Bankruptcy Flashcards
Business Law
What are the basic actions that occur in a bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy gives creditors protection from their creditors and stops them from either permanently (Chapter 7) or temporarily (Chapter 11 or 13) collecting a debt. The filing halts collection activity; grants automatic stay (with certain exceptions), and stops creditors from suing debtor.
Business Law
For what debts does bankruptcy NOT stop collections?
Student Loans Income taxes from previous 3 years Alimony & Child Support Debts/judgements resulting from drunk driving Pension obligations Debts relating to SOX violations Debts arising from illegal activities Debts not listed in the bankruptcy filing
Business Law
How does bankruptcy of a corporation affect the owner’s ability to file bankruptcy?
It doesn’t; because the corporation is a separate legal entity. Under bankruptcy; corporations are dissolved Under bankruptcy; individuals are discharged
Business Law
What key action will cause a bankruptcy discharge to be denied?
If a debtor fails to keep good records or falsifies documents; a discharge will be denied
Business Law
What are the basic characteristics of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation)?
Discharges all non-exempt debt Can only be filed every 8 years from previous Chapter 7 filing Voluntary or involuntary filing Certain businesses are disallowed from Chapter 7 bankruptcies - Railroads; Banks; Insurance companies; Savings & loans (think: 7th inning RBIs)
Business Law
What are the requirements for a voluntary bankruptcy filing under Chapter 7?
Must pass means test Your income must be below the median income for your state (Note - median; i.e. middle; not mean; i.e. average) Credit card companies made it harder for people to declare Chapter 7 when they lobbied Congress in 2005
Business Law
What are the requirements for an involuntary bankruptcy filing under Chapter 7?
In some cases; your creditors can force you into Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 BK Creditors must be able to prove that they are not being paid on time (i.e. debtor is insolvent) or that within the past 120 days the debtor assigned a custodian of the secured property If 12+ unsecured creditors - at least 3 must file; claims must be in excess of $15325 If less than 12 unsecured creditors - only 1 must file; claim(s) must be in excess of $15325 Upon filing; a judge will declare an order for relief unless the debtor protests
Business Law
What entities are disallowed from involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings?
Charities Farms
Business Law
How can a debtor reclaim possession of their property from the interim bankruptcy under Chapter 7?
If the debtor pays the court-assigned bond to keep a property in an involuntary BK; they can reclaim possession of their property from the interim BK trustee
Business Law
What are the basic characteristics of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy (business repayment) filing?
Allows a business a reprieve from creditors Creates a payment plan for the debt Business remains in operation At least 2/3 of each debt class of creditors must consent to reorganization Ch. 11 Involuntary petitions are allowed
Business Law
What are the basic characteristics of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy (personal repayment) filing?
Similar to Chapter 11; but for individuals Gives individuals a reprieve from creditors Creates a payment plan for the debt Ch. 13 Involuntary petitions are not allowed
Business Law
What are the duties and abilities of a bankruptcy trustee?
Represents the bankruptcy estate Can sue or be sued Oversees bankruptcy and watches for preferential creditor payments Oversees priority transfer of assets to creditors
Business Law
How and when is a bankruptcy trustee appointed?
Optional - Creditors decide Can be elected by creditors or can be appointed by the court
Business Law
What actions can a bankruptcy trustee take with respect to preferential creditor payments in a bankruptcy?
Trustee can void payments on antecedent (past) debts that occur within 90 days of a BK filing A Trustee cannot void a payment made to a creditor that is an even swap (contemporaneous exchange) and for new value A voidable preference must be on an old debt where the debtor is basically picking and choosing which creditors they send money to (AKA a voidable preference)
Business Law
When can preferential transfers be voided by a bankruptcy (BK) trustee?
Made within One Year of BK to insider - Corporate officers/directors; Partners; Relatives Made within 3 Months of BK non-insider Creditor receives larger payment than BK liquidation would have granted