Idaho State Bar v. Matthews

I

BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE

The essential facts in this attorney disciplinary matter are not in dispute. Suzanne and Stephen Patterson (the “Pattersons”) hired Howard W. Matthews (“Matthews”) to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition on their behalf. The bankruptcy trustee objected to the Pattersons’ claimed homestead exemption and Matthews did not respond to the claim. The bankruptcy trustee’s attorney notified Matthews that the trustee intended to liquidate the property for its equity, and that the Pattersons’ failure to cooperate would result in the revocation of their bankruptcy discharge. The…