Filing for consumer bankruptcy is a complicated process, and this handbook lightens the burden of new and experienced practitioners alike as they guide their clients through a difficult time. This resource explains how to initiate a consumer bankruptcy and the steps involved in redemption, reaffirmation, and abandonment. Included are instructions on filing a Chapter 7 petition, tips and procedures for filing a Chapter 12 bankruptcy, and the process of filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy Code §707 and the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 are both closely examined, and a trustee’s duties and functions and a creditor’s rights are both described in detail. Checklists and forms are also provided.
General Editor:
Ronald R. Peterson, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
Chapter 1 — Getting a Consumer Bankruptcy Started
Landon S. Raiford, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
Chapter 2 — Bankruptcy Code §707 and the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
Ronald R. Peterson, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
Chapter 3 — Redemption, Reaffirmation and Abandonment
Sumner A. Bourne, Rafool & Bourne, P.C., Peoria
Chapter 4 — Discharge and Dischargeability: In Search of the Holy Grail
Ronald R. Peterson and Landon S. Raiford, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
Chapter 5 — Filing a Chapter 7 Petition and Exemptions
Melissa M. Root, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
Chapter 6 — Claims and Priorities
David P. Leibowitz, Law Offices of David P. Leibowitz, LLC,and Justin R. Storer, Law Office of William J. Factor, Ltd., Chicago
Chapter 7 — Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Tips and Procedures
Darron M. Burke, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, Rockford
Chapter 8 — Chapter 13
Raffy A. “Rae” Kaplan, Kaplan Bankruptcy Firm LLC, Chicago
Chapter 9 — The Trustee’s Duties and Functions
Laura Koeneman Grandy, Chief Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and Rebecca S. Brown, Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois, East St. Louis
Chapter 10 — Creditors' Rights
Cindy M. Johnson, Johnson Legal Group, LLC, Chicago
Chapter 11 — Trustees’ and Attorneys’ Fees
Catherine L. Steege, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago