Friday, November 22, 2013

How to file bankruptcy – What are Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases in bankruptcy?

List your executory contracts and unexpired leases on your bankruptcy petition and declare your intention either to accept or to reject those contracts. Contracts that are not timely assumed are rejected and the parties are released from further performance under those contracts.



An executory contract is an agreement that has not been completed. A contract is an agreement between two or more parties to perform certain specified actions. Once the parties complete all contractual obligations the contract becomes fully executed and the parties to that contract have no further obligation to act under that contract. An example of an executory contract is an agreement to sell property in which the buyer and seller agree to perform certain actions including inspecting the property, making certain repairs, obtaining financing, transferring title, delivering possession and making payment. Until all contractual requirements are met, the contract remains open to be executed.

An unexpired lease is a form of contract for the use of certain specified real or personal property that has a specified length of time remaining on the length of the contract. An example of an unexpired lease is a rental agreement for the use of a car or a house where the owner agrees to provide the property to the lessee for a set number of months or years and the lessee agrees to make payments for using that property. For bankruptcy purposes, a timeshare falls into this category.

Bankruptcy code section 11 U.S.C. 365 requires that assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease in a chapter 7 liquidation case within 60 days of filing the case; and in all other chapters of bankruptcy before confirmation of a plan. The court may extend the time to assume such agreements for cause. In the case of non-residential real estate agreements, the time to act is extended to 120 days or longer by court order.


If you have any questions regarding your open contracts or leases, call us today for a free consultation.

Speckman Law Firm
Attorney David L. Speckman
619-696-5151

Friday, November 15, 2013

Should You Use A Debt Settlement Company? Be Aware! Be Very Aware!



I was recently in court and saw two different consumer debtors attempting to navigate a collections action, in pro per.  They had been sued by a credit card company after they had sought help from a debt settlement company.  The debtors had been sued even after having been assured by the debt settlement company that it would assist the debtors somewhat with the creditors.  Of course, the only thing the debt settlement company provided by way of assistance was some worthless “cut and paste” pleadings that made no sense and actually violate the prohibition on practicing law without a license.  Needless to say, the debtors found themselves in court having to explain things before the judge by themselves.

These companies are typically a scam.  Indeed, across the county, these outfits have been investigated and sued by various governmental agencies and prosecutors, including for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.  Other entities have had similar experience with one debt settlement firm in particular.  But, the fact that people still sign up for these “services” raises the question why do people believe the junk they are selling?

I think the real reason is twofold.  First, people generally want to pay their debts and they reason that payment of some of the debt is better than none at all.  The second reason is fear of bankruptcy.  People are afraid of losing property and of the damage to their credit.  While these are legitimate concerns, it does not explain why folks do not seek out a competent professional to advise on financial issues yet they fall hook, line and sinker for some fast-talking snake oil salesman over the telephone.


If you are facing financial issues, seek out a competent bankruptcy attorney in your area.  Just because you seek advice, it does not commit you to filing bankruptcy.  But, because we are experienced in all aspects of the debt collection process and alternatives including bankruptcy, we can offer you meaningful solutions to your financial problems.

Call Speckman Law Firm and Set Up your FREE Consultation
TODAY!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Are You Too Far Behind on Your Mortgage for Chapter 13? Chapter 11 May Help!


 Mortgage lenders have been delaying foreclosures for people all over the country. Ask any bankruptcy attorney–they've seen cases where people haven’t made a mortgage payment for two, three, or even four years, and the mortgage company hasn't even started the foreclosure process. Loan modifications can stretch on, court proceedings are scheduled and canceled, an unsuccessful Chapter 13, can all delay things. As a result, the mortgage arrearages–the amount you’re behind on your mortgage–can add up to a lot of money.

