Consumer Bankruptcy

The panel will discuss the pitfalls that chapter 13 debtors encounter when dealing with claims that may or may not be dischargeable or have priority status.

Although many "experts" predicted that we would be out of the foreclosure crisis well before 2013, many are still dealing with the ramifications of the burst real estate bubble. This session will explore current issues regarding mortgage claims and real property issues in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, including how the National Mortgage Settlement affects debtors, Bankruptcy Rules 3001 and 3002.1, and general chapter 13 confirmation and cramdown issues.

As if the Bankruptcy Code doesn’t give us enough to ponder, bankruptcy practitioners must consider the impact of the U.S. Tax Code on the decision-making process. This session will address the Internal Revenue Code “section 1398 short year” election and separate entity rules, discharge of tax claims, cancellation of debt (COD) income, and tax issues arising from mortgage modification, foreclosure, and transfer or abandonment of property.

There are many changes occurring in consumer bankruptcy law. Find out the latest developments in your neighborhood and around the country.

Individual chapter 11 cases pose a number of thorny legal and practical problems for the bankruptcy practitioner. While individual chapter 11 cases contain many elements of corporate chapter 11 and chapter 13 cases, they do not fit comfortably in either chapter. Following the enactment of BAPCPA, courts have struggled to strike the appropriate balance between the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code intended for corporations and those intended for human beings. The result is substantial uncertainty for debtors and creditors alike. This session will explore: Does the absolute priority rule apply to individual chapter 11 debtors? May creditors commence an involuntary chapter 11 case against an individual? May individual chapter 11 debtors pay their living expenses in the ordinary course of business, or is notice and a hearing required? What are the advantages and disadvantages for debtors and creditors in an individual chapter 11 case as compared to a corporate chapter 11 case or a chapter 13 case?

Practical pointers on how to deal with student loans in the context of a chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.

The transformation rule/negative equity, deficiency claims upon surrender of collateral, the applicable commitment period, contract interest, § 1322(b)(1) as it involves fixtures and personal property, and assignments of rent, § 1322(b)(2) as it involves the timing of the analysis.

Claims Resolution Rules 3001 & 3002.2, claim amendments, lien-stripping and mortgages.