38 attorneys have already responded to the invitation to a discussion regarding consumer practice under the Bankruptcy Reform Act on August 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Columbia.

The purpose of the informal discussion will be to focus on changes to practice from the perspective of several consumer creditor attorneys, debtor attorneys and a chapter 13 trustee. It will also assist the Court in identifying the bar’s concerns so that they may be addressed at the Bankla Conference or a later meeting prior to October 17 th.

Due to the large number of attorneys attending, we are unable to host paralegals and staff. They will be invited to attend a more instructive day long seminar sponsored by Bankla and the Court presently scheduled for November 8, 2005 at 9:30 in Columbia.

Finally, the Court and Bankla are jointly sponsoring a meeting on the treatment of taxes under the Bankruptcy Reform Act to be held on September 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Columbia.

The Judges would like the bar to be aware of the latest resource available in preparing for implementation of the new Bankruptcy Act. Proposed interim rules and forms have been posted by the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules at www.uscourts.gov/rules. The proposed forms include an amended petition, amended schedules, means test calculations, and various other notices, declarations, certifications, and statements. Helpful committee notes are also provided. It is the Court’s understanding that the forms are likely to become official, or final, in the near future. Further action may be needed before the approved interim rules are presented to the Courts for consideration of adoption. Many members of the bar have expressed concern over the uncertainty involved in how the Act will actually be implemented, and we hope this information will assist you in your preparation.