Office of the Trustee

This web site is part of the Trustee's service to the bankruptcy community of the Western Division, and is intended for the judiciary, attorneys, creditors and debtors. Please use the buttons on the left to navigate the site.

Location Where to find our offices	Payments How to send payments to the Trustee
Pamphlet for Chapter 13 Debtors Critical information for Chapter 13 debtors
Chapter 13 Outline More information on Chapter 13	Links Other good sources of information on the web
Newsletters Informative updates about the Trustee's office

	Debtors must bring a government issued picture ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card to the First Meeting of Creditors. If your identification card does not have a Social Security number, you must also produce your Social Security card. We are not permitted to go forward without proof of identity and social security number...
	Chapter 13 Debtors are required to start making monthly payments to the Chapter 13 Trustee within 30 days of the filing of their case. The Trustee mails Debtors a letter stating the exact date your first payment is due. Please read all correspondence sent to you by the Chapter 13 Trustee!
	Payments to the Chapter 13 Trustee should be sent to: John P. Gustafson, Trustee, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee, P.O. Box 712284, Cincinnati, Ohio 45271-2284. Payments can no longer be accepted at the Trustee's Office. Remember to mail your payments (by ordinary mail only) early enough for them to be received when they are due.
	If you are behind on your mortgage and your case is assigned to the Hon. Richard L. Speer, your Chapter 13 Plan must provide for "conduit mortgage payments". This can be accomplished by putting in language that states: "IF THIS CASE IS ASSIGNED TO THE HONORABLE RICHARD L. SPEER, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION IN THIS PLAN, THE REGULAR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS TO [list mortgage creditors] AS WELL AS THE ARREARAGES SHALL BE PAID THROUGH THE PLAN."
	If your Chapter 13 Plan proposes that you will make your mortgage payment(s) directly, you must promptly commence those payments after filing. Talk to your attorney about how to recommence mortgage payments.
	If you own real estate, you must have your own homeowner's or other structure insurance on that property or your Chapter 13 Plan will not be confirmed. "Forced place" insurance is not sufficient. If you are turned down for homeowner's insurance by regular insurance companies, you may need to contact the Ohio FAIR Plan (1-800-282-1772) about obtaining coverage though that program.
	We strongly recommend that Debtors consider funding their Chapter 13 Plans through a payroll deduction. We have found our completion success rate to be much better for Chapter 13 cases funded through payroll deductions!