Chapter 13 Trustee is a federally appointed office serving the Western District of Virginia, specializing in the administration of Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases assigned to Judge Paul M. Black. Led by Trustee Christopher Micale, the office stands out for its structured, technology-driven approach to managing bankruptcy estates and facilitating communication among all parties.
The office provides essential support and resources for debtors, attorneys, and creditors involved in Chapter 13 proceedings, emphasizing electronic document submission, secure payment processing, and accessible case information. It serves individuals and businesses navigating financial reorganization, with a focus on transparency, compliance, and efficient case administration throughout the bankruptcy process.
Services Offered
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy administration
- Case information access via 13 Network and National Data Center
- Electronic document submission for attorneys and creditors
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for creditor disbursements
- Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments from third parties
- Debtor payment processing
- Payoff amount requests
- 341 Meeting of creditors coordination
- Creditor refund processing
- Proposed order endorsement
- Access to standardized bankruptcy documents and forms
- Debtor education and resource guidance
- Assistance with wage deduction orders
- Mortgage payment management
- Proof of claim processing
The office administers cases primarily in the Roanoke, Danville, Abingdon, and Big Stone Gap areas within the Western District of Virginia, with 341 meetings and court hearings conducted via Zoom, phone, or in-person as specified by court notice. It offers extensive online resources and forms to support debtors, legal professionals, and creditors throughout the bankruptcy lifecycle.
