Common man needs to be educated about bankruptcy rules and procedures. The laws as prescribe in the US Bankruptcy Code are followed by all bankruptcy courts in the nation. However, a bankruptcy class can provide valuable knowledge to the lawman with regard to the bankruptcy system of the nation. Most of the classes include various activities that can throw more light about bankruptcy processes and students of law can also take advantage of the same.
There are many aspects of a bankruptcy which are not very clear to the public. The role of a bankruptcy court clerk is one such aspect. The court clerk’s office tour is usually included in bankruptcy classes. A court clerk is largely responsible for maintenance of all records and documents related to cases. The court clerk’s office monitors and coordinates schedules of cases and bankruptcy petitions are filed with the court clerk at his office.
Most bankruptcy classes try to include a visit to a creditor’s meeting. This is an important aspect of bankruptcy procedure and interesting too. The meeting is presided over by court appointed bankruptcy trustee and is attended by all creditors and the debtor. During the meeting, debtor is asked questions regarding his debts, income, expenses and assets. Creditors can dispute discharge of debt and this makes creditor’s meetings very vital for smooth completion of a bankruptcy case.
Discharge hearing is the final phase of a bankruptcy case and during this proceeding it is formally concluded. If a chapter 7 bankruptcy was filed for, debtor’s debts are discharged and his obligations end here. In case of chapter 13 bankruptcy, discharge hearing is the end of debtor’s repayment plan.
Actual court proceedings can be attended as part of activity and students can catch glimpse of the real action. Adversary proceedings are trials within a bankruptcy case and occur when creditors challenge the debtor’s bankruptcy. Students can also take part in a mock credit counseling session.
Students can play the roles of debtor as well as credit counselors and get a close feel of the real sessions. The US Bankruptcy Code has made credit counseling compulsory for all types of bankruptcies and hence this exercise in a bankruptcy class is very important as well as original. The students can go a step further and even have a mock creditor’s meeting.
Bankruptcy attorney represents a debtor in creditor’s meetings and such mock sessions can bring forth the various legal aspects that he handles during the meet. This is a type of practical experience for those who are planning to file for bankruptcy or even for students of law. Basic knowledge of bankruptcy law will enable people in financial trouble to make an informed decision with regard to filing of bankruptcy.
