Bankruptcy — just the sound of it evokes strong feelings in most people. Although filing for bankruptcy is rarely anyone's first choice when trying to cope with overwhelming debt, the decision to file for bankruptcy can be the right one when made with full awareness of all its consequences. Contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to discuss your options.
Learn More About Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer people who are struggling with debt the opportunity for a financial fresh start. At The Law Offices of Michael Samuel Dyer, we have helped many people from West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida with their most critical foreclosure and debt relief problems. Our attorneys are skilled legal professionals and understanding people: We know what you are going through and are equipped to help.
To learn more about bankruptcy, please review the information provided on this page and visit our bankruptcy practice area page.
To talk to a knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer, please contact us online or by telephone at 561-255-0401.
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Do you need help filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Our attorneys can help you pursue total debt relief by making the law work for you.
Overwhelming debt and creditor harassment can make life miserable, but an experienced bankruptcy lawyer can help you put your debt problems behind you for good.
Commercial Bankruptcy
Like a consumer, a business sometimes finds itself in the uncomfortable position of being unable to pay its debts. One solution is to file for bankruptcy, a legal process in federal bankruptcy court that releases the business from the obligation to pay all or some of its debts. The experienced lawyers at The Law Offices of Michael Samuel Dyer in West Palm Beach, Florida advise business owners about whether bankruptcy is right for them.
Bankruptcy Choices for Small Businesses
Businesses must choose among alternative types of bankruptcies, each of which corresponds to a different chapter of the federal Bankruptcy Code. Businesses usually choose either Chapter 7 or Chapter 11, or occasionally Chapter 13. Sometimes businesses can be involuntary drawn into bankruptcy by their creditors, who face stiff financial penalties if they initiate an involuntary bankruptcy for invalid reasons.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcies are called "liquidation bankruptcies." Chapter 7 is usually employed by consumer debtors, but can also be used by businesses that want to liquidate their assets to be relieved of debt. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commenced when the business files a petition with the bankruptcy court. The court then orders an automatic stay of all collection action against the business and its property. A court-appointed trustee manages the details of the bankruptcy, selling business assets to satisfy business debt, to the extent possible. At the conclusion of the proceeding, remaining debts of the business are not discharged as with an individual debtor, but generally the business ceases to exist because its assets are gone and it is no longer a profitable concern.
Chapter 11
In Chapter 11 bankruptcies, which are usually filed by businesses and rarely by individuals, the commercial debtor is usually allowed to stay in business throughout the bankruptcy proceedings. A business debtor may only operate independently in its ordinary course; transactions outside the ordinary course of business require court approval.
A Chapter 11 proceeding, like one under Chapter 7, is initiated by filing a petition, but a trustee is not automatically appointed. Although the bankruptcy judge may decide to appoint a trustee in a Chapter 11 case, it is the exception rather than the rule. As in Chapter 7, the filing of the bankruptcy petition stops creditors from attempting to collect their debts.
The debtor has time to file a proposed plan of reorganization. The plan of reorganization sets forth in detail how the debtor intends to conduct its business, while continuing to make payments to its creditors. In some situations, creditors may instead or also propose plans of reorganization. Creditors are divided into classes with varying rights depending upon the types of debt they hold. The approval process involves negotiation and input from creditors. Ultimately, a plan must be approved by the court. In some cases, the court approves the plan even though some of the creditors did not. If no plan is approved, however, the bankruptcy is often converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation or may be dismissed.
The choice between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 is not necessarily permanent; once proceedings have begun, a case may be converted to a different chapter, under certain circumstances.
Conclusion
Bankruptcy may not be the best option for every business, but sometimes it is the best choice a business owner can make. Alternatives to bankruptcy include working informally with creditors toward a repayment plan or assigning assets for the benefit of creditors. A lawyer experienced in bankruptcy law, like those at The Law Offices of Michael Samuel Dyer in West Palm Beach, Florida, can help a business decide whether bankruptcy best meets its needs.
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