dealingwithHomeEq:
Your posting identifies an issue that most people do not realize. Chapter 7 bankruptcies, from a bankruptcy trustee's viewpoint fall into two categories. Most Chapter 7's are identified as "no asset" cases. For these, the trustee is compensated a relatively nominal amount (something like $60). Where there are "assets," a trustee is paid a percentage of the dollars that flow through the trustee's hands. The following provides interesting information relative to the composition of asset and "no asset" cases and related trustee's fees:
BANKRUPTCY BY THE NUMBERS: CHAPTER 7 ASSET CASES: Part II
Why this is important is trustees can be expected to utilize efforts that relate specifically to the potential for compensation and seem to focus more on the "low hanging fruit" than doggedly pursue debtors trying to find those hidden assets.
Daniel