Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Blog

Posts containing useful information about Chapter 7 for anyone considering a North Carolina bankruptcy lawyer.

Understanding the Differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

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Bankruptcy can feel like a life raft when you’re drowning in debt. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a complex process with many facets, and thebankruptcy attorney Charlotte NC path you choose depends on your individual circumstances. For individuals in financial distress, two common types of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Understanding the distinctions between these options can help you make informed decisions.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Liquidation

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as “liquidation,” is designed for individuals with limited income who cannot pay back their debts. It’s a faster process than Chapter 13, often completed within three to six months.

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a court-appointed trustee will sell or “liquidate” your non-exempt assets to repay your creditors. North Carolina, like all states, has its own list of exemptions that include things like a portion of the equity in your home, a certain amount of personal property, and more.

It’s important to note that Chapter 7 bankruptcy doesn’t discharge all types of debt. Obligations such as child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain tax debts remain your responsibility even after the process is complete.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Reorganization

Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or “reorganization,” is designed for individuals with regular income who can afford to pay back a portion of their debts through a repayment plan. This plan typically lasts three to five years, and once you’ve made all your payments, your remaining dischargeable debt is wiped clean.

Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 allows you to keep all your property, including non-exempt assets, making it a viable option if you’re behind on your mortgage or car loan payments and want to avoid foreclosure or repossession. It also allows for the discharge of some debts that are not dischargeable under Chapter 7.

Making The Right Choice: Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13

Choosing between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your unique circumstances. Your income, assets, debts, and long-term financial goals play a crucial role in this decision.

In general, Chapter 7 is a good fit if you have few valuable assets and little or no disposable income. On the other hand, Chapter 13 would be more suitable if you have a regular income and want to protect your non-exempt property from liquidation.

It’s important to remember that while bankruptcy can provide a fresh start, it also comes with its drawbacks. It significantly impacts your credit and can stay on your credit report for up to ten years.

 

Seeking Legal Guidance

Bankruptcy law is complex, and every individual’s financial situation is unique. It’s in your best interest to consult with a skilled bankruptcy attorney who can help you understand the implications of filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, based on your specific situation.

A bankruptcy attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be well-versed in the state’s laws and exemptions and can provide valuable guidance through the entire process. Contact The Layton Law Firm at 704-749-7747 for a free consultation, they can help assess your financial situation, guide you through the required credit counseling and debtor education courses, and represent you in court.

Conclusion

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. Understanding the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the first step towards finding the path that suits your needs the best. A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the complexities and help you start on the path toward financial stability.

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Bankruptcy Filings Increase 10% In August

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Bankruptcy filings for all Chapters (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11) increased in July of 2022, as compared to July of 2021. A recent article by Epiq Bankruptcy indicates that increased interest rates, supply chain concerns, and inflation are the primary reasons behind the increase.

Our firm has also seen an up-tick in consultations for bankruptcy as well as bankruptcy filings. This spans across business bankruptcy and personal bankruptcy. Additionally, our representation of clients for debt settlement has also increased in the past few months.

The Good News About Bankruptcy Filings

While increased bankruptcy filings are nothing to celebrate, we take the view that consumers and business owners alike are realizing that filing a bankruptcy is an strategic economic move that can be made to eliminate hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt at a very small cost, comparatively.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you would like to speak with a Charlotte bankruptcy lawyer about your options or have questions about bankruptcy filings, please call us at 704.749.7747, or request a free consultation and we will reach out to you shortly. There are typically multiple options for individuals which result in the financial freedom you deserve.

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New Year’s Resolution — File Bankruptcy Now

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New Year’s Resolution – File Bankruptcy Now

If you are thinking that the only thing that could make this year worse than last year is to stay buried in debt, it is time to file bankruptcy. You deserve the fresh start that filing bankruptcy provides, and our office can help.

Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 offer amazing and powerful relief from creditors, in exchange for providing detailed information about your income and assets. Whether you are considering a Chapter 7 liquidation or a Chapter 13 reorganization of debt, our office can assist.

A Fast And Easy Bankruptcy Filing

When you file with our firm, we make a point of streamlining the process leading up to the bankruptcy filing. This means all of your documents can be submitted through our online portal, and documents can be signed electronically as well.

