Consumer

Let's Make It Clear: Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 3001 and 3002 and Lien-stripping in a Distressed Real Estate Market On Dec. 1, 2011, Federal Bankruptcy Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 3001 and 3002 were amended to provide increased transparency in proofs of claim and costs assessed during chapter 13 cases. This panel will focus on the effects of these changes on debtors, secured lenders and chapter 13 trustees. We will also review recent lien-stripping litigation, including the latest “chapter 20” case developments.

This panel will discuss domestic support obligation (DSO) and alimony/property settlement dischargability issues. When does the automatic stay apply and not apply? Should a bankruptcy be considered before, during or after the divorce? What about exemptions? In addition, the panel will discuss the threshold amount that a trustee is likely to pursue, as well as locating real estate assets and checklists for managing a real estate asset. The panel will also examine procrastination as the greatest enemy of a chapter 7 trustee, and pushing an asset liquidation to closing as quickly as possible.

When is an individual Chapter 11 a better fit for your client? Think through an individual Chapter 11 plan and spot critical issues that can lead to success. A panel of experienced individual Chapter 11 practitioners will guide you, step by step, through a successful individual Chapter 11 case, and discuss problematic issues and solutions you can implement in your individual Chapter 11. Topics include: · Creating a budget on your schedules · Calculating your plan · Working with the US Trustee’s office · Tax issues · Application of the absolute priority rule · “Deemed” voting · “Reasonable and necessary” expenses · Addressing secured mortgage debts in the plan

What post-BAPCPA issues continue to challenge chapter 13 practitioners, and what challenges lie ahead for debtors, creditors and trustees? This panel will discuss the most recent changes affecting chapter 13 practice: the claims process and Bankruptcy Rule 3002.1, as well as the national settlements involving the largest players in the home mortgage industry.

When issues such as criminal fraud and embezzlement raise their ugly heads and there are potential nondischargeability issues, how do you guide a debtor through bankruptcy while still protecting his right not to incriminate himself? It is a delicate balance that affects all consumer attorneys, trustees and creditors. In this panel, practitioners will discuss strategies to aid in navigating the bankruptcy process when criminal charges are looming. The panel will consist of bankruptcy practitioners, criminal defense counsel and a trustee and will discuss how to help such debtors safely navigate the bumpy legal waters.

As same-sex marriage continues to be sanctioned in states across the county, issues about the treatment of same-sex couples in bankruptcy have emerged. Does the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) limit a joint same-sex couple’s right to seek bankruptcy protection? How do same-sex divorces and support obligations impact the rights and obligations of debtors? And in states where only civil unions are available to same-sex couples, does that distinction lead to a meaningful difference for those seeking bankruptcy protection? This panel will discuss and debate the effect of DOMA on bankruptcy cases, the unique issues facing same-sex debtors and their families, and strategies to get debtors in same-sex relationships the debt relief they need.

Learn to think through an individual Chapter 11 plan and spot critical issues that can affect your case. A panel of experienced individual Chapter 11 practitioners and a member of the judiciary will guide you, step by step, through a successful individual Chapter 11 case, and discuss problematic issues and solutions you can implement in your individual Chapter 11. Topics include: - Creating a budget on your schedules - Calculating your plan - Working with the US Trustee’s office - Tax issues - Application of the absolute priority rule - “Deemed” voting - “Reasonable and necessary” expenses - Addressing secured mortgage debts in the plan

Amendments to Fed. R. Bankr. P. 3001; payment of tax claims; if a debtor surrenders real property post-confirmation in a Chapter 13 case, can the creditor file a deficiency claim and be paid under the Chapter 13 plan?; treatment of claims for ongoing condominium dues that accrue post-petition in a Chapter 13 when the debtor proposes to surrender the collateral.