Bankruptcy Newsletters

Bankruptcy Reform - Will It Affect Eligibility?

The battle over bankruptcy reform seems to be an ongoing struggle between the would-be reformers and those who feel that debtors' rights would be adversely affected by reform of the bankruptcy laws. Despite the differences in opinion, many lawmakers agree with creditors that loopholes in the law need to be closed.

Conversion and Dismissal of a Chapter 12 Case

Chapter 12 specifically provides that a debtor may voluntarily convert a Chapter 12 bankruptcy case to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or dismiss the case at any time. Creditors, however, may not seek the involuntary conversion of a debtor's Chapter 12 bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy unless fraud is shown in connection with the case.

Disclosure Statements

Debtors must report assets, liabilities, contested claims, and other business affairs. The purpose of these disclosures is to allow creditors an opportunity to evaluate proposed plans. Disclosure statements must contain "adequate information." The specific information required is determined on a case by case basis by the court and may include any information which the court deems reasonable and necessary for parties in interest to reach informed decisions before voting on plan confirmation.

Secured Claims and Liens

Secured claims include liens, security interests, security agreements, and secured claims. An allowed claim secured by a lien on property in which the estate has an interest, or that is subject to setoff, is a secured claim to the extent of the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in the property or the amount subject to setoff. A secured claim carries the right to adequate protection of collateral. Unavoided liens survive bankruptcy but circumstances may demand action by a secured creditor to protect the lien.

Setoffs in Bankruptcy

Setoff is an equitable right of a creditor to deduct a debt it owes to the debtor from a claim it has against the debtor arising out of a separate transaction. The Bankruptcy Code is not an independent source of law that authorizes a setoff; it recognizes and preserves rights that exist under non-bankruptcy law.