Generally, we will need tax returns, vehicle registrations, bank statements, and a few other documents in order to prepare your bankruptcy filing. If you are facing a foreclosure or vehicle repossession, we can file an emergency bankruptcy prior to obtaining that documentation. This halts the process and gives you immediate relief from creditors.

A Lawyer And Staff That Cares

Our firm knows the anxiety associated with financial stress, especially as jobless claims increase across the state. Our goal is to provide you relief from that stress. We know the bankruptcy filing will give you financial relief; however, you will find our compassionate and diligent approach refreshing. We know lawyers have a reputation for being ‘stuffy’. You will not find that at The Layton Law Firm. Instead, you will experience quality conversations, routine updates on your case, and you will come away with the confidence you need to start fresh.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you are ready to move forward or just have questions, we are here. You can reach us at 704.749.7747 or click HERE to request a consultation by phone. All consultations are free and answering questions is part of the job. We know you have choices. We hope you choose Layton Law.

 

 

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Filing A Restaurant Bankruptcy

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Filing A Restaurant Bankruptcy

As Covid-19 rages on and restrictions for public gatherings ramp up, restaurants in Charlotte and the surrounding area—as well as the country—continue to feel the pain. Many restaurant owners indicate they are at a breaking point financially. During a time when sales are supposed to be highest and restaurants can make up for slower months, the exact opposite is happening.

We speak with small business owners every day regarding their financial predicament. This of course includes restaurant owners. What many small business owners are surprised to find out is that filing a restaurant bankruptcy can be the secret ingredient to future success.

Your Business Can Continue

The options in bankruptcy for restaurant owners have increased with the Small Business Reorganization Act. Together with Chapters 7, 11, and 13, most restaurant owners can find a bankruptcy solution that fits their particular needs.

The primary decision you will need to make is whether the business is going to continue to operate. If it is not, your bankruptcy lawyer will assist with the dissolution of the business in conjunction with the bankruptcy filing. If the business is going to continue, it can do so under either a Chapter 7, 13, or Small Business Reorganization. Chapter 11, an expensive bankruptcy option, is not usually required for a restaurant that is filing bankruptcy.

A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer makes specific mention of the concerned business owners have regarding continuing operations. Particularly, the article addresses the concern regarding dealing with suppliers. Typically, suppliers will continue to work with you; however, they may require you to pay COD until you prove yourself with them over time.

You Can Protect Your Assets

The bankruptcy code allows for assets to be exempted from creditors. The ability to preserve assets is different depending upon the Chapter you are filing, and your bankruptcy lawyer will work with you to determine your asset exemption needs when strategizing which bankruptcy route to take.

There are some assets that are exempt from creditors in bankruptcy in an ‘unlimited’ amount—401k and retirement savings, for example—so it is important to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer before you start depleting those assets to keep your business running outside of bankruptcy.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you own a small business or restaurant, we are here to help. Speaking with someone about your options not only helps ease the anxiety and fear you are feeling, but also provides you with clear direction regarding your options. We know you have put your life into the business; bankruptcy can help you save it.

To speak with an attorney, call 704.749.7747 or click HERE to request a phone consultation. All consultations are free and can be conducted over the telephone.

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Mortgage Foreclosure Moratorium and Mortgage Forbearance In NC

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Mortgage Foreclosure Moratorium and Mortgage Forbearance In NC

The mortgage foreclosure moratorium has been extended to December 31st, 2020. This means even if you are delinquent on your mortgage, your lender can not move forward with foreclosure until the moratorium passes. Additionally, forbearance options exist for those having trouble making their payments due to COVID-19.

Mortgage Forbearance Options

As of late October 2020, North Carolina homeowners need to apply for forbearance relief by December 31st, 2020. Mortgage forbearance is available through the Federal CARES Act for homeowners who have financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Length Of Mortgage Forbearance Options

Per the CARES Act, the mortgage company must provide forbearance relief for up to 180 days upon request. Borrowers are then allowed to request an extension of the forbearance for up to another 180 days.

