October 2008

In this issue:

• Form 8 Intention Tab
• Time-Saving Keystrokes
• 522 Exemption Analyzer
• New Means Test Figures
• Export the Creditor Matrix to a .CSV file
• Creditor Import/Export feature

Shortcuts: Form 8 Intention Tab

When entering creditor information into Schedule D click the Form 8 Intention tab to include the creditor and specify the debtor’s intention. Follow these steps to apply the shortcut:

1. Open Schedule D
2. Highlight a Creditor
3. Click Change
4. Click the Form 8 Intention tab at the top of the creditor window

   

5. Select the intention

   

6. Click OK
7. To add more information about the creditor click the Codebtor or Additional Notice party tab

Time-Saving Keystrokes: Open Windows, Screens and Features

• Ctrl + P - Print
• Shift + Spacebar - Mark all forms to print
• PgUp/PgDn - Move through the pages of a document in the print preview screen
• Ctrl +/ Ctrl - - Change the number of pages to print
• Esc - Exit report preview

Feature Spotlight: 522 Exemption Analyzer: Get Eligibility Status

The 522 Exemption Analyzer examines the debtor's domicile information and homestead purchase history to help determine which state's exemptions the debtor should use and whether they are eligible for the full homestead exemption.Follow these steps to apply the 522 Exemption Analyzer

1. Open a client file
2. Open the Filing Information tab in the Voluntary Petition
3. Click the Exm 522 Analysis button in the exemption election section

   

4. Enter the state abbreviations and move in dates for each state the debtor has lived.Tip: Start with the most recent date and proceed in reverse chronological order.

   

5. Enter the states and acquisition dates of the debtor's home buying historyNOTE: The Case Filing Date is the default date used when calculating the length of time a debtor has been domiciled in his current state, or how long it has been since the debtor made his last homestead acquisition. To change the date click the up or down arrows next to the Case Filing Date field or type in a new date.
6. Click the Analyze button
7. The results of the 522 Exemption Analysis are displayed in the text box at the bottom of the Analysis Parameters tab where you entered the debtor's information.Tip: To see the results in a larger screen, click the Analysis tab.
8. Click the OK button to save your changes and exit the 522 Exemption Analyzer.

IMPORTANT: The exemption results displayed for 522(B)(3)(A) can be reviewed by clicking the law tab at the top of the 522 Analysis screen.

Insights: New Means Test Figures: Effective 10/1/08

IMPORTANT: The U.S. Trustee Program recently released updated Census Bureau Median Family Income figures. The new figures are to be applied to all petitions filed on or after October 1, 2008.

Best Case released an update to correspond with the October 1, 2008 requirement. To access the new figures, run a Check for Update in Best Case Bankruptcy.

To run a check for update

1. Click the About button on the top toolbar
2. Click the Check for Update link*
3. Analyze the dates and eligibility for a Homestead Exemption Limit
4. After completing the Update, the new figures will be applied to any case with an anticipated date of 10/1/08 or later

* Maintenance Plan required

To get more information regarding the recently updated Census Bureau Median Family Income figures click the link below.

Department of Justice: Means Testing Information

What's New: Export the Creditor Matrix to a .csv File

The recent Best Case Bankruptcy update also included the frequently requested new functionality of exporting the creditor matrix to a .csv file.

With this feature you can:

• Easily maintain the creditor matrix
• Submit it to a mail house or the postal service to mail letters to creditors
• And more!

To access this feature go to the Tools Menu/Utilities/Export Creditor Matrix to .csv.

Best Practices: Creditor Import Feature: Import a Spreadsheet of Creditors Directly into Schedules D, E, F & G

Maribel Fontanez from Messana, Weinstein & Stern P.A. wanted to know if you can import information from a spreadsheet into Best Case.

The answer is yes. You can use the Creditor Import/Export Feature to import data from a spreadsheet directly into Schedules D, E, F and G. This can be especially handy when a client gives you a long spreadsheet of creditors.

To get detailed instructions on this process go to the Help File and search “import spreadsheet.” Then click on Importing/Exporting Scheduled Creditors and Equity Security Holders.

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Thank you for all your positive feedback. Keep it coming, it's important to know what topics you want to see in Spotlight. You, the Best Case user, drive the content of this newsletter. Email us now at spotlight@bestcase.com to provide us with your best practices, topic suggestions and feedback.