East Meets West: Understanding Differences in Local Practice

The Constitution authorizes Congress to enact uniform bankruptcy laws, but attorneys know that many times the handling of consumer bankruptcy cases can seem just like real estate: location, location, location! This session compares local consumer bankruptcy rules and procedures in the Eastern District of Michigan with those of the Western District of Michigan. It will cover the things that consumer bankruptcy attorneys who practice on both sides of the state need to know about the differences in the specific procedures of each of those courts regarding the preparation and filing of motions, conducting evidentiary hearings, chapter 13 plans and confirmation hearings, § 341 meetings, reaffirmation agreements, use of special-appearance attorneys, ethical implications of running a multidistrict practice, management of adversary proceedings, and the scheduling and handling of small chapter 11 cases.