Contact Your Mortgage Provider

The smartest thing you can do regarding forbearance and the upcoming expiration of the moratorium is to contact your mortgage service provider. It is by speaking with them that you will discover your options, and prepare for how the deferred payments will be addressed once you come out of forbearance.

Lenders are not permitted to demand the delayed payments be paid in a lump sum. To be clear, the debt does not go away. You will plan with your lender for repayment with an increased monthly mortgage payment spread out over a length of time agreed upon by your mortgage provider.

Bankruptcy After Forbearance

If you come out of forbearance and realize you will be unable to make your increased mortgage payment, you may fall behind on the new payments. If the lender moves forward with a foreclosure proceeding, you can use bankruptcy to save your home by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which allows you to catch up on your missed payments. You may also decide that Chapter 7 is a better option for you depending upon the equity in the home and your goals regarding home ownership.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

Our firm helps homeowners save their homes from foreclosure every day. Call us for guidance and we will help you understand your options before it is too late. You can reach us at 704.749.7747 or click HERE to request a phone consultation.

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How Long Does Bankruptcy Take?

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If you have an emergency situation, our firm can file a bankruptcy for you within 24 hours. However, we do not recommend filing bankruptcy that quickly unless it is absolutely necessary. A few examples would be to stop a foreclosure sale or to prevent a vehicle repossession.

If you are not in an emergency filing situation, a bankruptcy typically can be filed in about 30-45 days, depending upon how quickly you would like to move forward. We cater to your needs, so if you would like to file more quickly, we can certainly assist with that.

The answer depends upon a few factors. Primarily, they are:

  • How quickly you can deliver documentation to your bankruptcy attorney
  • Whether you are choosing a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13
  • Reasons which may exist to delay your filing

Phase I – Gathering Information

Working with our firm is easy. We simplify the process as much as possible and do our best to minimize the documentation you need to provide for filing. You will have your choice between completing an online questionnaire or providing info over the telephone. Documentation can be uploaded electronically or delivered to the office in paper format. While every case is unique, you generally need to provide proof of ID, two years of tax returns, six months of bank statements, and registration cards for vehicles.

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13

Chapter 7 bankruptcy results in a discharge roughly 120 days after the filing of the bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a years-long bankruptcy where you make a monthly payment for 36 or 60 months. You receive a discharge after making your last payment. Your bankruptcy attorney will be able to help you decide between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Generally speaking, you must pass the Means Test to qualify for Chapter 7. Most clients who choose Chapter 13 do so because of one of the following:

  • Too much income
  • Too many assets
  • A desire to ‘catch up’ on a mortgage or car loan

After a free phone consultation, our office can typically predict for you whether you will need to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. From there, you can decide which route is best for you. If neither of the two options is appealing, we can always discuss the option of pursuing debt settlement instead of bankruptcy.

Phase II – Reviewing Your Petition

With the information we gather in Phase I, we prepare a rough draft of your bankruptcy petition. The bankruptcy petition is a document meant to disclose your financial picture to the bankruptcy court. The key to a successful bankruptcy filing is disclosure. We will provide you with a draft of the petition and review it with you for accuracy and completeness.

Phase III – Signing and Filing The Petition

The bankruptcy petition must be signed prior to being filed. Fortunately, the Charlotte bankruptcy court is allowing electronic signatures and electronic filing. This makes the process quite seamless and easy. Once the petition is filed, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to the file. The trustee will review your petition prior to the 341 meeting.

Phase IV – The 341 Meeting

The 341 meeting is a short meeting between you, us, and the bankruptcy trustee. These hearings are held either on the phone or in person. The trustee will ask you a few questions about the petition they have reviewed. The trustee will also ask if there are any changes that need to be disclosed. You may be surprised to know that creditors very rarely attend the 341 meeting.

Phase V – Discharge

After the 341 meeting, there is a necessary waiting period meant to give creditors time to file their claims with the court. Once the deadline for this filing passes, the trustee will close your case and the bankruptcy court will enter your discharge. This is the true end of the bankruptcy and the final step in the process.

