Learn the nuts and bolts of filing Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy from the debtor's point of view! Using hypothetical clients and bankruptcy scenarios, experienced practitioners lead you through each step of the process with sample forms, schedules, means tests, repayment plans, and code citations. If you're new to the bankruptcy field, this basic, how-to instruction will give you the practical knowledge necessary to guide your clients through the complex Chapter 7 and 13 filing processes. Order today!

1. Chapter 7 or 13: Selecting the Right Chapter for Your Client
2. Chapter 7: Step-by-Step Procedures
3. Chapter 13: Step-by-Step Procedures
4. Tips From the Pros
5. Ethical Obligations for Debtors' Counsel

CHAPTER 7: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
9:00 - 10:15, Easa R. Mousa

Using a carefully-crafted scenario, experienced faculty will lead you through the nuts and bolts of filing Chapter 7 – from the client interview and means test through filing the actual case. The presentation will focus on procedures while highlighting pitfalls and citing statutes and bankruptcy code.

CHAPTER 7 OR 13: SELECTING THE RIGHT CHAPTER FOR YOUR CLIENT
10:30 - 11:45, Raymond B. LaBella

An overview of Chapter 7 and 13 fundamentals with a comprehensive comparison of the differences and advantages of each. You'll emerge from this presentation with a clear understanding of which route to choose depending on your client's needs.

CHAPTER 13: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
12:45 - 2:00, Raymond B. LaBella

The Joneses' current monthly income triggered the presumption of abuse and their case must be converted to a Chapter 13 filing. Using this hypothetical, experienced faculty will lead you through each step of filing Chapter 13 with sample forms, petitions and schedules along with an in-depth look at structuring the repayment plan and negotiating with creditors. The presentation will focus on procedures while highlighting pitfalls and citing statutes and bankruptcy code.

TIPS FROM THE PROS
2:15 - 3:30, Meredith N. Brasca

Get tips and insider advice from our panel of seasoned practitioners. Discuss pertinent case law and regulatory updates, along with case management tips, software considerations, credit counseling services, the keys to preparing your client, and valuable resources for your bankruptcy questions.

ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS FOR DEBTORS' COUNSEL
3:30 - 4:30, Meredith N. Brasca

Join faculty for a frank discussion on ethical obligations, including required certification, disclosure issues, the attorney/client relationship, retainer fees, and tough situations that can arise during the case.

MEREDITH N. BRASCA is an attorney with The Brasca Law Office, P.A., where she practices in the areas of bankruptcy law, family law and guardianship. She is admitted to practice law in Florida, Connecticut and New York, and before the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, the U.S. District Southern District of New York and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of New York. Ms. Brasca earned her B.F.A. degree from Jacksonville University, her M.F.A. degree from University of Florida and her J.D. degree from City University of New York School of Law. She is a member of The Florida Bar and the Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association.

RAYMOND B. LaBELLA is a member and managing attorney of LaBella Law, P.L., a bankruptcy and consumer advocacy law firm, with offices in Orange Park and St. Augustine, Florida. Mr. LaBella practices in the areas of consumer and small business bankruptcy, asset conservation, consumer rights, probate, and estate planning. He is admitted to practice in Florida and Connecticut. Mr. LaBella earned his J.D. degree from Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL) and his B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Florida. He was the managing editor for the Florida Coastal Law Journal, and auditor for the FCSL Student Bar Association. Mr. LaBella's work, "Mercenary or Watchdog: Will the SEC's New Rules Resurrect the Integrity of Auditing?" was published in the Florida Coastal Law Journal. He is also a member of The Florida Bar, Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and The American Bankruptcy Institute, as well as the Clay County Bar Association and Jacksonville Bar Association. Mr. LaBella has been a volunteer instructor for the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Small Claims Workshop, a visiting judge for the Florida Coastal School of Law Lawyering Practice class, and guest lecturer on the subject of small firm practice. He has also taught continuing education courses in probate, collections law, and consumer rights.

EASA R. MOUSA is a sole practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Mousa practices in state and federal courts in Florida in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, wills, probate and general civil trial practice. In his bankruptcy practice, he has represented hundreds of clients in debt counseling, and Chapters 7 and 13 cases. He also represents injured clients in the presentation, settlements, and litigation of auto accidents and other liability cases. Mr. Mousa also has handled numerous civil and minor criminal matters. He has been a panel attorney for major pre-paid legal insurance plans and has assisted thousands of employees with their everyday legal problems through the legal plan sponsored by their employer. He has written and lectured in the past on topics such as bankruptcy law, family law and personal injury. Specifically, he wrote What to do in case of an Automobile Accident, 1995, and is a speaker and participant at pre-paid legal benefit conferences and Duval County Self Help/Pro Se Clinic, as well as a panel attorney on most major pre-paid legal plans. Mr. Mousa earned his B.A. degree from the University of North Florida and his J.D. degree from Mercer University School of Law.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com