What if a Debtor in Bankruptcy Dies?

What happens when the debtor in bankruptcy dies or becomes incompetent before the case is closed?

In the case of a Chapter 7, death or incompetency does not change anything.  Because the Chapter 7 trustee is in charge of administering the estate for the benefit of the unsecured creditors, it makes sense that the case be allowed to continue, without interruption.

The situation may be different in a bankruptcy proceeding where reorganization of the debtor’s finances is the ultimate goal such as Chapters 11, 12 and 13.

Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure answer this question in a direct and succinct way.  Rule 1016 states as follows:

Death or incompetency of the debtor shall not abate a liquidation case under chapter 7 of the Code. In such event the estate shall be administered and the case concluded in the same manner, so far as possible, as though the death or incompetency had not occurred. If a reorganization, family farmer’s debt adjustment, or individual’s debt adjustment case is pending under chapter 11, chapter 12, or chapter 13, the case may be dismissed; or if further administration is possible and in the best interest of the parties, the case may proceed and be concluded in the same manner, so far as possible, as though the death or incompetency had not occurred.

In a reorganization bankruptcy, it really depends on whether or not the case can continue forward.  If continuing the case will be helpful to the parties, it may proceed.

This bankruptcy rule makes it possible for the administrator of the debtor’s estate to protect exempt assets for the beneficiaries or for a conservator to manage creditors of an incompetent person.