Bankruptcy lawyers recently gained access to a promising technology for improving the efficiency of tasks like drafting a motion for relief from stay. ChatGPT allows users to employ generative artificial intelligence by chatting with a chatbot on OpenAI’s website https://chat.openai.com/chat.

The Bankruptcy Protector

The Bankruptcy Protector

Creditors should take note that the deadline for filing a proof of claim has changed in bankruptcy cases filed under chapter 7, chapter 12 or chapter 13. As of December 1, 2017, a proof of claim ordinarily must be filed not later than 70 days after the bankruptcy case is filed if the case is voluntarily filed under one of these chapters. The change in deadlines is one of many recent changes to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.

In Berryman v Zurich Australia Ltd [2016] WASC 196 it was decided that a bankrupt's entitlement to claim a TPD benefit under a life insurance policy is not an entitlement that is divisible amongst the bankrupt's creditors, and therefore such an entitlement does not vest in the Official Trustee in bankruptcy. Tottle J of the Supreme Court of Western Australia ruled that the bankrupt insured could continue an action in his own name to recover the TPD benefit. Life insurers may need to adjust their claims' payment practices in light of the Berryman decision.