Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy Blog

Back in the early 1980s, I remember driving to work and sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. I dreamed of the day when the world would be able to work from home like we can today. In fact, not only does the dream exist today, but setting up a virtual office is also VIRTUALLY FREE.

A list I put together to help you is available at: http://www.bankruptcylinks.info/about/free-stuff

Or, contact me directly and I can help you (often over the telephone) at 719-783-3797 or visit http://www.victoria-ring.com

Finally, below are some other excellent tips we received from Lynn Carroll, a virtual legal assistant you can learn more about at: http://www.Carrollegal.com

Hello Victoria Ring,

I recently signed with an estate planning attorney as her virtual assistant.  She is completely sold on the virtual work concept and is moving her office to her home.  She had done some research on virtual office solutions and I thought I’d pass along some information that might be useful to other virtual assistants.

A couple of things we’ve looked at are:

Onebox: http://www.Onebox.com Onebox lets you receive all of your voicemails, faxes and emails in one place, accessible on the internet.  You can set it up so people dial one number and the calls can be forwarded to the phone wherever you happen to be (home, cell, office).  It also has calendar and contacts.

HyperOffice: http://www.HyperOffice.com This website provides a system for calendar, contact and document management.

Solve360:  http://www.Norada.com This is another system for calendar, contact and document management.

My client is going with Solve360 because of the larger storage capacity.  I may set up a HyperOffice account myself to use with other clients.  I would pay for the service and just make sure my rate is high enough that it covers the added costs (in other words, I won’t bill clients separately for the service).

The virtual office solutions allow virtual assistants, virtual bankruptcy assistants and clients to collaborate on documents, create virtual client files, etc.  You can assign your client tasks, your client can assign you tasks, and you can manage projects.  For example, a virtual bankruptcy assistant could set up each client as a project or group and link all of the documents, contacts and to-dos (follow up calls, etc.)  for that client.  When petitions are completed, the virtual bankruptcy assistant could put the file on the shared space so the client could review it.  That way, the file is not going back and forth via email.

Other virtual assistants have mentioned using OfficeZilla  http://www.OfficeZilla.com There is free version and a paid version.  I would be hesitant to use the free one until I found out whether it offered a level of security.

.. published by Victoria Ring http://www.victoria-ring.com

If the video does not automatically appear in the area above, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKODW2hfPVQ

This video covers a variety of free online tools that were developed specifically for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 debtor bankruptcy attorneys. These tools will save attorneys and their law firms money as well as provide as an excellent set of reliable resources when preparing bankruptcy petitions.

DO YOU ENJOY MY VIDEOS?

If you enjoy my short videos specifically designed for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MsVictoriaRing Click on SUBSCRIBE at the top of page

If the video does not automatically appear in the area above, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZKjSRJuIQU

MyBankruptcySchool.Com is the first online school developed for bankruptcy attorneys, paralegals and legal professionals to teach Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy petition preparation skills.   This video walks you through the benefits provided to students who enroll in the online courses.

DO YOU ENJOY MY VIDEOS?

If you enjoy my short videos specifically designed for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MsVictoriaRing Click on SUBSCRIBE at the top of page

DEAR VICTORIA

I would love to enroll in your Chapter 7 class starting on July 5, but I may not be able to attend all the classes.  Do you give credit for any classes that I miss?

REPLY

Yes, when you enroll, any classes that you miss will be credited to you.  We will assess this on a case-by-case basis, depending on the number of classes you missed compared to the number of classes you were able to attend.  However, regardless of the outcome, you will receive full credit for all the classes when you enroll.

To enroll for the first class beginning on July 5, visit: http://www.bankruptcytrainingproducts.com/home/web-and-teleconference-training DEAR VICTORIA I had a question regarding illegal immigrants. I have a pro bono client that has been using a made up social security number for 10 years. He just informed me that the social is not valid and he is in the country illegally. Under the federal rules there is no explicit law stating that he has to be a citizen however I know at the 341 meeting they will ask for a valid social security card. Any thoughts?

