Chapter 7 - The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for "liquidation," that is, the sale of a debtor's nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors. In order to be eligible for Chapter 7, the debtor must satisfy a "means test." The court will evaluate the debtor's income and expenses to determine if the debtor may proceed under Chapter 7.⏎
Bankruptcy estate - All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The estate technically becomes the temporary legal owner of all of the debtor's property.⏎
Bankruptcy judge - A judicial officer of the United States district court who is the court official with decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.⏎
Active judge - A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.⏎