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. The Trustee's Viewpoint
4. Chapter 13: Step-by-Step Procedures
5. Tips From the Pros
6. Ethical Obligations for Debtors' Counsel

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

SELECTING THE RIGHT CHAPTER FOR YOUR CLIENT
9:00 - 10:00, James F. Molleur

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 7: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
10:15 - 11:15, James F. Molleur

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.

THE TRUSTEE'S VIEWPOINT
11:15 - 12:15, Stephen G. Morrell

Take a closer look at attorney certifications, counsel fees, the means test, bad faith, and abuse by creditors and debtors from the perspective of the U.S. Trustee Program.

CHAPTER 13: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
1:15 - 2:15, Peter C. Fessenden

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.

ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS FOR DEBTORS' COUNSEL
2:15 - 3:15, Peter C. Fessenden

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.

TIPS FROM THE PROS
3:30 - 4:30, Peter C. Fessenden and Stephen G. Morrell

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.

PETER C. FESSENDEN is the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee - District of Maine. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Maine School of Law where he taught bankruptcy. Mr. Fessenden is registered and qualified as a mediator, arbitrator and early neutral evaluator under the state of Maine ADR program. He has lectured and written materials for the Maine State Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees and the Maine Federal Judicial Conference. Mr. Fessenden earned his B.A. degree from Antioch College, his J.D. degree from the University of Maine School of Law, and a certificate from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the Maine State and American bar associations, and he serves as a member of the Grievance Commission of the Board of Bar Overseers.

JAMES F. MOLLEUR is sole member of James F. Molleur LLC, where he concentrates his practice in the area of bankruptcy, primarily representing debtors, particularly consumer and small business debtors. Mr. Molleur earned his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Bowdoin College and his J.D. degree from the University of Maine School of Law. He has spoken on bankruptcy issues for the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Maine State Bar Association. Mr. Molleur also is a certified specialist in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification. He is a member of the York County and Maine State bar associations, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

STEPHEN G. MORRELL has served as Assistant United States Trustee since January of 2007. He joined the Justice Department after 28 years of private practice, concentrating in business-related disputes, with a special emphasis upon bankruptcy matters and transactions involving distressed businesses. He holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest peer review rating and was ranked by Chambers USA among America's Leading Business Lawyers in 2005 and 2006. Mr. Morrell has held board certification in business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification since 1994. He is a former chair of the Bankruptcy and Reorganization Section of the Maine State Bar Association, and served on the Maine Board of Bar Overseer's Fee Arbitration and Grievance commissions. Mr. Morrell currently serves on the Local Rules Committee of the Maine Bankruptcy Court. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Maine 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