Basic Bankruptcy for Paralegals & Support

by David Buchbinder

• ISBN13: 9780735557536
• ISBN10: 0735557535
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Amazon.Com

Summary

Basic Bankruptcy Law for Paralegals, Sixth Edition, reflects the sweeping changes caused by the new Bankruptcy bill Congress passed in 2005. Proven effective through years of classroom use, this compact and comprehensive text offers a step-by-step overview of both the Code And The Rules. This popular text earned its reputation as a dependable teaching tool by: focusing on what paralegals need to know, allowing students to learn and digest the basics of bankruptcy without having to master an entirely new vocabulary providing a readable overview of the bankruptcy code and rules, with step-by-step guidance through the paralegal's role at every stage of the bankruptcy proceeding taking a practical approach, covering not only the law, but also how to complete documents with helpful explanations of the appropriate timing offering excellent pedagogy, including abundant examples, checklists of procedures, summaries of the law, and discussion questions serving as the foundation of a complete teaching package, including a thorough Instructor's Manual with test bank ; the Sixth Edition provides everything students need to understand today's Bankruptcy Law: the text reflects the provisions of the new bill a tutorial explains the new forms complete explanation of the new procedures detailed information on new means testing, The heart of the bill cases decided since Spring, 2004 thorough updating of the forms manual with new material An author website to support classroom instruction using this title is available at http://www.aspenlawschool.com/buchbinder_bankruptcy6

Table of Contents

Preface	xxi
Acknowledgments	xxiii
Introduction: Paralegals and the Bankruptcy System	1	(4)
A. Role of the Paralegal	2	(1)
B. Common Activities	3	(2)
Part I. History and Introduction	5	(86)
Chapter 1. A Short History of Bankruptcy	7	(10)
A. Origins of Bankruptcy Systems	7	(3)
B. Bankruptcy in the Middle Ages	10	(1)
C. Early English Insolvency Laws	11	(2)
D. Bankruptcy in the United States	13	(4)
Summary	15	(1)
Key Terms	16	(1)
Discussion Questions	16	(1)
Chapter 2. Introduction to the Bankruptcy Code	17	(8)
A. Organization of the Bankruptcy Code and a Note on the Text	17	(1)
B. Overview of the Bankruptcy Code	18	(4)
C. The Bankruptcy System	22	(3)
Summary	23	(1)
Key Terms	24	(1)
Discussion Questions	24	(1)
Chapter 3. Alternatives to Bankruptcy Under State Law	25	(10)
A. Article 6 UCC Bulk Sales	26	(3)
B. Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors	29	(1)
C. Composition Agreements	30	(5)
Summary	31	(1)
Key Terms	32	(1)
Chapter 3 Checklist	32	(1)
Discussion Questions	33	(2)
Chapter 4. Filing a Petition	35	(22)
A. Gatekeeper Provisions in Individual Bankruptcies	35	(3)
B. Voluntary Petitions	38	(6)
C. Involuntary Petitions	44	(13)
Summary	50	(1)
Key Terms	51	(1)
Chapter 4 Checklist	52	(2)
Discussion Questions	54	(3)
Chapter 5. Chapter 1—General Provisions	57	(22)
A. Notice and a Hearing	57	(4)
