Bankruptcy Explained
Saturday, June 20th, 2009Bankruptcy Explained
Whether or not we want it to or mean it to, often times our debt can become out of hand, to the point that we can no longer control it. It does not occur because we expect it, it occurs because we live in an age where credit is everything. In fact, many people do not even accept cash for a variety of things, for example, online shopping. All online shopping opportunities takes credit cards only. We will use credit for so many different items, that before we know it we begin to become overwhelmed and have the inability to pay the credit when the time comes. When it comes to bankruptcy, this means that you are legally declaring that you have the inability to pay your creditors. Bankruptcy was formed in efforts to allow the debtor to have a fresh start within their life, this will allow the debtor to be relieved of most of the debts they have incurred. Additionally, bankruptcy gives creditors some rights as well, because it can allow them to recoup some of their money to the extent of the debtors ability to pay. There are various laws in place that allow the debtor to make use of non-exempt property in efforts to pay the creditors. Many pieces of your property will be exempt; however, it is possible that you have some non-exempt items. Within the United Kingdom, the word Bankruptcy only applies to partnerships and individuals. Corporations are required to declare other types of legal insolvency such as administration, liquidation, and administrative receivership. The typical bankruptcy procedures last no more than one full year, often less depending upon the trustee in bankruptcy. When a person has filed for bankruptcy, all credit collection must end. Companies are not allowed to pursue, call, mail, visit, repossess, or otherwise sue the debtor, for the purposes of debt collection. If a company chooses to do so, they will likely be held responsible by the court of law and to the debtor. Bankruptcy is to be used as a last result; there are many other steps you could take to help eliminate your debt prior to filing for bankruptcy. Other options available to you include debt consolidation, credit counseling, and negotiation with your creditors, make a formal proposal with the creditors, and learn to manage your money yourself. It is important that you fully investigate all of your options and learn what steps you can take to obtain a debt free life. Tim Renolds is the owner of <a href="http://www.loan-source.co.uk">Debt Consolidation Loan</a> providing Uk homeowners with a free loan quote service. Visit us today for a free no obligation quote.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com
Chapter 11 Explained
When a person or a business needs to file for bankruptcy protection, there are several chapters within the United States Bankruptcy Code under which the initial petition can be filed that will govern the subsequent proceedings While many people understand the basics for bankruptcy petitions that are more consumer-oriented and usually filed under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, many see filings under Chapter 11 of the code as extremely complicated and difficult to understand . .While a bankruptcy filing under Chapter 11 is usually a complicated matter, there are some basics that are not difficult to understand However, this is not a filing that one should attempt to take on individually You will need professional help in order to make sure that all goes as it should, so contact a bankruptcy lawyer today to schedule an initial consultation if you are having trouble meeting your obligations . .Basic Procedure under Chapter 11 . .Generally, a Chapter 11 filing is done by businesses, and this sort of filing is known as either a ‘reorganization bankruptcy’ or a ‘rehabilitation bankruptcy ‘ The reason for these labels is that a Chapter 11 filing basically gives the petitioner time to put together a plan that helps it get out from under the debts it cannot pay at the time of the filing and to one day ‘emerge’ from bankruptcy . .Below is a brief look at the procedures involved with a Chapter 11 filing: . . 1 Initial filing - When a business files for Chapter 11 protection, the court will order that the creditors cease with collection efforts while the case is pending, much like in a consumer bankruptcy filing . 2 Disclosure statement - The filing party must also file a disclosure statement that lists all assets and liabilities as well as a plan for reorganization that details how the debts will be paid during the plan’s duration . 3 Creditors’ committee - When a filing occurs, the largest creditors are usually grouped into a committee that will vote on the reorganization plan If the plan is approved, the parties move forward under it If it’s not, either the filing party must come up with a new plan, the creditors can come up with their own plan or the filing party can petition the court to ‘cram down’ their plan if it’s reasonable on its face, and the court will rule on it . 4 Post-plan - When the court ultimately accepts a plan, the debts as constituted prior to the filing are discharged and the petitioner must make the payments proposed in the plan until the time has passed If the company does not pay under the plan, it opens up several possibilities for enforcement .
Source: www.rsstnx.com
The Fear of Bankruptcy Is it Misplaced
In UK, declaring bankruptcy was considered to be something that was done by irresponsible people It was like a stigma that one had to carry throughout their lives However, in today’s world, with rising food and fuel costs and reduced buying power of the British Pound, at times bankruptcy may be the logical solution . .If it was a perfect world, you could enter into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement and pay your debts in five years However, we don’t live in a perfect world and creditors don’t want to let you off the hook They may agree on monthly payments that may take decades to pay and yet the loan may not be fully repaid One way of working off debts is by declaring bankruptcy Once bankruptcy is declared, the creditors cannot harass you Alternatively, make you enter an agreement that will leave you stuck paying of loans forever . .A creditor whom you owe more than seven hundred and fifty pounds can or you yourself can file for bankruptcy in a local court There is a hundred and twenty pound court fee However, if you are on an income support program the court can waive the fee You will have to pay two hundred and fifty pounds to the court for administrating your bankruptcy You will need your own lawyer to plead your case . .After the hearing, the court may issue a stay order This means the court needs more time to examine the case The court may dismiss the petition because an administration order will be more appropriate The court may appoint an insolvency practitioner This can happen if your assets are more than two thousand pounds and unsecured debts less than twenty thousand pounds The court can issue a bankruptcy order . .You are declared bankrupt as soon as the court declares it The court may also issue a certificate of administration if your debts are less than twenty thousand pounds and you have not been bankrupt or filed individual voluntary arrangement in the last 5 years This makes the administration of your bankruptcy quicker and simpler . .The official receiver becomes your trustee, and you are discharged from the bankruptcy after two years of the date of the order In case a summary of administration is not made, the bankruptcy order will be discharged after three years . .After bankruptcy, all your assets are handed over to the trustee You cannot deal with your bank or take any loan without informing the trustee You cannot make any direct payments to your creditors You cannot form, own or manage a company without informing the court You cannot hold certain public offices . .After you are discharged from your bankruptcy, you can resume your financial activities without informing the trustee Your credit rating will be rebuilt after six years You will go through this process after bankruptcy However, it may be a more suitable option as you can start with a clean slate The court can also discharge your bankruptcy after a year .
Source: www.rsstnx.com
