Bankruptcy Mastery was selected one of the 100 top Blawgs of 2013 by the American Bar Association! I’m blown away. Mastery serves such a distinct segment of the law world that I never expected that anyone beyond bankruptcy lawyers, and new bankruptcy lawyers at that, would notice. But someone did notice (thank you whoever nominated […]
Bankruptcy Rules And Forms Change
The only thing constant is change, we’re told. So, here are the important changes to the rules of bankruptcy procedure and the official forms effective December 1. Bankruptcy rules Rule 1007 now permits the provider of the personal financial management course to notify the court of the debtor’s completion thereof. The debtor is relieved of […]
What You Need To Know About Conversion Of Bankruptcy Cases
Sometimes, the most challenging questions for a bankruptcy lawyer come up well after the case is filed. New assets are disclosed Values are greater than expected Income falls Illness intervenes Catastrophic debts arise For whatever reason, your initial choice of chapter is now problematic. That’s when you have to understand which way to go, now. You […]
Do You Believe in Magic Exemptions?
I commend to you 11 U.S.C. 522(c). For therein lies a magical tool even for the client who has non dischargeable debts. It boils down to this: exemptions, like diamonds, are forever. Once an exemption is allowed in a case that isn’t dismissed, that property is forever beyond the reach of creditors whose claim arose […]
What No One Told Me About Adversary Pleading
When I learn something new about bankruptcy after 30 years of practice, I don’t know whether to be ecstatic or scared witless. But learn something I did when I read the ABI Journal’s article on FRBP 7008(b). In short, FRBP 7008(b) requires that claims for an award of attorneys fees in an adversary complaint must […]
Time Can Be On Your Side
Lucky us. Not. We have a new, multipage model Chapter 13 plan in several Bay Area divisions. It exalts mathematic precision over the intentions of the plan. Have the wrong number for the fixed monthly payments to particular creditors, and the money is distributed, willy-nilly, to unsecured creditors. (There are other idiocies that I will surely […]
I Assume, Redux
If there are 50 ways to leave your lover, there must be 150 ways that your bankruptcy client can get it wrong. And at the end of the day, you risk taking flak for the screw up. Fair or not. So I’ll share this week’s dust up in my office and maybe we all can […]
