About this course
What you’ll learn
Bankruptcy is an area of law that has provided significant employment for paralegals. This course examines the debtor-creditor relationship and the difference between voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, both under Chapter 7 (liquidation) and 11 (reorganization). You will study the Bankruptcy Code in depth and learn how to prepare the most important bankruptcy forms.
This seven-week course is designed to introduce paralegal students to the complexities of bankruptcy law. The course is designed to train students to work as bankruptcy paralegals. It also provides paralegals working for attorneys who specialize in other areas of law with the knowledge they may need to assist their attorney with clients who receive notice of a bankruptcy. Coursework in Bankruptcy Law is equivalent to 45 clock hours of study.
Learning objectives
Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all required coursework and assignments:
- Explain the purpose of bankruptcy
- Demonstrate how to access the bankruptcy code
- Discuss bankruptcy court structure
- Examine the provisions of Chapters 1, 3 & 5 of the Bankruptcy Code
- Discuss the ethical considerations of practicing bankruptcy law
- Identify the elements of “341 meetings”
- Define an automatic stay and adequate protection
- Identify the elements of a proof of claim
- Explain what constitutes exempt and non-exempt property
- Explain the elements of and differences between Chapter 7, 11, 12, & 13 bankruptcies
- Summarize the procedural rules governing bankruptcy law
- Demonstrate how to prepare bankruptcy documents, including petitions, the statement of financial affairs, schedules, and the order confirming plans
Continuing Education Information
Students will be expected to spend an average of 8 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that extensions will not be granted for this online course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course. Students may consider working ahead in the curriculum if they have the time.
Requirements & policies
Accommodations
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education is committed to providing equal access to continuing education programs for students living with permanent or temporary disabilities. Learn more about the program accommodations (Opens in a new window).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Paralegal 1 and Paralegal 2, or the equivalent, or law office experience.
Textbooks
Highly Recommended Legal Resources:
- Paralegal Career for Dummies, 3rd Edition. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2024 by Lisa Zimmer Hatch and Scott A. Hatch.
- Gilbert Pocket Size Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition. West Academic.
Organizations
Supporting associations
The Advanced Legal Research and Writing Certificate is offered by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in partnership with CLS by BARBRI.
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