REPLY

An illegal alien cannot file bankruptcy. To be truthful, I would immediately report this person to the authorities.  I personally think what this client is asking of the United States is a total outrage and I encourage you to get him or her out of your life immediately.  People like this do nothing but cause havoc within the system because they have spent years taking advantage of the United States.  This illegal client should have obeyed our laws and got a green card many years ago.

Again, I think this is an outrage and total abuse of the system if this client can even conceive trying to take advantage of our laws simply because he cannot pay his bills.  I doubt he ever paid taxes to the United States because he worked illegally in our country for 10 years and now he wants more?  This is not fair, let alone right!!!

RESPONSE FROM ATTORNEY

Thank you. I completely agree with you. I received the client from a public law center in Orange County that was supposed to prescreen clients. The client gave me his phony social and then called me a week later to inform me that it was made up.  I was not sure if I had a legal obligation to continue to represent him however I actually just spoke to him and informed him that I have to withdraw and that he is committing fraud. It is amazing how long he was able to use a false social for employment and credit. Again thanks for your help.

SUMMARY FROM VICTORIA

Back in the old days when someone went to an attorney to file bankruptcy, they normally needed to file bankruptcy.  It was not a wonderful thing to do.  Most people felt very bad that they had to file.  But today, people look for loop holes in the bankruptcy law so they can take advantage of the system.  This is sad, and it means that honest people need to get wise in order to prevent as much fraud as possible.  If we do not fight for the prevention of fraud, the innocent people will suffer.

One way to prevent fraud is to use the tips in my latest video, which you can view online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oInwBLMGvKA

DEAR VICTORIA

A little over a decade ago, attorneys were not permitted to advertise.  But today, attorneys have the right to do so.  The problem is that many attorneys have no clue about marketing.  Is this a subject you teach?

REPLY

I incorporate marketing skills training when I set up operational procedures for law firms.  It is my personal belief that marketing needs to be a part of the day-to-day life inside the law firm.  From the person who answers the telephone to the attorney sending an email to the client; all methods of marketing must be implemented in order for them all to work together for the benefit of the law firm.  In this manner, marketing is free or very low-cost.  Personally, I do not think it is a good idea to pay others to market your website.  With all the fraudulent marketing schemes out there; it is more advantageous to do the job yourself and control the entire operation.  This way you can also fine tune your law firm income and adjust methods as necessary.  No hired marketing firm is going to do that or care that much for your law firm.

MONEY-SAVING LINKS TO HELP YOU

Free: Add Your Website to Our Directory http://chapter7and13bankruptcyblog.com/add-your-name

Free and Low-Cost Marketing Links for Attorneys http://www.bankruptcylinks.info/about/marketing-links

Free Stuff to Reduce Your Office Overhead Costs http://www.bankruptcylinks.info/about/marketing-links

Free Ebook: How to Start a New Bankruptcy Practice http://www.coloradobankruptcytraining.com/free-ebook

Free Training Videos – Watch Online Now http://www.youtube.com/user/MsVictoriaRing

Helpful Links When Preparing Bankruptcy Petitions http://www.bankruptcylinks.info/about/prepare-petitions Prequalify Your Debtors with the Initial Intake Form Product http://www.bankruptcytrainingproducts.com/home/initial-intake

This is the perfect tool for bankruptcy attorneys to use in developing their own website.  There is no cost or overhead expenses and you control the look, feel and the content.

If the video does not automatically appear in the area above, click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0kRobByfQs

DO YOU LIKE MY VIDEOS?

If you enjoy my short videos specifically designed for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MsVictoriaRing Click on SUBSCRIBE at top of page

Back in the old days (prior to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA), many attorneys would advise their clients to incur debt in order to eliminate any possibility of having unexempt equity in an asset.  Whether this was right or wrong is not the focus of this article.  The focus instead is to simply state that this behavior existed.

