MONEY MATTERS T H E F I R S T O F A T H R E E - PA R T S E R I E S O N T H E B A S I C S O F B A N K R U P T C Y P R O C E D U R E S A N D W H AT I T M E A N S T O D E A L E R S / L I E N H O L D E R S .
Understanding Your Customer’s Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Congress enacted the federal Bankruptcy Code in 1978, and it has been amended several times since. The procedural aspects are governed by bankruptcy rules and the local rules of each bankruptcy (BK) court. There are 90 BK courts – one in every federal judicial district in the country. The court official with the decisionmaking power in each district is a United States bankruptcy judge. Much of BK process is administrative and conducted away from the courthouse. In Chapter 7 and 13 cases, the ones that affect dealers and lien holders, the process is carried out by a trustee. What’s the Difference? The consumer bankruptcies that affect you most will be filed as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 – liquidation: A chapter 7 case does not involve the filing of a plan of repayment, as in chapter 13. Instead, the trustee gathers and sells the debtor’s nonexempt assets and uses the proceeds to pay holders of claims (creditors) in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 13 – wage earner plan: Chapter 13 offers individuals a number of advantages over Chapter 7 liquidation, including an opportunity to save their homes from foreclosure. By filing under Chapter 13, individuals can stop foreclosure proceedings and may cure delinquent mortgage payments over time, though they must still make all mortgage payments that come due during the Chapter 13 plan on time. Chapter 13 allows individuals to reschedule secured debts, other than a mortgage for their primary residence, and extend them over the life of the plan. That could lower the payments. Chapter 13 also has a special provision that protects third
parties who are liable with the debtor on “consumer debts,” a provision than can protect co-signers. Chapter 13 acts like a consolidation loan under which the individual makes payments to a trustee, who then distributes payments to creditors. Any individual, even if self-employed or operating an unincorporated business, is eligible for Chapter 13 relief as long as the individual’s unsecured debts are less than $360,475 and secured debts are less than $1,081. A corporation or partnership cannot be a Chapter 13 debtor. How Chapter 13 Works A Chapter 13 case begins by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court serving the area where the debtor has a residence. Unless the court orders otherwise, the debtor must also file schedules of assets and liabilities, a schedule of current income and expenditures, a schedule of contracts and unexpired leases, and a statement of financial affairs. When an individual files a Chapter 13 petition, an impartial trustee is appointed to evaluate the case and serve as a disbursing agent, collecting payments from the debtor and making distributions to creditors. The bankruptcy clerk gives notice of the bankruptcy case to all creditors whose names and addresses are provided by the debtor. Between 21 and 50 days after the debtor files the petition, the trustee will hold a meeting of creditors. The debtor, the trustee and those creditors who wish to attend will then come to court for a hearing on the repayment plan. The debtor must file a repayment plan with the petition or within 14 days after the petition is filed. The plan must be submitted for court approval and must provide for payments of fixed amounts to the trustee on a regular basis, typically
biweekly or monthly. The trustee then distributes the funds to creditors according to the terms of the plan, which can offer creditors less than full payment on their claims. If the debtor wants to keep the collateral securing a particular claim, the plan must provide that the holder of the secured claim receive at least the value of the collateral. If the obligation underlying the secured claim was used to buy the collateral – such as a car loan – and the debt was incurred within certain time frames before the bankruptcy filing, the plan must provide for full payment of the debt, not just the value of the collateral. If the court confirms the plan, the trustee will distribute funds received under the plan “as soon as is practicable.” Making the Plan Work Once the court confirms the plan, the debtor must make the plan succeed by making regular payments to the trustee either directly or through payroll deduction, which requires living on a fixed budget for a prolonged period. While confirmation of the plan entitles the debtor to retain property as long as payments are made, the debtor cannot incur new debt without consulting the trustee. Next: The basics of Chapter 7 filings. Note: The information presented should not be cited or relied upon as “legal authority” and should not be used as a substitute for reference to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
BY ROD HEASLEY
ROD HEASLEY IS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF PERITUS PORTFOLIO SERVICES , A SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS-BASED SPECIALTY FINANCE COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN THE PURCHASING OF OPEN BANKRUPTCY ACCOUNTS.
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