United States Trustees supervise the administration of the following cases filed under the Federal Bankruptcy Code:

• Liquidation proceedings under Chapter 7 bankruptcy- Those assets that are not exempt from creditors are collected and liquidated (reduced to money). The proceeds are distributed to creditors by a private trustee appointed to administer the debtors estate under Chapter 7.
• Wage-earner reorganization proceedings under Chapter 13- Chapter 13 bankruptcy- , is used primarily by individual consumers to reorganize their financial affairs under a repayment plan that must be completed within three to five years. A standing trustee appointed by the United States Trustee typically serves as a trustee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court where the case was filed.

Specific responsibilities of the United States Trustees include:

• Appointing and supervising private trustees who administer Chapter 7, 12 and 13 bankruptcy estates (and serving as trustees in such cases where private trustees are unable or unwilling to serve).
• Taking legal action to enforce the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and to prevent fraud and abuse.
• Referring matters for investigation and criminal prosecution when appropriate.
• Ensuring that bankruptcy- estates are administered promptly and efficiently, and that professional fees are reasonable.
• Appointing and convening creditors committees in Chapter 11 business reorganization cases.
• Reviewing disclosure statements and applications for the retention of professionals.
• Advocating matters relating to the Bankruptcy Code and rules of procedure in court.