Bankruptcy Issue Spotting and Debt Settlement Red Flags: Practical Guidance for Attorneys
Faculty
- John Rao, Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center
- Andrew Pizor, Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center
- Todd Kaplan, Senior Attorney, Consumer Rights Unit Greater Boston Legal Services
This webinar will equip attorneys with practical tools for evaluating when bankruptcy can serve as an effective strategy to stop public housing evictions, unwind certain foreclosures, discharge student loan debt, halt wage garnishments, and address other urgent financial issues. Rather than functioning as a step by step filing guide, the first portion of the session focuses on strategic issue spotting and effective collaboration with bankruptcy specialists to safeguard the long term financial stability of low income clients.
The second portion turns to a critical examination of debt settlement companies. Participants will learn to recognize the common pitfalls, risks, and red flags associated with these services and to compare them with the legal protections and transparency that bankruptcy provides. Using real world examples, the session will offer practical tips for identifying when clients are being targeted by high risk debt relief schemes and when bankruptcy may offer a safer, more affordable path to recovery. This segment will also cover state and federal income and asset exemptions to help advocates determine when a client may be “judgment proof.”
The views and opinions expressed in programs offered by the Social Law Library are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Library. Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, Michael Saporito by email at [email protected]. Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when 80 % of the live webinar is attended. To insure getting the video, please register.