Bankruptcy judge - A judicial officer of the United States district court who is the court official with decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.⏎
Bench trial - A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.⏎
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) - A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom. Most forms of ADR are not binding, and involve referral of the case to a neutral party such as an arbitrator or mediator.⏎
Chapter 11 - A reorganization bankruptcy, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A Chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. Individuals or people in business can also seek relief in Chapter 11.⏎
Bankruptcy petition - A formal request for the protection of the federal bankruptcy laws. (There is an official form for bankruptcy petitions.)⏎