The ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy researched and has recommended improvements to the consumer bankruptcy system that can be implemented within its existing structure. These changes include amendments to the Bankruptcy Code, changes to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, administrative rules or actions, recommendations on proper interpretations of existing law and other best practices that judges, trustees and lawyers can implement. To view a fact sheet on the Commission, please click here.

To access the full report, please click here

To access a summary of key findings, please click here


Commission leadership discussed key findings at the unveiling of the Final Report on an April 11. Watch a replay of the presentation below.



The commission is grateful to the financial support from the ABI Anthony H.N. Schelling Endowment Fund and the NCBJ Endowment.


Previous Meetings and Information


HEARING STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ARIANE HOLTSCHLAG ON TRUSTEE COMPENSATION BEFORE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY SUBCOMMITTEE ON REGULATORY REFORM, COMMERCIAL AND ANTITRUST LAW

Sep 26, 2018

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law held a hearing on September 26 to consider H.R. 3553, the “Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2017". The bill was introduced last year by House Judiciary Subcommittee Chair Tom Marino (R-Pa.) and aims to increase the amount of compensation paid to chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees for services rendered. Ariane Holtschlag of the Law Office of William J. Factor, Ltd. (Chicago) and a member of ABI’s Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy testified to provide Commission recommendations on trustee compensation. Please click here to read her statement.

Judges provided testimony at Commission Meeting at NCBJ

Sep 01, 2017

The Committee on Case Administration & the Estate of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy held a public meeting during the annual conference for the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) on October 10, 2017, from 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. The Commission invited stakeholders attending the event to request time to make an oral statement at this public meeting, and in addition to submit a written statement to the Commission. Click here to read prepared statements.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 HEARINGS AT THE NABT ANNUAL CONVENTION

Jul 25, 2017

The Committee on Chapter 7 of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy held a public meeting during the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT) on September 15 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Commission invited stakeholders attending the event to request time to make an oral statement at this public meeting, and in addition to submit a written statement to the Commission. Click here to read prepared statements.

JULY 15, 2017 HEARINGS AT NACTT CONFERENCE

Jun 02, 2017

The Commission’s Committee on Chapter 13 held a public meeting during NACTT’s 2017 Annual Seminar on July 15 in Seattle, Washington. The Commission invited stakeholders attending the event to request time to make an oral statement at this public meeting, and in addition to submit a written statement to the Commission. Click here to read prepared statements.

May 6, 2017 Hearings at NACBA Conference

May 22, 2017

The Commission’s held its first public meeting during NACBA’s 2017 Annual Convention. During the meeting, the Commission heard from more than a dozen witnesses on their ideas and concerns about the consumer bankruptcy process. Click here to view a video recording and read prepared statements.