B. Rules of Grammatical Construction	61	(1)
C. Powers of the Court	62	(1)
D. Statutes of Limitations	63	(1)
E. Who May Be a Debtor	64	(2)
F. Needs Based Bankruptcy	66	(5)
G. Needs Based Bankruptcy Examples	71	(8)
Summary	74	(1)
Key Terms	74	(1)
Chapter 5 Checklist	75	(2)
Discussion Questions	77	(2)
Chapter 6. Useful Definitions—Section 101	79	(12)
A. Affiliates	79	(1)
B. Claim	80	(1)
C. Community Claim	80	(1)
D. Corporation	81	(1)
E. Creditor	81	(1)
F. Current Monthly Income	81	(1)
G. Custodian	82	(1)
H. Debt	82	(1)
I. Debt Relief Agency	82	(1)
J. Domestic Support Obligations	83	(1)
K. Equity Security Holder	83	(1)
L. Individual with Regular Income	83	(1)
M. Insiders	84	(1)
N. Insolvency	84	(1)
O. Judicial Lien	85	(1)
P. Lien	86	(1)
Q. Median Family Income	86	(1)
R. Person	86	(1)
S. Security	87	(1)
T. Security Agreement	87	(1)
U. Single Asset Real Estate	88	(1)
V. Statutory Lien	88	(1)
W. Transfer	89	(4)
Summary	89	(1)
Discussion Questions	90	(1)
Part II. Debtor Relief	91	(72)
Chapter 7. Overview of Chapter 7	93	(22)
A. Employment and Compensation of Professionals	94	(5)
B. Bankruptcy Petition Preparers	99	(2)
C. The Chapter 7 Process	101	(4)
D. Rule 2004 Examinations	105	(1)
E. Discharge and Reaffirmation	106	(9)
Summary	110	(2)
Key Terms	112	(1)
Chapter 7 Checklist	112	(2)
Discussion Questions	114	(1)
Chapter 8. Conversion and Dismissal	115	(6)
A. Conversion	115	(3)
B. Dismissal	118	(3)
Summary	119	(1)
Key Terms	119	(1)
Discussion Questions	120	(1)
Chapter 9. Exemptions	121	(18)
A. Background	121	(3)
B. Selecting Exemptions	124	(1)
C. Federal Exemptions	125	(6)
D. Unaffected Claims	131	(1)
E. Lien Avoidance to Preserve Exemption	132	(1)
F. Claiming and Objecting to Exemptions	133	(6)
Summary	134	(1)
Key Terms	135	(1)
Chapter 9 Checklist	135	(2)
Discussion Questions	137	(2)
Chapter 10. Trustees, Examiners, and Creditors Committees	139	(16)
A. Trustees	139	(2)
B. The United States Trustee	141	(2)
C. The Trustee's Duties	143	(2)
D. Debtor-in-Possession	145	(1)
E. Official Creditors Committees	145	(3)
F. Chapter 11 Trustees and Examiners	148	(3)
G. Ombudsman	151	(4)
Summary	151	(1)
Key Terms	152	(1)
Discussion Questions	153	(2)
Chapter 11. Preparing a Proceeding for a Trustee	155	(8)
A. Prefiling Actions	155	(4)
B. Postfiling Actions	159	(6)
Summary	160	(1)
Chapter 11 Checklist	161	(1)
Discussion Questions	161	(2)
Part III. Bankruptcy litigation	163	(86)
Chapter 12. The Automatic Stay-11 U.S.C. §362	165	(24)
A. Introduction to Bankruptcy Litigation	165	(1)
B. The Automatic Stay	166	(1)
C. Activity Subject to the Automatic Stay	167	(2)
D. Activity Not Subject to the Automatic Stay	169	(6)
E. Duration of the Automatic Stay	175	(2)
F. Obtaining Relief from the Automatic Stay	177	(12)
Summary	184	(1)
Key Terms	185	(1)
Chapter 12 Checklist	186	(2)
Discussion Questions	188	(1)
Chapter 13. Objections to Discharge and Dischargeability of Debts	189	(18)
A. Distinguishing Discharge and Dischargeability of Debts	189	(1)
B. Debts Nondischargeable without Creditor Action	190	(6)
C. Debts Nondischargeable with Creditor Action	196	(4)
D. Complaints to Determine Dischargeability of a Debt	200	(1)
