assets will be liquidated. Contact your trustee right away to go over your options.
If you’ve missed a payment, it’s crucial to contact your trustee or attorney as soon as possible to explore solutions and prevent further complications.
How Do I Track My Payments?
Tracking your trustee payments ensures accuracy and gives you peace of mind. Most trustees provide monitoring through one of the following options:
- Online Portals: Check your payment history and account status directly.
- Payment Receipts: Keep all payment confirmations and receipts, whether digital or physical.
- Case Information: Your attorney or trustee can provide an updated ledger if needed.
Regularly reviewing your payment history helps you stay organized and identify any discrepancies early.