Gain an understanding of the means test and who should be taking it.
If you are or know one of the millions affected by COVID-19 due to job loss, a family death, or overwhelmed by unpaid bills and collection calls, then bankruptcy can provide you a fresh start. Many practitioners do not understand the details and information necessary to avoid the pitfalls of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. They also do not understand how to calculate income pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code in a manner that will satisfy the means test as is required by the amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code introduced earlier this year. This topic will help one gain an understanding of the means test and who should be taking the test in light of recent amendments to the bankruptcy code. For those not yet familiar with consumer bankruptcy law, this information will give you the key law and procedural points that arise in connection with the means test. If you are already familiar with consumer bankruptcy law, this topic will refresh some of the fine points that may be traps for the unwary. The material will explain the step-by-step process in determining whether you are Chapter 7 eligible. Failing to have a proper accounting of income and expenses can result in the Chapter 7 case being dismissed or converted to a Chapter 13 case, which will could result in the loss of thousands of dollars.
Add to Wishlist
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 37 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Agenda
What Is the Means Test?
- Determine Eligibility for Chapter 7 Filing
- Based on Current Monthly Income (CMI)
- Compared to Applicable Median Income Based on Household
Why Do We Have the Means Test?
- As Defined in 11 U.S.C. 707(b)(2)
- BAPCPA of 2005
- Finding of Abuse in Individuals With Primarily Consumer Debt
- What Are Consumer Debts?
How Does the Means Test Work?
- Two-Step Analysis
- Compare Your Gross Household Income to Median Household Income
- Calculating Gross Income for the Means Test
- Relevant Time Period
- Sources of Income
- Comparison to Median Income
- https://www.justice.gov/ust/meanstesting
- Median Income Updated April 1, 2021
- Now What?
- If Income Is Less Than Median, Then You Are Below Median
- If Income Is More Than Median, Then Need to Complete the Means Test
Calculating the Means Test - Accounting for Expenses
- Applicable Deductions as Defined in 11 U.S.C. 707(b)(2)(A)
- Allowed Expenses Fall Into Four Categories
- Based on National Standards Established by IRS
- Payments to Secured and Priority Creditors
- Actual Expenses
- Administrative Expenses
- Results of Means Test Determines Chapter
Most Common Mistakes Made on Means Test
- Taking the Means Test Unnecessarily
- Using Wrong Household Size
- Income Does Not Match Documentation
- Child Support
- Actual Payment vs. Standard Deduction
Add to Wishlist
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 37 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Credits
OnDemand Course
This course was last revised on June 30, 2021.
Call 1-866-352-9540 for further credit information.
This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation.
Add to Wishlist
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 37 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Faculty
Wendy Marie Weathers, Esq.
Clair Gjertsen & Weathers PLLC
- Represented both institutional lenders and borrowers in all aspects of the mortgage banking industry and residential foreclosures for over 20 years
- Court-Appointed Referee for Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester County Foreclosure Actions
- Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA)
- New York State Bar Association’s 2016 President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 9th Judicial District
- Member of the New York Bar, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, co-chair of the Bankruptcy Committee of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association, former co-chair of the Bankruptcy Committee of Fairfield County Bar Association, former Delegate of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association, and member of the Hudson Valley Bankruptcy Bar Association
- J.D. degree, City University of New York Law School at Queens College; B.A. degree, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Add to Wishlist
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 37 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
All of your training, right here at Lorman.
Pay once and get a full year of unlimited training in any format, any time!
- OnDemand Courses
- Live Webinars
- MP3 Downloads
- Course Manuals
- Executive Reports
- White Papers and Articles
Additional benefits include:
- State Specific Credit Tracker
- All-Access Pass Course Concierge
Questions? Call 877-296-2169 to speak with a real person.
Access to all training products for one year
$699/year
Unlimited Lorman Training
With the All-Access Pass there is no guessing what you will need for your yearly training budget. $699 will cover all of your training needs for an entire year!
Easy Registrations
Once you purchase your All-Access Pass you will never be any further than one-click away from attending any Lorman training course.
Invest in Yourself
You haven't gotten to where you are professionally by luck alone; it's taken a lot of hard work and training. Invest in yourself with the All-Access Pass.
