Bench trial - A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.⏎
Bankruptcy court - The bankruptcy judges in regular active service in each district; a unit of the district court.⏎
Cause of action - A legal claim.⏎
Chapter 13 - The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income, often referred to as a "wage-earner" plan. Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep property and use his or her disposable income to pay debts over time, usually three to five years.⏎