E. Objecting to Discharge	201	(3)
F. Complaints Objecting to Discharge	204	(3)
Summary	205	(1)
Key Terms	206	(1)
Discussion Questions	206	(1)
Chapter 14. Property of the Estate and Turnover Complaints	207	(10)
A. Property of the Estate	207	(6)
B. Turnover Complaints	213	(4)
Summary	214	(1)
Key Terms	215	(1)
Discussion Questions	216	(1)
Chapter 15. Avoiding Powers—Introduction	217	(6)
A. Function of the Trustee's Avoiding Powers	217	(1)
B. Strong Arm Clause	218	(1)
C. Limitations on Avoiding Powers	219	(2)
D. Statutory Lien Avoidance	221	(2)
Summary	222	(1)
Key Terms	222	(1)
Discussion Questions	222	(1)
Chapter 16. Avoidable Preferences —11 U.S.C. §547	223	(16)
A. Introduction and Definitions	223	(2)
B. Elements of a Preference	225	(3)
C. Affirmative Defenses	228	(5)
D. Miscellaneous Provisions	233	(6)
Summary	235	(1)
Key Terms	235	(1)
Chapter 16 Checklist	235	(2)
Discussion Questions	237	(2)
Chapter 17. Fraudulent and Postpetition Transfers	239	(10)
A. Fraudulent Transfers	239	(3)
B. Postpetition Transfers	242	(1)
C. Liability of Transferees	243	(3)
D. Setoffs	246	(5)
Summary	247	(1)
Key Terms	248	(1)
Discussion Questions	248	(1)
Part IV. Liquidation and Claims	249	(76)
Chapter 18. Use, Sale, or Lease of Property	251	(14)
A. Liquidating Estate Assets	251	(1)
B. General Rules	251	(3)
C. Use of Cash Collateral	254	(1)
D. Effect of the Automatic Stay	255	(1)
E. Sales Free and Clear of Liens	256	(2)
F. Other Property Interests	258	(2)
G. Miscellaneous Provisions	260	(5)
Summary	261	(1)
Key Terms	262	(1)
Chapter 18 Checklist	262	(1)
Discussion Questions	263	(2)
Chapter 19. Executory Contracts and Leases	265	(14)
A. Executory Contracts	265	(2)
B. Assuming a Contract	267	(3)
C. Time Limits for Assumption	270	(3)
D. Miscellaneous Provisions	273	(1)
E. Real Estate Contracts	274	(1)
F. Intellectual Property	275	(4)
Summary	275	(2)
Key Terms	277	(1)
Chapter 19 Checklist	277	(1)
Discussion Questions	278	(1)
Chapter 20. Miscellaneous Provisions Regarding Property of the Estate	279	(12)
A. Preservation of Cash	279	(2)
B. Utility Service/Discrimination	281	(1)
C. Abandonment	282	(1)
D. Obtaining Credit	283	(3)
E. Health Care Bankruptcies	286	(1)
F. System Example	287	(4)
Summary	287	(2)
Key Term	289	(1)
Discussion Questions	289	(2)
Chapter 21. Claims	291	(26)
A. Claim Determination	291	(1)
B. Filing a Proof of Claim	292	(2)
C. Claims Objections—Procedure	294	(1)
D. Claims Objections—Substance	295	(4)
E. Administrative Expenses	299	(1)
F. Fee Sharing Prohibition	300	(1)
G. Tax Claims Determination	301	(1)
H. Secured Claims	302	(3)
I. Statement of Intention	305	(1)
J. Redemption	306	(1)
K. Priority Claims	306	(3)
L. Partnership Claims	309	(1)
M. Codebtor Claims	309	(1)
N. Subordination	310	(7)
Summary	311	(2)
Key Terms	313	(1)
Chapter 21 Checklist	313	(3)
Discussion Questions	316	(1)
Chapter 22. Administration	317	(8)
A. Order of Distribution	317	(2)
B. Method of Distribution	319	(1)
C. Bankruptcy Administration Timeline	320	(7)
Summary	323	(1)
Key Terms	323	(1)
Chapter 22 Checklist	323	(1)
Discussion Questions	324	(1)
Part V. Reorganization Proceedings	325	(88)