To prevent this problem, the lawmakers implemented wording into Section 526(a)(4) of 11 USC when the BAPCPA law went into effect in 2005.  According to this Section, a debt relief agency shall not advise an assisted person or prospective assisted person to incur debt in contemplation of such person filing a case under this title . . . .

I am sure you agree that all this is well and good, but what does it have to do with the point of this article?  The point is that on March 8, 2010, the Supreme Court declared that attorneys for debtors are debt relief agencies pursuant to 11 USC Section 101(12A) of BAPCPA.  A Minnesota law firm by the name of Milavetz, Gallop and Milavetz filed a declaratory judgment action in the District Court against this ruling; but it was overturned.

What does this mean for your law firm? It could be a very good thing marketing wise.  The stigma most people have against the word bankruptcy is often one of depression and humility.  Therefore, if an attorney markets their law firm as a debt relief agency, it could have a more positive effect on consumers in that particular marketplace.

However, this is just my opinion.  Have a great week!

Victoria Ring Certified Paralegal and Instructor http://www.coloradobankruptcytraining.com

Most attorneys are already aware that there are very few training options available for bankruptcy attorneys pertaining to Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy petitions. In law school, the focus is mainly on Chapter 11s and business-related filings.  Not only is consumer law often overlooked in law school, but until recently, bankruptcy was not an area of law that carried much weight or prestige.

In the past, attorneys and their staff had no option except to be trained either on the job (through the trial and error method of making mistakes) or from experienced people who had the time to train them.  However, because of the record number of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions being filed today, bankruptcy is booming.  Therefore, the option of learning by trial and error or being taught by experienced people is an option not readily available to most law firms today. In addition, bankruptcy courts in every state spend a great deal of time finding and fixing errors caused by new and inexperienced attorneys and their personnel.  All of this combined will waste time and money which is why many courts are becoming more strict with their procedures.

But there is a very bad side to this issue also.  Some attorneys have actually been sanctioned and either paid high restitution fees or lost their license to practice law simply because the attorney and the staff were not properly trained and repeatedly filed inaccurate or fraudulent petitions.  Some of these attorneys became paralegals and continued to work inside law firms and others will get out of the profession altogether.

This problem needed fixed and it needed to be fixed fast!!

In a sincere effort to help address these problems, Victoria Ring (the developer of the virtual bankruptcy assistant industry) and Michael Misenheimer (a certified paralegal who is entering law school this Fall) have joined forces.  They have developed a dynamic training curriculum that has literally transformed business for bankruptcy attorneys nationwide.  Together, Victoria and Michael are able to provide bankruptcy attorneys with the skills they need to streamline their practice and increase profits for their law firms.

Keeping costs to a reasonable $275 per person, an attorney can easily afford to attend with their staff and everyone will gain from the knowledge that both Michael and Victoria teach.  Unlike typical seminars and workshops, Michael and Victoria take a different approach to training by making their seminars unique and unlike others you may have attended in the past.

For example:

1.  The information taught in the Bankruptcy Attorney Seminars is NOT taught in any other seminar, workshop or training program. This is because the materials have been personally compiled from many years of working in the field as well as advanced training from attorneys, judges and trustees.

2.  The Bankruptcy Attorney Seminars are causal, relaxed and interactive. In fact, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in the ongoing discussion.  This type of atmosphere promotes a higher level of learning.

3.  Networking is one of the prime goals of the Bankruptcy Attorney Seminars.  In fact, in previous seminars, long-lasting business relationships have developed just from attending.  This is because the Bankruptcy Attorney Seminars place great emphasis on working together and feeding off the knowledge of everyone present. This results in an atmosphere that helps to promote maximum retention levels.

4.  All attendees receive a wealth of information in the form of handouts that they can use to take back to the law firm and immediately put to use.

Bankruptcy Attorney Seminar Overview

The Bankruptcy Attorney Seminars are structured to cover TWO days (Friday and Saturday.)  Attorneys and their staff may attend either day or both days and save $100.  A single day registration is only $275 per person with discounts when two or more are attending from the same law firm.

