After the pandemic, when the economy lurches back into motion, bankruptcy lawyers will confront a clutch of troubled Chapter 13 cases. In the face of disruption, distress, and the unknown, we’ll be called on to guide clients forward, in one direction or another. Let’s review the questions we’ll need to answer in order to provide […]
Analyzing The Troubled Chapter 13: 20,000 Questions Under The Surface Of The Case
By Filed Under: Chapter 13
Assessing the Ailing Business Post Pandemic
By Filed Under: Business bankruptcy
Long after the human patients recover from the coronavirus, small businesses will still be ailing. And long nights will be spent deciding whether to try to stay in business. As bankruptcy lawyers, we’re going to see people in pain trying to assess what to do next. Business owners may see the exit heading through the […]
Coronavirus & The Law
By Filed Under: Bankruptcy Practice, Breaking
In the face of pandemic and economic stasis, information is both vital and fleeting. I’m going to collect here links to sources of information useful to consumer lawyers as I find them. As always, check the dates on the linked resources, as I fully expect change, and more change as we work our way through […]
Charting The Course of A Case
By Filed Under: Bankruptcy Practice, Counseling clients, Start Here
To obtain good results for a bankruptcy client, sometimes you have to serve up unpleasant news and force the client to swallow that bitter pill. Of course, you can’t really force them to do anything, but you should consider taking on a client who shrugs off your advice. Case in point A new bankruptcy lawyer […]
Black Decision Sheds Light On Vesting Questions
By Filed Under: Bankruptcy Practice
Clouds of uncertainty have hovered over Chapter 13 debtors who find that they need to sell appreciated property before the case is over. Does appreciation occurring after filing go to creditors on the theory that the appreciation is property of the estate? Or does the vesting of property at confirmation entitle the debtor to any […]
Taxes & Timing: Calculating Outcomes for Bankruptcy Debtors
By Filed Under: Tax
Bankruptcy lawyers regularly evaluate the dischargeability of taxes when deciding when to file a client’s bankruptcy case. At base, the 3 year rule, the 2 year rule, and the 240 day rule routinely drive timing of a bankruptcy. But as we approach the end of the tax year, a client’s current year tax situation becomes […]
First Principles For First Meetings
By Filed Under: Bankruptcy Practice
Once again, I sat in a 341 meeting where the trustee purported to deliver vital information to the assembled debtors. She had a captive audience of anxious listeners. She had ostensible power of life and death over their financial future. They needed to know what she had to say. But as communication, it failed. Badly. […]
