Matter Of Steenes

Easterbrook, Circuit Judge.

An application for relief under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code transfers most of a debtor's assets to the newly formed bankruptcy estate. 11 U.S.C. §§ 541, 1306. Property stays in the estate until the bankruptcy court confirms a plan of payment. Then, "[e]xcept as otherwise provided in the plan or the order confirming the plan, the confirmation of a plan vests all of the property of the estate in the debtor." 11 U.S.C. § 1327(b). This means that the debtor becomes personally responsible for the expenses of maintaining that property.

Although the statute…