Bankruptcy laws exist to allow borrowers the opportunity to reorganize and work to get out from under their debt by liquidating assets to pay off their creditors, or to obtain additional time to pay existing debts without having to liquidate their assets.
The bankruptcy code is divided into several ‘Chapters’ and with regards to real estate, the bankruptcy process for homeowners is typically covered under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Bankruptcy courts, under the supervision of U.S. District courts, administer the bankruptcy petitions and then will appoint a trustee to handle the bankruptcy. Each bankruptcy is set up for a specific kind of relief and are structured very differently.
Effect of the ‘Automatic Stay’
In both cases there is one important fact. The moment a bankruptcy petition is filed, an ‘automatic stay’ goes into effect, and is a measure that protects the petitioner from any collection or foreclosure proceedings.
Relief from the ‘Automatic Stay’
Secured creditors may petition the court for relief from the stay in order to proceed with the bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings, if they can show good cause. Some of the most common causes for relief of the stay are:
• For cause, including the lack of adequate protection
(i.e., failure to make post petition maintenance payments).
• The debtor does not have any equity in the property.
• The property is not necessary to an effective reorganization.
How we can help?
First, filing of the “proof of claim” must be done to get the Association listed as a creditor, and the balance owed included in the plan, and to receive payments from the court.
Secondly, we seek an order of “Adequate Protection” to get not only the original debt paid as well as the ongoing assessments that come due during the bankruptcy plan. We have the ability to obtain relief from the automatic stay for you on all Chapter 7 matters as well as Chapter 13 matters where a post-petition default has arisen. We will also prepare and file an objection to Confirmation of Chapter 13 plan, when necessary. Utilizing our in-house Bankruptcy service will relieve you from finding an attorney to handle the Adequate Protection and Relief from Stay action, and it guarantees you expeditious and efficient service.
Chapter 7
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a commonly used type of bankruptcy for individuals to file, and it is designed to allow the debtor to get out from under their debt and discharge it completely.
Purpose
The purpose of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to liquidate the debtor’s assets in order to pay off their creditors. Smaller creditors are paid off first because the larger creditors are backed by collateral, such as a mortgage or trust deed. Large liens such as trust deeds and mortgages can usually survive in a Chapter 7. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, once complete, stays on the debtors credit report for ten years.
In a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the debtor will first file a bankruptcy petition with the court, then a trustee is appointed to handle the bankruptcy proceedings. The automatic stay to prevent foreclosure goes into effect as soon as the petition is filed. A relief from the automatic stay must then be obtained before any foreclosure proceedings can begin. We can obtain a relief from the automatic stay on a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, if it is financially feasible for the Association to do so.
Grounds for Relief in Chapter 7
• No equity or marginal equity
• Lack of adequate protection
Other Issues
• Court Trustee’s interest in debtor’s equity.
• “Drop Dead” date, (date property can be sold or foreclosure continued).
• Proof of claim (not necessary in no asset cases).
• Stipulations are entered into to define debtor’s obligations to secured creditor, often providing for ex parte relief from stay.
Chapter 13
In a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, often called a wage-earner plan or bill-payer plan, the debtor agrees to a court approved and coordinated payment plan that reorganizes their debt and makes a three to five-year payment plan to pay off and get caught up and current with their creditors.
Purpose of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The purpose of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to allow the debtor an opportunity to reorganize their debt, establish a payment plan that will allow them to pay off creditors within three to five years, avoid foreclosure, and get a new financial start. The advantage to the debtor is there is no liquidation of assets and upon completion of the payment plan, all of their debts are discharged. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is only for people that have a regular income and will be able to meet the terms of the repayment plan.
As with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect as soon as the petition is filed. We can assist you in obtaining relief from the stay in order to proceed with foreclosure proceedings.
Effect on the Foreclosing Creditor
* Automatic stay prevents foreclosure.
* Relief from stay must be obtained.
How Do I Get Started?
- Starting an account is a quick and easy process. First we need a signed Designated Agent Form.
- Next we need a copy of your Collection Policy and a W-9.
- Finally we will need a New Association Information Form completed. This form will have all the information we need to open an account and begin the collections process.
Once we have the required documents, all future accounts can be started by simply emailing or faxing account information to us.
Or just give us a call and we’ll walk you through everything over the phone.