The Office of the U.S. Trustee (“UST”) is not part of the bankruptcy court but is an agency of the Department of Justice whose main role is to monitor the administration of bankruptcy cases, detect bankruptcy fraud, and appoint/supervise a group of trustees who can administer chapter 7, 11, or 13 bankruptcy cases. The Office of the U.S. Trustee is divided nationwide into 16 regions, and each region is comprised of lawyers, case analysts, and other staff who are supervised by one person whose title is “United States Trustee.” The U.S. Trustee generally has the right to be present at any court hearing and can make motions and recommendations to bankruptcy judges.

The U.S. Trustee for Region 16 has oversight of bankruptcy cases in the Central District of California. The main office for Region 16 is in Los Angeles, but offices are located near to or at the courthouses in all divisions.

One of the first actions in a bankruptcy case is the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors, and this meeting may be held at one of these division offices.  See 341(a) Meeting Locations.