Reasons To Wait To File Bankruptcy

While the bankruptcy rules are very powerful in favor of the debtor, sometimes it makes sense to wait to file your bankruptcy. Usually, these waiting times are well worth it, and relatively easy to spot if you’ve been honest with your bankruptcy attorney. Because the bankruptcy rules look at a specific window of time regarding your financial activity, waiting an extra month or two to file can sometimes make the difference between a smooth and easy bankruptcy, or a rocky road. Here are a few reasons your bankruptcy attorney may recommend you wait to file:

  • Too much income in the past 6 months
  • A transfer to a friend or family member in the past year
  • A large payment to a creditor in the past 90 days
  • A new loan is taken out in the past 90 days
  • Credit card use in the last 90 days beyond day-to-day purchases (Luxury items, etc.)

Hearing that you need to wait to file your bankruptcy may be frustrating. It certainly changes the answer to the question “How long does bankruptcy take?” if your attorney is recommending waiting, for the sole purpose of letting a financial item ‘drop off’ of your timeline. However, taking the advice of your bankruptcy attorney prior to filing will pay off for you in the end.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

Considering filing bankruptcy? Give us a call. A short conversation can restore your belief that there are brighter financial times ahead. We love answering questions and we are here to help. You can reach us at 704.749.7747 or click HERE to request a call.

 

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Bankruptcy For Medical Bills

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Bankruptcy For Medical Bills

You can file bankruptcy for medical bills. Not only will your medical bills be discharged by the bankruptcy, but your other existing unsecured debt will be discharged by filing bankruptcy as well. While this is sometimes referred to as a Medical Bankruptcy, there is no specific legal term for this. It simply signifies that the primary reason you are filing bankruptcy is due to your medical bills.

Your Medical Bills Must Be At Least 90 Days Old

At the time of your bankruptcy filing, your medical bills must be at least 90 days old. This refers to the date of service which gave rise to the medical bills. If the bills are less than 90 days old at the time of the filing, the medical creditor can assert their rights through the bankruptcy by filing an objection to discharge, or in the alternative, that their bill should survive the bankruptcy. Because of this, we often discuss health concerns with our clients who want to file bankruptcy due to medical bills. If you have an upcoming surgery or large medical expense, we may choose to strategically wait to file your case until after the date of service is more than 90 days old.

Medical Bills Due To Personal Injury

North Carolina can be a challenging state when it comes to medical bills in a personal injury claim. Many times, a personal injury settlement will not address one hundred percent of your medical bills. This means you find that you have settled your personal injury claim for as much money as you can, yet you have remaining medical billing related to the injury. Filing bankruptcy for medical bills will address the remaining medical billing associated with your personal injury.

Assets And Income Still Matter

As with any bankruptcy, if you file bankruptcy for medical bills, you still need to pass the income and assets test in order to file a Chapter 7. Our office will work hand in hand with you to determine if you can file a Chapter 7. In the alternative, Chapter 13 is almost always an option.

Alternatives To Filing Bankruptcy

Often, our firm represents clients in debt settlement or debt negotiations. It may be that the client can not file bankruptcy or does not want to file bankruptcy. In any case, as a bankruptcy firm, we hold special leverage against creditors in the negotiation process. Often, this leads to a great result for the client.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you have questions about whether bankruptcy clears the debt, we are here to help. Call us at 704.749.7747 or click HERE to request a free phone consultation. We know you have choices. We hope you choose Layton Law.

 

 

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How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?

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How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?

The cost of a bankruptcy will depend on which Chapter you file. In North Carolina, the cost for a Chapter 13 is set by the court. The cost for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends upon the law firm and the specifics of your case.

Chapter 13 Fees

In the Western District of North Carolina, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is $4,500.00. However, you will most likely not need to pay all of this up front. Each law firm requires a different ‘up front’ (pre-filing) amount to be paid. The remainder of the fees are built into your Chapter 13 plan and are paid monthly to the trustee as part of your ongoing Chapter 13 payment.

By way of example, if you paid $2,000.00 up front before filing, it would leave $2,500.00 to be paid through your plan. If your Chapter 13 plan was 60 months, that equates to roughly $41.50 per month to be built into your Chapter 13 plan.
Your full monthly Chapter 13 payment will depend upon a few factors, including your monthly income and expenses and any priority debt you have. You can read more in our article How Much Will My Chapter 13 Payment Be?

