Consumer Debt

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.

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

Three years of disappointing recovery have come at the cost of unprecedented policy actions, both in monetary and fiscal policy. Bar a major failure in resolving the "fiscal cliff" negotiations, the economic outlook may improve in 2013, but questions remain about what the "exit" strategy will be. Are new financial imbalances building into the economy? Are low interest rates fostering an excessive accumulation of private and public debt? How vulnerable the financial system and the corporate sector are to a normalization in interest rates? Mr. Laurenti will discuss how to navigate the risks for the US economy, and the scenarios that most likely shape the bankruptcy and turnaround business in 2013 and 2014.

This panel will discuss the update on mortgage relief programs; litigation between homeowners and lenders; intersection with bankruptcy and motions for relief from stay.

Introduction to Individual Chapter 11 Cases: Part 1 (Chapter Choice; First-Day Motions)

Retirement Planning and Bankruptcy