Thomas P. Gorman, Chapter 13 Trustee - Alexandria, VA

Understanding the Role of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee in Alexandria

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Northern Virginia, your case is assigned to a specific standing trustee who oversees the administration of your repayment plan. For individuals filing within the Alexandria Division, that trustee is Thomas P. Gorman, Attorney at Law. Operating from his office on Prince Street in Old Town, Trustee Gorman plays a pivotal role in the bankruptcy process. He is responsible for evaluating your bankruptcy schedules, reviewing your proposed monthly payment calculations, conducting your mandatory Zoom hearings, and distributing your payments to creditors over the course of your three- to five-year plan.

What to Expect at Your 341 Meeting of Creditors

Roughly thirty days after your bankruptcy case is filed, you are legally required to attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors. Under the direction of Trustee Thomas Gorman, these meetings are currently conducted remotely via secure Zoom video sessions. While the name may sound intimidating, creditors rarely attend consumer hearings. In most cases, the hearing takes just a few minutes. Trustee Gorman will verify your identity, place you under oath, and ask a series of routine questions regarding your assets, debts, and the accuracy of your filing. Known for his thorough and detail-oriented approach, he expects honest, direct answers and is known to review previous bankruptcy records very closely. Preparing thoroughly with your debtor lawyer beforehand is essential to ensure a smooth hearing.

Critical Chapter 13 Trustee Payment Guidelines

Successfully completing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires strict adherence to your court-approved payment schedule. The federal bankruptcy code dictates that your first plan payment is due exactly thirty days after your petition is filed. Failure to submit this initial payment on time, or experiencing a bounced check, can prompt Trustee Gorman to file a motion to dismiss your case immediately. It is important to note that while his administrative office is located on Prince Street in Alexandria, debtors must never mail plan payments to this physical address. Instead, all monthly payments must be sent to a dedicated lockbox processing bank in Memphis, Tennessee. Using your bank online bill-pay system is highly recommended to ensure payments are sent securely and include your exact case number.

Key Office Information and Correspondence Rules

While debtors rarely need to visit the physical office of Thomas P. Gorman, knowing how to send required tax returns, pay stubs, and other financial disclosures is critical for a successful discharge. Documents for your 341 hearing should be submitted electronically via the secure trustee portal or dedicated document delivery emails as directed by your legal counsel. The physical office is open during standard business hours for emergency hand-delivered certified payments if a case is at risk of dismissal.

• Chapter 13 Plan Administration: Reviewing and objecting to non-compliant debtor repayment structures.
• Creditor Distribution: Disbursing monthly funds to secured and unsecured creditors in accordance with court orders.
• Mandatory 341 Zoom Hearings: Hosting remote video meetings to examine debtors under federal bankruptcy guidelines.
• Professional Appointment: Serving the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) Alexandria Division since 2009.