Chapter 7 Fees

While most firms have a standard base fee for Chapter 7 filings, each Chapter 7 is different and requires a different amount of work to be done by the law firm. We do our best during the Free Consultation to discover any specific items which may entail additional work by the firm. A few items which may dictate your Chapter 7 fee are whether you have judgments which need to be addressed, or if we anticipate an objection by a creditor. Lastly, if you have assets which cannot be exempt in bankruptcy, it is reasonable to assume we will need to negotiate with the trustee in an attempt to preserve as many of those assets as possible.

Unexpected Attorney Fees In Chapter 7

There are rarely unexpected attorney fees in Chapter 7. The representation agreement outlines some standardized fees for performing certain tasks, should they need to be performed. Our goal is for each client to know the full extent of attorney fees prior to moving forward with our firm and prior to filing the bankruptcy case. We accomplish this by having thorough conversations with clients and potential clients, in order to discover the full breadth of the bankruptcy filing.

Speak With A Charlotte Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you want to know how much filing bankruptcy will cost, we are happy to discuss it with you. We can be reached at 704.749.7747 or you can request a free consultation HERE. We know considering bankruptcy can be stressful. Our promise is to be the support you need as we work to help you take the next steps toward freedom from debt. We know you have choices. We hope you choose Layton Law.

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What Happens To My Mortgage If I File Bankruptcy?

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What Happens To My Mortgage If I File Bankruptcy?

If you own a home and file bankruptcy, you can keep your home and mortgage secured by the mortgage. Depending upon whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the course of events that follows the filing of the bankruptcy will be slightly different. One analysis that must be done relates to the equity in your home. Generally speaking, you are allowed $35,000.00 in equity per spouse to keep a home in Chapter 7. This is known as an Exemption. In Chapter 13 you can have additional equity beyond those limits; however, it will affect your Chapter 13 payment.

Your Mortgage In Chapter 7

If you own a home with a mortgage and you file Chapter 7, it is important that you are current on your mortgage upon filing the Chapter 7, or by the time of the 341 hearing at the very latest. If you wish to keep the home in Chapter 7, you will continue to make mortgage payments to a bankruptcy department at the mortgage company while the Chapter 7 case is active. Once the case closes, you will resume making payments to the mortgage company in the same manner you did prior to filing.

It is important to note that the filing of a bankruptcy technically discharges the debt (mortgage); however, unless you are planning to surrender the property in bankruptcy, you will need to continue to make mortgage payments.

Unlike reaffirmations for car loans, mortgage debt is very rarely reaffirmed in bankruptcy. Courts frown upon it in an attempt to protect debtors who have recently received a discharge from substantial debt. The American Bankruptcy Institute has written at length about this stance.

If you do not reaffirm your mortgage, provided you stay current on mortgage payments post-bankruptcy, the mortgage lender has no recourse. You keep the house as long as you keep making payments. You receive credit against your balance for all of your payments, and you build equity presuming the value of the house continues to increase.

One downside to not reaffirming a home is that the mortgage company will not report your payments to the credit bureaus. Your remedy for this is to send a letter once a year to each credit bureau indicating the payments you have made. If the creditor fails to file a response disputing that you made the payments, you will get credit for the payments on your credit reports.

One tremendous upside to not reaffirming a mortgage in Chapter 7 is that if you lose your job, the house value is ‘upside down’ in the future, or for any other reason you wish to walk away from the house (and the debt), you can do so. The lender is limited to receiving the property as their only recourse. They can not pursue you for any remaining debt on the home in the event they sell it for less than what you owe on it.

Your Mortgage In Chapter 13

In Chapter 13, you can also keep your home and mortgage, provided you continue to make payments as usual. Additionally, many clients use Chapter 13 as a way to force the lender to let them catch up on missed payments. Your Chapter 13 plan will propose to pay the normal mortgage amount, plus a small amount each month for the purpose of catching up on missed payments over a 60 month period. When the Chapter 13 bankruptcy closes out after 60 months, your mortgage will be deemed current.

