N.Y. Debtor & Creditor Law § 4: Debtor's schedule

§ 4. Debtor's schedule. 1. A debtor making an assignment shall, at the

date thereof or within twenty days thereafter, cause to be made, and

filed with the county clerk of the county where such assignment is

recorded, and file a duplicate thereof with the assignee, an inventory

or schedule containing:

(a) The name, occupation, place of residence, and place of business,

of such debtor;

(b) The name and place of residence of the assignee;

(c) A full and true account of all the creditors of such debtor,

stating the last known place of residence or business of each, if known,

if unknown the fact to be stated, the sum owing to each, with the true

cause and consideration therefor, and a full statement of any existing

security for the payment of the same;

(d) A full and true inventory of all such debtor's estate at the date

of such assignment, both real and personal, in law and in equity, with

the incumbrances existing thereon, and the actual value of the same

according to the best knowledge of such debtor; and a claim for such

exemptions as he may be entitled to;

(e) An affidavit made by such debtor, that the same is in all respects

just and true.

2. In case such debtor shall omit, neglect or refuse to make and file

such inventory or schedule within the twenty days required, the assignee

named in such assignment shall, within thirty days after the date

thereof, cause to be made, and filed as aforesaid such inventory or

schedule as above required, in so far as he can; and for such purpose

the judge shall, at any time, upon the application of such assignee,

compel by order such delinquent debtor, and any other person to appear

before him and disclose, upon oath, any knowledge or information he may

possess, necessary to the proper making of such inventory or schedule.

The assignee shall verify the inventory and schedule so made by him, to

the effect that the same is in all respects just and true to the best of

his knowledge and belief.

3. In case the said assignee shall be unable to make and file such

inventory or schedule, within said thirty days, the judge may, upon

application upon oath, showing such inability, allow him such further

time as shall be necessary, not exceeding sixty days. If the assignee

fail to make and file such inventory or schedule within said thirty days

or such further time as may be allowed, the judge shall require, by

order, the assignee forthwith to appear before him, and show cause why

he should not be removed. Any person interested in the trust estate may

apply for such order and demand such removal. The books and papers of

such delinquent debtor shall at all times be subject to the inspection

and examination of any creditor. The judge is authorized, by order, to

require such debtor or assignee to allow such inspection or examination.

Disobedience to such order is a contempt, and obedience to such order

may be enforced by attachment.

4. The assignor shall comply with all lawful orders of the judge;

examine the correctness of all claims presented against his estate, if

ordered by the judge so to do, and if any is incorrect or false notify

his assignee thereof immediately; deliver to his assignee all his books,

papers and records; execute and deliver such papers as shall be ordered

by the judge; and execute and deliver to his assignee transfers of all

his property outside the state of New York. When so ordered by the

judge, the assignor shall attend before the assignee, a referee or the

court in the county where the assignor resides, and submit to an

examination under oath concerning the conducting of his business, the

cause of his inability to pay his debts, his dealings with his creditors

and other persons, the amount, kind and whereabouts of his property, and

all matters which may affect the administration and settlement of his

estate.

5. In any examination of the assignor ordered by the judge pursuant to

subdivision four of this section, the court may confer immunity in

accordance with the provisions of section 50.20 of the criminal

procedure law; provided, however, that no immunity shall be conferred

except upon twenty-four hours prior written notice to the appropriate

district attorney having an official interest therein.

6. The court may allow as an administrative expense one reasonable

fee, irrespective of the number of attorneys employed, for legal

services rendered to the assignor in preparing the assignment and

assisting the assignor to comply with his duties in respect of schedules

and inventory. If a debtor, in contemplation of making a general

assignment for the benefit of creditors, shall pay money or transfer

property, directly or indirectly, to an attorney for services rendered

or to be rendered in connection with the assignment, the transaction

shall be reexamined by the court on petition of the assignee or any

creditor and shall be held valid only to the extent of a reasonable

amount to be determined by the court, and the excess may be recovered by

the assignee for the benefit of the estate.