When you go to most consumer bankruptcy attorneys to file for a Chapter 13 repayment plan, you’re told that the plan payments will be too high for you to afford, since the full amount of the arrearage must be paid over a maximum of five years. If the arrears are $60,000, for example, this would require at least a $1,000 per month payment on top of resuming the regular monthly payment. Most people just can’t afford it.
This may result in many people thinking that they have no alternative other than losing their home. But there may be another alternative: an individual Chapter 11.
Most people don’t even know that individuals can file for Chapter 11; they think that it’s just for businesses. This is not true. In a Chapter 11 case, there is no five-year limit on the repayment term for mortgage arrearages. In some Chapter 11 cases, it is possible to obtain repayment terms of up to 30 years, without interest. In the example above, instead of a $1,000 per month payment, my client is looking at a monthly payment of $166.67. This is far more doable for most people.
Of course, Chapter 11 is not for everyone.  These cases tend to be far more complex and expensive than a Chapter 13, and there are not many consumer bankruptcy attorneys who know how to steer you through an individual Chapter 11.  However, we do.  Indeed, we have successfully managed several individual Chapter 11 cases.  Give us a call today to discuss your situation and learn whether a Chapter 11 bankruptcy may be the correct answer. 


Friday, November 1, 2013

Fourth Circuit Holds Inheritances Are Estate Property In Chapter 13 Cases

Recently, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Carroll v Logan.  This will have an impact for future chapter 13 cases in this circuit.

In Carroll, the debtors filed a chapter 13 case in 2009.  The Carrolls’ plan provided for a payment to unsecured creditors of approximately 3.8%, that is, each unsecured creditor who filed a claim would receive approximately 4% of what they claimed was owed.

A little over three years after the debtors’ filed bankruptcy, Mr. Carroll notified the court that he would receive $100,000.00 from an inheritance.  Upon such notice, the chapter 13 trustee moved to modify their plan to provide for the $100,000.00 to be paid through the plan toward unsecured creditors.  The debtors’ objected to the trustee’s motion.

At issue were two provisions of the Bankruptcy Code:  Section 541 and Section 1306.  Section 541 defines what property interests come into the bankruptcy estate upon filing for bankruptcy protection.  In particular, Section 541(a)(5) states that any property that the debtor acquires or is entitled to within 180 days after filing bankruptcy by bequest, devise or inheritance becomes property of the bankruptcy estate.  A reason for this provision is so that if a debtor knows that a family member is going to pass on soon and the debtor has lots of debts, the debtor won’t file bankruptcy immediately before the family member passes to discharge his debts and then have the full inheritance.  If a debtor inherits property within 180 days after filing, the trustee can get those assets to pay creditors.

In the Carrolls’ case, they had filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and did not become entitled to inherit anything until well after the 180 days since filing had passed.  As such, the debtors’ argued, they should not have to submit their inheritance to the chapter 13 trustee.

The trustee countered and the Fourth Circuit agreed that Section 1306 allows the trustee to reach the inheritance.  Section 1306 states that property of the bankruptcy estate includes, in addition to the property specified in Section 541 (see above), all property that the debtor acquires after commencement of the case but before the case is closed, dismissed, or converted to a case under a different chapter.  As such, under Section 1306, even though the debtor did not acquire the property within 180 days after his bankruptcy filing as set forth under Section 541, Section 1306 states that the after acquired property does come into the bankruptcy estate until the case is closed, dismissed or converted.  Therefore, the debtors would be required to pay the $100,000.00 inheritance into the plan (less their exemptions, if any).

This can create another factor to carefully consider before choosing a chapter 7 case or a chapter 13 case.  If you do not stand to inherit much from family members, it may not be much of a factor.  If you do stand to inherit something, a chapter 13 case can go on for up to five years and any inheritance acquired could go to paying your creditors.  At the same time, if you do not qualify for a chapter 7 case because you “flunk” the means test or if you must file a chapter 13 to cure mortgage arrears or other reasons, there may not be any other bankruptcy options.


A skilled bankruptcy professional such as those on this website can help you navigate the world of bankruptcy.  If you are facing financial issues, contact one of us today.