Bankruptcy Basics from the Experts

This seminar provides an in-depth overview of the bankruptcy area for those who are new to the consumer bankruptcy practice. Topics include: client intake sheets; due diligence under the Bankruptcy Code amendments; representing a consumer Chapter 7 debtor; creditor meeting expectations; the Reaffirmation Agreement form; determining disposable income for a Chapter 13 plan; repossessing collateral; excluding debts from discharge and filing a discharge complaint; presenting before Illinois bankruptcy judges; and much more. A discussion on the recent high court rulings that may change local procedures is also included. The program is designed for bankruptcy lawyers with basic practice experience.

 

 

 

This segment provides an overview of the initial client interview, including what questions to ask on the client intake sheet, what issues to address in the first meeting with the client, the various pitfalls to avoid throughout the interview process, and due diligence under the Bankruptcy Code.

In this segment, the speaker discusses what to expect at the meeting with the creditors and examines the various problems and solutions in representing a consumer Chapter 7 debtor. The expanded Reaffirmation Agreement form under the amended Bankruptcy Code is also covered.

 

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break (beverages provided)

 

This segment provides tips for drafting a plan and determining disposable income for a Chapter 13 debtor under the recent Supreme Court decisions, and also examines the additional rules for Chapter 13 debtors and the differences in local practice.

This segment explores the trustees’ expectations throughout the bankruptcy process, including what should be provided to the trustee prior to the 341 hearing. Advice and suggestions on representing clients in Chapter 7 is also included, as well as an overview of the recent case law developments that affect the bankruptcy arena.

 

This segment explores the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process from the trustee’s perspective. Topics include: what should be provided to the trustee prior to the 341 hearing; drafting the plan; and recent case law developments that affect disposable income calculations and allowed plan provisions.

 

This segment offers suggestions for effectively representing creditor clients in a consumer bankruptcy case, including getting paid dividends, repossession of collateral, and common defenses to voidance demands.

 

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)

 

In this segment, the speaker discusses the common grounds for excluding a debt from discharge, as well as the debtor’s defenses. The procedure and deadlines for filing a discharge complaint are also examined.

 

This segment provides an overview of the recent high court rulings that may change local procedures, and offers tips for presenting before Illinois bankruptcy judges.