Due to the ability to use Chapter 13 for the purpose of catching up on missed payments, many clients use Chapter 13 to avoid a foreclosure. A Chapter 13 can even be filed as an emergency filing, in order to stop a foreclosure. So long as you make ongoing payments in Chapter 13 under your confirmed Chapter 13 plan, the mortgage lender has no choice but to allow Chapter 13 to move forward. Additionally, you will be obtaining a discharge of unsecured debt in Chapter 13.

Old Mortgage Debt In Bankruptcy

If you have old mortgage debt on your credit, a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing will address that debt and your discharge will include it. If your current mortgage is a burden you can surrender your current real estate to the lender in bankruptcy, and the lender will be limited to the home as repayment of their debt– the bankruptcy filing will prevent them from pursuing you as an individual if the sale of the property leaves a remaining balance on the mortgage debt.

Speak With A Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you are facing foreclosure or would like to consider bankruptcy for another reason, we are here to help. Our clients who own real estate are able to file bankruptcy every day while keeping their homes. We can show you how. If you would like a consultation you can call 704.749.7747 to speak with an attorney today. Or you can click HERE to request a consultation. All consultations are free and can be done over the phone. We know you have choices. We hope you choose Layton Law.

 

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Inventory And Equipment In Bankruptcy

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Inventory and Equipment in Bankruptcy

A common scenario is emerging across the country, and one which we are addressing in our office with many potential bankruptcy clients. As small businesses further feel the impact of Covid-19, business owners are wondering where—if any—the outlet valve is for them, financially.

The Small Business Catch-22

There is a catch-22 in a small business bankruptcy scenario, in that the business may be providing enough money for the owner and their family to operate their personal household, but not enough money to pay the expenses required to keep the business going.

While this scenario may have been somewhat tenable for restaurant owners and other small business owners during the moratorium on foreclosure and eviction, those days are nearly over. As courts re-open in North Carolina, foreclosures, evictions, and creditor lawsuits will move forward. Without an influx of income or some other relief, this will no doubt place business owners in an untenable position.

The business owner wants to continue to operate the business to bring in necessary income to live off of, but they cannot keep up with the mounting debt and invoices.

How Can Bankruptcy Help?

The type of debt you carry will be a key factor in how your small business will be affected by a bankruptcy filing. Second, the value of your business inventory and assets will be a factor. If your business debt is unsecured debt, you may be able to protect your equipment and inventory from creditors in a bankruptcy. Lastly, you can exempt or protect some of your business inventory and equipment in bankruptcy, if it has value above and beyond what is owed to creditors who have liens against it.

Many of our small business clients elect to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. So long as you pay your creditors the value of your unexempt business inventory and equipment over the life of the Chapter 13, you can operate your business during bankruptcy. As your business recovers and income increases, it is true your Chapter 13 payment may increase, but you always have the option of dropping out of or dismissing your Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you have recovered enough to enable you to pay your bills.

Secured Creditors

If your debt is secured by inventory or equipment, those secured creditors will take priority over other creditors. They will be entitled to either the equipment, or payment up to the value of that equipment. Depending upon whether the secured creditor was a purchase money creditor, or a general line of credit creditor who took a security interest in equipment you already owned, we can advise how that debt and equipment will be treated in a bankruptcy.

Back Rent In Chapter 13

Chapter 13 offers you the ability to stop an eviction by a landlord, if you show you will be able to pay rent going forward, while slowly making up the missed rent in your Chapter 13 payments. Chapter 13 is typically a 60 month plan, so your back rent is paid over that 60 month period while you continue to make your normal rent payments. The length of your lease will be a factor, as well as whether your landlord has already obtained an order in the eviction process. The end of the moratorium on evictions certainly make the likelihood of filing to avoid eviction a reality.

Walking Away From The Business In Bankruptcy

If you are ready to walk away from the business, you may qualify for a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. While this means you would most likely file bankruptcy and dissolve the corporate (business) entity, there is nothing to stop you from forming a new company on the heels of bankruptcy and doing business again under a new name.

Speak With A Charlotte Small Business Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

Call today if you have questions about your small business, equipment and inventory in bankruptcy, or other concerns. The consultation is free, and we are here to help. We can be reached at 704.479.7747. Or, you can click HERE to request a free consultation.

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