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

CHAPTER 7 OR 13: SELECTING THE RIGHT CHAPTER FOR YOUR CLIENT
9:00 - 10:00, Debora Zelenetz

An overview of Chapter 7 and 13 comparing the high level 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, Sophia A. Rutty

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 - 12:30, Mark S. Tulis

Take a closer look at means test calculating and determining abuse through the eyes of the trustee. Discover the trustee's biggest pet peeves and how to get a favorable recommendation for your client.

CHAPTER 13: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
1:30 - 2:30, Michael H. Schwartz

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
2:45 - 3:30, Michael H. Schwartz and Sophia A. Rutty

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, John M. Crane

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.

JOHN M. CRANE is an attorney in Port Chester, New York with more than 14 years of experience. John M. Crane, P.C. is a full-service law office with a practice focused on foreclosure defense and consumer bankruptcy. The firm only works with individuals that are in financial trouble. John M. Crane, P.C. regularly represents clients in the Bronx, Westchester, Manhattan, Putnam, Dutchess, and Rockland counties. He earned his B.A. degree from Lehman College of the City University of New York and his J.D. degree from Pace University.

MICHAEL H. SCHWARTZ is an attorney in White Plains, New York, where his main areas of practice are banking and finance law, bankruptcy law, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Mr. Schwartz has been named a Who's Who in American Law and been a radio guest speaker on bankruptcy law. He is a member of the New York State, New Jersey State and Westchester County bar associations. Mr. Schwartz is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of New York and U.S. Federal courts. He earned his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from City College of New York and his J.D. degree, cum laude from New York Law School.

MARK S. TULIS is an attorney with Oxman Tulis Kirkpatrick Whyatt & Geiger LLP. Mr. Tulis serves as a Bankruptcy Trustee for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Southern District of New York. He has served as Trustee for Capitol Health, The Baron Group, DeLaurentis Construction, Accuhealth, Inc. the Northern Westchester Center for the Arts, as well as other real estate and health care entities, and has distributed millions of dollars to creditors. Mr. Tulis also represents debtors, creditors and municipalities in connection with numerous bankruptcy matters involving real estate, construction, healthcare and retail businesses. He has lectured extensively on bankruptcy matters for the state and county bar associations. Mr. Tulis also has acted in the capacity as mediator and expert witness in state and federal court. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Tulis earned his B.A. degree from Brandeis University and his J.D. degree from New York University, School of Law.

DEBORA ZELENETZ is an attorney in Mamaroneck, New York, where her main area of practice is bankruptcy. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, State Bar of California and New York State Bar Association. Ms. Zelenetz has previously worked for Michael H. Schwartz, Esq. and Steven Cooper, Esq. She earned her B.A. degree from Tufts University, her LL.M. degree from Boston University and her J.D. degree from Suffolk University.

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