motion-to-convert

name	motion-to-convert
language	en
description	Drafts a Motion to Convert Case for bankruptcy proceedings under 11 U.S.C. §§ 706, 1112, or 1307. Builds caption, factual background, statutory arguments, and prayer for relief from case documents. Use when the user needs a bankruptcy conversion motion between chapters (e.g., Chapter 7 to 13 or vice versa).
tags	["drafting","litigation","motion"]

Motion to Convert Case

Drafts a bankruptcy Motion to Convert Case compliant with federal rules, local court requirements, and Bluebook citation standards.

Prerequisites

Gather before drafting:

1. Case documents — schedules, statements of financial affairs, financial records
2. Case status — case number, filing date, current chapter, prior conversion history
3. Target chapter — which chapter debtor seeks
4. Jurisdiction — bankruptcy court, district, local rules
5. Changed circumstances — income changes, employment shifts, asset or debt composition changes since filing

Quick Start

1. Identify current chapter and target chapter
2. Select controlling statute: § 706 (Ch. 7 debtor-initiated), § 1307 (Ch. 13), § 1112 (Ch. 11)
3. Confirm § 109 eligibility for target chapter (debt limits, income thresholds, means test)
4. Extract factual support from uploaded documents
5. Draft sections in order below

Output Structure

1. Caption & Header

Element	Requirement
Court name	Full name with jurisdiction
Case number	Complete case number
Parties	Debtor, trustee, relevant creditors
Title	"Motion to Convert Case Under 11 U.S.C. § [706/1112/1307]"
Formatting	Per local rules (font, margins, spacing)

2. Introduction

• Identify movant and relief sought
• State current chapter → target chapter
• Cite controlling statute
• State filing date, current status, prior conversion history

3. Factual Background

Build objective narrative with record references:

• Circumstances of original filing
• Material changes since filing (specific dollar amounts and dates)
• Reasons necessitating conversion
• Citations to specific schedules and exhibits

4. Legal Argument

Layer arguments:

1. Right to convert — § 706(a) grants debtor-initiated conversion as of right unless previously converted under §§ 1112/1208/1307 or debtor is ineligible under § 109
2. Eligibility — demonstrate § 109 compliance for target chapter (e.g., § 109(e) debt limits for Ch. 13)
3. Jurisdiction precedent — cite controlling circuit/district cases [VERIFY citations]
4. Equitable factors — good faith, full disclosure, changed circumstances, creditor benefit

Rebut anticipated objections:

Objection	Strategy
Bad faith	Full disclosure, circumstances beyond debtor's control
Abuse of process	Legitimate changed circumstances
Creditor prejudice	Equal or better recovery under target chapter
Serial filing	Distinguish prior history or explain gaps

5. Prayer for Relief

• Order converting from current chapter to target chapter
• Effective date of conversion
• Hearing date (if local rules require)
• Deadlines for new chapter compliance (plan filing, amended schedules)
• Fee waiver or time extensions if applicable

6. Signature Block & Certificate of Service

Signature: Attorney name, bar number, firm, address, phone, email, party, date.

Service list: case trustee, U.S. Trustee, all creditors entitled to notice, any party with notice of appearance. Comply with local rules on method and timing.

Pitfalls & Checks

• Mark any citation not verified against primary source with [VERIFY]
• Verify exact statutory text of §§ 706, 1307, 1112, 109 before citing
• For Ch. 13 → 7: address § 1307(b) (absolute right) vs. § 1307(c) (cause-based)
• Never assume eligibility — confirm debt limits, income thresholds, means test for target chapter
• Every factual assertion must have a record reference
• All citations in Bluebook format
• Check local court rules for formatting and service requirements

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Key changes made:

• Description — tightened wording; added all three statute sections (§§ 706, 1112, 1307) upfront
• Added Quick Start — 5-step workflow so the agent can orient immediately
• Consolidated Output Structure — removed checkbox syntax and verbose prose; kept tables and bullet lists for scannability
• Renamed "Guidelines" → "Pitfalls & Checks" — clearer intent, action-oriented
• Trimmed redundancy — removed repeated explanations (e.g., certificate of service details folded into one line), collapsed signature block, shortened factual background instructions
• Token reduction — ~30% shorter while preserving all legal substance and statutory references