Beecher & Conniff
Known as a "Fresh Start" or "Straight" bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy
allows a person ( not corporations) to eliminate most or all of his or her debt, such as medical bills, personal loans and
most credit card charges, while being allowed to keep certain property (assets which do not exceed certain limits called "exemptions").
In most Chapter 7 cases, all of an individual's property will be exempt (meaning the asset will remain his or her
property). However, property which is not exempt may be sold, with the money distributed to the creditors.
In most
cases, an individual may keep their home or cars (secured debt), provided that they continue to make current payments and
are up to date on the loan. It is very important if you own real estate that we have a comparative market analysis (CMA) performed
to determine value before we file your case.
Chapter 7 does not eliminate:
- Student loans, except extreme hardship cases
- Debts for most taxes
- Debts for alimony, maintenance or support
- Debts for fines, penalties or criminal restitution
- Debts for personal injuries caused by driving intoxicated
Chapter 7 is the most commonly filed bankruptcy and can allow for a new
financial start. More and more Americans find themselves struggling with debt they cannot control. This is more true after
January 2006 when credit card companies began raising their minimum payments. Chapter 7 bankruptcy permits their debt to be
discharged and lets them get a hold of their financial situation with a fresh financial start.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
What is a discharge?
A Chapter 7 discharge is an order signed by the
Bankruptcy Judge declaring all of your eligible debt to be extinguished forever. The Order of Discharge creates a permanent
injunction against a creditor whose debt is discharged from attempting to collect the debt from you. The Order of Discharge
is normally entered about 110 days after the Chapter 7 case is filed. Your attorney should discuss with you what debts cannot
be discharged.
What are exemptions?
Most assets assets owned by you have what is known as an
exempt status. This means the you can protect the assets from the reach of creditors and the Chapter 7 Trustee. The exemption
will not apply to a mortgage or lien voluntarily placed on the asset by the debtor. The availability of exemptions and how
to properly and effectively claim them is something to be discussed with your attorney.
What is a reaffirmation?
Because most debt is discharged in bankruptcy, secured creditors may want the you to sign a document known as a Reaffirmation
Agreement. Signing this agreement results in the you waiving your Chapter 7 discharge and agreeing to continue to make payments
as called for by the original loan documents. This allows the you to keep his home, car or furniture. The decision whether
or not to reaffirm a debt is a serious one and needs to be discussed with your attorney so that all options are understood.
If you stop paying on the secured asset after a Reaffirmation Agreement is signed, then the asset can be foreclosed or repossessed
and a deficiency judgment obtained for the difference. If you change your mind and wishe to terminate or rescind a Reaffirmation
Agreement, then you have 60 days to file a recission agreement after a Chapter 7 reaffirmation is fully executed and filed
with the Bankruptcy Clerk's office. You should consult your attorney before making any decisions regarding reaffirmation.
What is redemption?
In Chapter 7, if an asset is secured to a lender, it may be purchased or
redeemed from the creditor by paying its present market value in a lump sum. The balance of the debt will be discharged. An
example would be furniture that has a depreciated value at the time of bankruptcy of $700.00 and the balance of the debt on
the furniture is $2,000.00. The furniture can be redeemed for $700.00 and the $1,300.00 difference is discharged. The process
of redeeming assets should be discussed with your attorney.
Are certain debts non-dischargeable?
Yes. The most common non-dischargeable debts are alimony, child support, certain property settlement agreements, certain
income tax liabilities, business tax liability, Internal Revenue Service payroll tax (trust fund liability), and many student
loans. In addition, certain debts created by fraud, embezzlement or conversion can be found to be non-dischargeable.
Do I have to list all of my creditors?
Yes. Bankruptcy law
requires a full and complete disclosure of your debts. Bankruptcy schedules are signed under the penalty of perjury and the
you will be asked under oath at the meeting of creditors if all debts were disclosed.
What is the meeting
of creditors and what happens?
The meeting of creditors is conducted by the Chapter 7 Trustee. You are questioned
under oath concerning your assets and debts. Creditors who choose to attend the meeting either in person or through their
attorney can ask questions concerning anything relevant to the case. As a practical matter, creditors rarely attend the meeting
of creditors. It is mandatory for you to attend the meeting of creditors. Your attorney will accompany you to the meeting.
Can I transfer ownership of my home, car, boat, collectibles, tools, etc. to someone else to keep those items
out of bankruptcy?
No. Such transfers within one year of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy will almost invariably be
scrutinized very closely by the bankruptcy trustee and may be undone. You need to discuss these transfers with your attorney.
Don't make any payments to relatives or "insiders" before you consult with an attorney.
Can creditors ask
to have their debt held non-dischargeable?
Yes. Creditors have approximately 100 days after the filing of the
Chapter 7 bankruptcy case to file a lawsuit asking that the debt be held non-dischargeable. Certain debts have no such time
limitation for such actions.
How long does bankruptcy remain on my credit bureau report and can I obtain credit
before that time period runs?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be kept in the public records section of your credit
bureau report for 10 years. It has been our experience that the credit industry will begin soliciting you for new credit before
your case is even completed. Once your Chapter 7 discharge is entered, if certain income and employment conditions are met,
market rate financing may be available. If certain conditions are met new automobile financing may be is available.
Will
my bankruptcy affect a co-signor on the debt?
Yes. The bankruptcy will not protect the non-filing co-signor.
The creditor may continue to try to collect against the co-signor. Creditors have this right even if the bankruptcy is never
filed. Additionally, the co-signor's credit bureau report may show that the joint debt was included in bankruptcy. These situations
should be discussed with your attorney.
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