In most cases, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees have far more cases than they have time to focus on each case. It’s common that there are 30-40 cases on each 2 hour docket.
But, a sure-fire way to stand out and really get the Trustee’s attention is show off your wealth on reality TV. That’s what one cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey did, and, now, in her individual Chapter 7, the Trustee’s scrutiny of her disclosures revealed that the debtor failed to disclose all her assets, which may allow the Trustee to contest the discharge under 11 U.S.C. 727.
A bankruptcy discharge wipes out all debt, but the price to be paid for that benefit is that a debtor must disclose everything–both debts and assets. From a creditor’s perspective, a well-informed Trustee can be the last hope for any recovery.