Day 1 of the Seminar (Friday)

* Bankruptcy petition preparation skills and tips to make your job faster * Demonstrations of how to propose mortgage cram downs and strip downs * Tips for improving your Chapter 13 Plan preparation skills * Techniques to help you reduce deficiency notices after the bankruptcy petition is filed * How to work better with creditors as well as how to better protect the debtor

Day 2 of the Seminar (Saturday)

* Client intake interview tips to help reveal information that could make or break a case * Procedural and operational techniques to maximize office efficiency * Methods for turning free consultations into paying clients * Easy to understand web page development suggestions * Marketing your law firm via the internet and social networking

To find out more about these seminars, visit http://www.bankruptcyattorneyseminars.com

The first TWO bankruptcy attorney seminars has been scheduled. I just launched a new website which you can review and register for these seminars at:

http://www.bankruptcyattorneyseminars.com/ Thank you for your continued support and faith in my training services. I strive to continue working to provide the much needed education to debtor bankruptcy attorneys nationwide.  I hope to see you at an upcoming seminar.

CONVERT MORE CLIENTS

I have been talking to several attorneys this week in regard to tools they need to help them be more productive in their law practice.  One of the major problems I kept finding was that attorneys are having difficulty converting client interviews to paying clients.  Several attorneys told me: I do 5 to 6 interviews a week but the clients never come back and retain me to do their petitions.

This is a very common problem for many attorneys; even though it sounds strange in a world where bankruptcy is the major booming field within the legal system.  So, why are some bankruptcy attorneys swamped with work and other bankruptcy attorneys are barely getting 1 or 2 clients per month?  The answer lies in the benefits you can provide to your potential clients based upon their unique circumstances.  Once you are able to evaluate their needs in an efficient manner, you will be able to know what these unique circumstances are and use this knowledge to your advantage when discussing price options with your clients.

And because every bankruptcy petition is unique and different, every client will have a unique set of circumstances they need help with.  This is why I developed the Initial Intake Form Package which is aimed at putting more money in your pocket and less time providing free consultations.  To find out more or to order, visit:

http://www.coloradobankruptcytraining.com/products_intakeform.html

UPCOMING CALIFORNIA WORKSHOP

As you may already know, I am scheduled to speak at the Bankruptcy and Marketing Seminar to be held in Atlanta, Georgia on April 23 and 24, 2010.  After I return, Michael Misenheimer and I are planning a two-day training workshop for attorneys and their personnel in Los Angeles.

Topics will include marketing, law office operations as well as training on strip downs and cram downs, which is a very popular topic in California.  In addition, I plan to present materials that will help attorneys market their law firms online.  As I told one attorney, just submitting your website to a search engine or two, is nothing.  That is why I developed the marketing links for attorneys to help them get started.  This list is free and available at:

http://coloradobankruptcytraining.com/links_marketing.html

Do you know of a meeting room we could use for the workshop?

We are currently looking for a meeting room to hold the training workshop; however, Los Angeles is so expensive.  If you have a meeting room where we could hold a two-day workshop you and your law firm employees can attend free.  Please email me if you can help us:

victoriaring1958@gmail.com

JOIN US IN ATLANTA http://www.713training.com/products/Bankruptcy-Petition-Training-Seminar.html

Michael Misenheimer, an experienced paralegal with over 10 years experience in bankruptcy has recently opened a new service for both creditor and debtor bankruptcy attorneys. Michael’s services include:

Foreclosure Services Creditor Services Collection Services Debtor Services

If you are a VBA and your attorney needs assistance with creditor matters, please refer them to Michael.  If you are an attorney, you may consider the services that Michael provides.  Not only is he experienced, reliable and professional, he is also entering law school in the fall to advance his legal career.

Visit Michael’s website at: http://www.bankruptcy-paralegal.com

Michael Misenheimer has been highly recommended by Victoria Ring, founder of the virtual bankruptcy assistant industry.