RB - Event _ Saenz and _Chapter 20_ in the Fourth Circuit

Navigating the Strategy, the Law, and the Practice

In the complex landscape of consumer bankruptcy, the "Chapter 20" strategy remains one of the most powerful tools for debtors—provided it is executed with precision. By strategically filing a Chapter 7 to secure a personal discharge before immediately following with a Chapter 13 to address mortgage arrears, practitioners can provide clients with a fresh start while saving their homes.

Join Daniel Staeven and Alon Nager on April 23rd at 3 PM for a closer look into the practical application of this strategy, with a specific focus on important implications following the Saenz decision in the Tenth Circuit.

What We Will Cover:

  • The Mechanics of "Chapter 20": Timing the transition from a Chapter 7 discharge to a Chapter 13 filing.

  • The Saenz Impact: How current Fourth Circuit case law dictates the feasibility and good faith requirements of these sequential filings

  • Curing Mortgage Arrears: Leveraging the Chapter 13 plan to protect the primary residence after personal liability has been extinguished.

  • Strategic Pitfalls: Common challenges from trustees and creditors, and how to navigate them.

About the Speakers

Dan Staeven

Daniel Staeven is an insolvency attorney and a Partner at Frost Law, focusing on workouts, restructuring, and complex bankruptcy matters. Dan leverages his extensive experience with loan documents and real estate transactions to guide distressed individuals and business owners through the intricacies of federal and state tax debt. His familiarity with recent legislation has placed him on the cutting edge of the new Small Business Restructuring Act, where he has successfully confirmed numerous consensual plans under Chapter 11, Subchapter V. Dan’s diligent and empathetic approach allows him to craft custom resolutions for clients across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. to ensure they achieve a fresh financial start.

Alon N.

Alon Nager is a Director at Frost Law with over 22 years of experience in consumer bankruptcy, focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Since joining the firm, Alon has leveraged his extensive background as the founder of Nager Law Group to provide strategic, goal-oriented solutions for clients facing insolvency, debt settlement, and foreclosure. His deep familiarity with the complexities of the bankruptcy code and regional legal landscapes allows him to offer guidance to individuals and business owners navigating financial distress. Alon’s leadership within the Maryland State Bar Association and his commitment to client-focused advocacy have helped countless individuals secure a fresh financial start.