Chapter 23. Chapter 13: Reorganization Proceedings	327	(26)
A. Introduction—Reorganization Proceedings	327	(1)
B. Special Chapter 13 Provisions	328	(2)
C. Dismissal or Conversion—Reorganization Provisions	330	(3)
D. Chapter 13 Plan Provisions	333	(6)
E. Confirmation Hearings	339	(1)
F. Confirmation Conditions	340	(2)
G. Feasibility Analysis	342	(2)
H. Cramdown	344	(1)
I. Effect of Confirmation and Chapter 13 Discharge	345	(8)
Summary	347	(2)
Key Terms	349	(1)
Chapter 23 Checklist	349	(2)
Discussion Questions	351	(2)
Chapter 24. Chapter 11: Introduction and Administration	353	(16)
A. Introduction to Chapter 11	353	(4)
B. Actions to Take within 120 Days of Filing	357	(1)
C. Debtor-in-Possession Bank Accounts	358	(2)
D. Insider Compensation	360	(1)
E. Operating Reports	361	(2)
F. Reviewing Operating Reports	363	(6)
Summary	365	(1)
Key Terms	365	(1)
Chapter 24 Checklist	366	(2)
Discussion Questions	368	(1)
Chapter 25. Chapter 11: Elements of a Plan	369	(16)
A. Confirmation Process—Overview	369	(1)
B. Time to File a Plan	370	(3)
C. Plan Characteristics	373	(1)
D. Classification of Claims	374	(2)
E. Mandatory Plan Provisions	376	(1)
F. Permissive Plan Provisions	377	(2)
G. Impaired Claims	379	(6)
Summary	381	(1)
Key Terms	382	(1)
Chapter 25 Checklist	382	(2)
Discussion Questions	384	(1)
Chapter 26. Chapter 11: Plan Confirmation	385	(20)
A. Disclosure Statement	385	(3)
B. Plan Confirmation Packet	388	(1)
C. Voting Rules	388	(2)
D. Modification of the Plan	390	(1)
E. Balloting Report	391	(1)
F. Confirmation Conditions	391	(4)
G. Chapter 11 Cramdown	395	(3)
H. Effect of Confirmation and Chapter 11 Discharge	398	(7)
Summary	399	(2)
Key Terms	401	(1)
Chapter 26 Checklist	401	(3)
Discussion Questions	404	(1)
Chapter 27. Chapter 12: Reorganization Proceedings	405	(8)
A. Purposes of Chapter 12	405	(1)
B. Who May File Chapter 12	406	(2)
C. Comparison to Chapters 11 and 13	408	(1)
D. Unique Chapter 12 Features	408	(2)
E. Chapter 12 Plans and Discharge	410	(5)
Summary	411	(1)
Key Terms	412	(1)
Discussion Questions	412	(1)
Part VI. Review	413	(52)
Chapter 28. Introduction to Courts and Jurisdiction	415	(10)
A. Bankruptcy and Federal Judges	415	(2)
B. Activity within a Bankruptcy	417	(1)
C. BAFJA	418	(2)
D. Core and Noncore Proceedings	420	(1)
E. Removal and Appeals	421	(2)
F. Jury Trials	423	(2)
Summary	423	(1)
Key Terms	424	(1)
Discussion Questions	424	(1)
Chapter 29. Statements and Schedules Tutorial	425	(34)
A. Introduction	425	(1)
B. Brad and Jenn Pittz Fact Memo	426	(2)
C. Schedules	428	(16)
D. Statement of Financial Affairs	444	(15)
Summary	458	(1)
Discussion Questions	458	(1)
Chapter 30. Researching Bankruptcy Issues	459	(6)
A. Traditional Methods	459	(3)
B. The Internet	462	(3)
Chapter 30 Checklist	463	(1)
Discussion Questions	463	(2)
Appendix 1. Needs Based Bankruptcy	465	(4)
Appendix 2. Noticed Motions and Ex Parte Applications	469	(2)
Appendix 3. Documents and Deadlines	471	(2)
Glossary	473	(18)
Table of Cases	491	(2)
Table of Statutes	493	(4)
Table of Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure	497	(2)
Table of Secondary Authorities	499	(2)
Index	501