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  • Getting Paid From Someone Filing Bankruptcy

    It can be difficult and stressful when someone who owes you money declares bankruptcy. However, you may still be able to recover part or all of the sum due to you. This article will walk you through the steps you may take to increase your chances of receiving payment if a debtor files bankruptcy.

    Understanding Bankruptcy & How It Impacts Creditors

    Bankruptcy is a legal process in which people or organizations can discharge or restructure their obligations. When a debtor files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is issued, which prevents creditors from collecting debts. During this process, a bankruptcy court appoints a bankruptcy trustee to oversee the case and manage the debtor’s assets. Understanding the bankruptcy procedure, including the bankruptcy trustee’s role, might help you decide on the best course of action.

    Types of Bankruptcy Filing

    There are various sorts of bankruptcy filings, but the most prevalent ones affecting creditors include:

    • Chapter 7 bankruptcy is liquidating a debtor’s assets to pay off creditors.
    • Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a business reorganization that allows it to maintain operations while repaying debts.
    • Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt payback strategy that allows individuals to pay creditors over time.

    Knowing what sort of bankruptcy the debtor has filed will help you better assess your chances of recovering funds.

    How Do Creditors Get Paid After Bankruptcies

    Steps to Follow When a Debtor Files for Bankruptcy

    Here are the key steps you should take when a debtor files for bankruptcy:

    1. Verify the Bankruptcy Filing.

    The first step is to ensure that the debtor has filed for bankruptcy. You can check the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system or get notified if you are listed as a creditor in the debtor’s file. 

    2. Review the Bankruptcy Notice

    When a debtor files for bankruptcy, you will receive an official notice that includes:

    • Type of bankruptcy filed.
    • Case number.
    • The deadline to file a claim.
    • Information regarding the creditors’ meeting.

    Reading this notice attentively will help you decide what to do next.

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    3. Understand Your Creditor’s Status

    Creditors are grouped into numerous categories in bankruptcy situations.

    • Secured creditors (having secured claims) have security backing their debt (e.g., mortgage lenders, auto loans).
    • Unsecured creditors do not have collateral to back up their claims.
    • Priority creditors are unsecured creditors with priority (for example, child support and specific tax bills).

    If you are a secured or priority creditor, your prospects of recovering the loan increase.

    4. File A Proof of Claim

    To be considered for payment in a bankruptcy case, file a Proof of Claim by the court’s deadline. This document should contain:

    • Your name and contact details.
    • The amount the debtor owes you.
    • The cause behind the debt
    • Any supporting documents (for example, contracts, invoices, promissory notes).

    5. Attend the Creditors’ Meeting (341 Meeting)

    The 341 Meeting of Creditors is a mandatory hearing in which creditors may examine the debtor about their finances and debts. Attending this meeting might give information on the debtor’s financial situation and prospective asset liquidation.

    6. Monitor the Bankruptcy Proceedings

    Keep track of the bankruptcy proceedings and any court decisions impacting your claim. Bankruptcy proceedings can take months or even years to complete, so remaining informed is critical.

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    Special Considerations For Various Bankruptcy Types

    There are three major types of bankruptcy filings in the bankruptcy code. Recovering debt when your debtor files Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 requires specific considerations. 

    Recovering Debt In Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

    • Secured creditors with secured debts can repossess or foreclose on collateral.
    • Unsecured creditors, dealing with unsecured debts, usually last in the payment queue.
    • If assets like real or personal property are available for liquidation within the bankruptcy estate, you could receive a portion of the revenue.

    Recovering Debt in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

    • Businesses may continue operating while proposing a repayment plan.
    • Creditors can negotiate payment conditions with the debtor.
    • If the reorganization goes well, you can reclaim a larger portion of the debt.

    Recovering Debt in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

    • The debtor must adhere to a court-approved repayment schedule.
    • You may receive payments over a three to five-year period.
    • Secured creditors are frequently prioritized in repayment, while unsecured claims may receive a smaller portion of any remaining assets after secured and priority creditors have been paid.

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    Strategies for Maximizing Your Debt Recovery

    To maximize your debt recovery, you can use the following approaches. 

    Seek Legal Advice

    Hiring a bankruptcy attorney can help you understand your rights and explore legal options to improve your chances of receiving payment.

    Negotiate With the Debtor

    In some circumstances, debtors may be willing to settle outside of bankruptcy to avoid legal issues.

    Challenge the Discharge of the Debt

    Certain debts may not be dischargeable if you demonstrate fraud, misrepresentation, or other legal offenses. If you suspect the debtor received credit from you fraudulently, you may challenge the discharge in court.

    Consider Alternative Payment Arrangements

    For corporations filing Chapter 11 or individuals filing Chapter 13, you can work out a payment plan to repay a portion of the debt over time.

    Keep Track of Asset Sales

    In some bankruptcy proceedings, assets are auctioned to repay creditors. Stay informed about asset liquidation processes to determine whether you can recoup some of your debt.

    If you need assistance with personal or business bankruptcy and filing in Tennessee, reach out to The Pope Firm and Charles Pope, Attorney At Law.

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    What If You Aren’t Paid?

    What to do if you are not repaid the debt because your debtor filed a bankruptcy. These are some of the options you may consider. 

    Consider Writing Off Debt

    If you cannot collect the debt, you might be able to write it off as a business loss for tax purposes. For a better understanding of the implications, speak with a tax professional. Moreover, knowing what a bankruptcy discharge includes can be very important when assessing whether the debtor’s obligations to you are final. The debtor is usually released from personal liability for certain debts upon filing for bankruptcy, which means they are no longer legally obligated to pay them.

    Strengthen Future Credit Policies

    Stricter credit policies, like requiring collateral for large loans, should be implemented to lower future risks. Prospective debtors’ credit should also be checked, and more stringent terms for payments should be imposed.

    Conclusion

    After declaring bankruptcy, recovering debt can be challenging but not impossible. Knowing the bankruptcy process, making the right claims, and getting legal counsel can all help you improve your chances of getting paid. Stay proactive, keep a close eye on the case, and look into every option to optimize your debt recovery.

    Explore Your Legal Options With The Pope Firm

    If you need legal help with a bankruptcy case, The Pope Firm’s competent bankruptcy attorneys in Tennessee can help you choose the best action for your situation. With decades of experience, our expert local bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of people declare Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and get repaid after someone who owes them money filed for bankruptcy. 

    So visit The Pope Firm today or call 423-929-7673 5to get paid from someone filing bankruptcy. 

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