Core Proceedings and the Bankruptcy Court

Let’s say you’re having a really, really, bad week. You were injured in a car accident, the extension the contractor put on your house fell apart and now you’re suing him for breach of contract, your wife just found out about your (latest) girlfriend and has filed for divorce, and you can’t pay your creditors, so you just filed a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In the middle of reeling from all of this you think to yourself, when I get into bankruptcy court, is the judge going to decide the liability, breach of contract and divorce cases too?

Good question.

When you file for bankruptcy, it is important to understand what matters the court will decide and what matters it won’t decide. Knowing the extent of the court’s  jurisdictional authority is one reason why it is important that you hire competent bankruptcy counsel to represent you. We have offices throughout Oregon and in Washington State. Our attorneys are experienced bankruptcy attorneys and they know the law.

The Bankruptcy Court’s Jurisdiction. Core Proceedings.

Bankruptcy courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. That means that they do not hear and decide everything and anything. Congress granted bankruptcy judges jurisdiction over certain issues, which are called “core proceedings.” A bankruptcy judge’s decisional power is generally limited to bankruptcy matters.

Core proceedings are proceedings or issues that are entirely related to the bankruptcy case. The bankruptcy judge has the power to hear and decide these matters and enter judgment on them. Some examples of core proceedings are: the bankruptcy trustee’s duties, matters concerning debtor exemptions, or proceedings to determine, decide or recover fraudulent transfers. There are many more, but this should give you some idea of what the bankruptcy court will hear and decide.

Non-core Proceedings.

Non-core proceedings are issues that arise in a bankruptcy case that are not technically bankruptcy matters. These are called “non-core proceedings.” Examples of non-core proceedings in our fact pattern above would be your divorce, the car accident and the breach of contract action against your contractor. These matters are not governed by bankruptcy law but by other state laws and they are not directly related to your bankruptcy.

However, that does not mean that the bankruptcy court cannot hear and decide issues that may be non-core proceedings yet are matters directly related to your bankruptcy. For example, in our fact pattern above, while the bankruptcy court will not decide your divorce (in other words, it won’t enter a dissolution of marriage), it may decide issues in the divorce case that are related to your bankruptcy— like division of the marital property.

If the bankruptcy judge makes a decision in a non-core proceeding, that decision cannot become a final judgment unless all parties consent. If the parties don’t consent, then the bankruptcy judge must submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Superior or Circuit court.

We Know the Law!

If you find any of this confusing, don’t worry. We are bankruptcy attorneys with offices in Tigard, Salem, Albany, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Bend, and several other cities in Oregon. We also have offices in Vancouver and Tri-Cities in Washington. We offer free consultations and we can help you. To set up an appointment, call us toll free at: 1-800-682.9568.

What to Expect in Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling

The decision to file bankruptcy is not an easy one to make. Many people experience enormous distress, shame and embarrassment over their financial difficulties. Without question, declaring Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is no minor decision. But it just may be the right one for you. Especially if you cannot see any way of paying off your debt in the next 5 years.

Mandatory Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling.

Before you can file for bankruptcy, however, you must complete mandatory credit counseling and receive a certificate. Once you have completed the counseling and have your certificate, you must file it with the court along with your other bankruptcy forms. Credit counseling is mandatory. If you do not file a certificate of credit counseling with the court, the bankruptcy court will dismiss your case.

But why do you have to do mandatory credit counseling?

Its purpose is to ensure that bankruptcy is your only best option. In 2005, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) in response to the fact that many people who were financially capable of repaying their debts were using bankruptcy to have those debts discharged. This new law completely overhauled the bankruptcy law and made a number of important changes to bankruptcy rules and procedures. One of these changes was the requirement that debtors complete credit counseling both before filing bankruptcy and prior to discharge.

The purpose of pre-bankruptcy credit counseling is to provide an impartial look at whether or not a debtor really needs to file for bankruptcy.

The Where, When, and What of Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling.

Pre-bankruptcy credit counseling may be the most painless part of bankruptcy. It can be done in person, by phone, or online; and it usually doesn’t take more than a couple of hours.

The most important thing to remember is that you must complete the counseling before you file for bankruptcy. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that is valid for 180 days. If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you will need to file that certificate with the court.

For your counseling session, you will want to bring with you (or have available) information about your debts and your income.

The counselor will discuss your financial situation with you and will talk to you about what non-bankruptcy options you may have. Counseling will most likely include:

  • A thorough review of your personal finances
  • A discussion of alternatives to bankruptcy
  • Personal budget plan.

The counseling will help you to understand how bankruptcy works and what you can do to avoid financial risk in the future.

We’ll Walk You Through it!

If you are concerned about whether or not you should file for bankruptcy, or have questions about what happens if you decide to file for bankruptcy, give us a call. We offer free consultations. We are experienced bankruptcy attorneys with offices in Tigard, Salem, Albany, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Bend, and several other cities in Oregon. We also have offices in Vancouver and Tri-Cities in Washington. You can call us toll free at: 1-800-682.9568.

What is Bankruptcy Exemption Planning?

 

The main purposes of the bankruptcy laws are to:

  • Give an honest debtor a “fresh start” by relieving the debtor of most debts, and
  • Repay creditors in an orderly manner to the extent that the debtor has property available to do so.

One of the primary ways that the bankruptcy law attains its goal of providing debtors with a “fresh start,” is by providing debtors with certain “exemptions” that protect their property from creditors and put it beyond the reach of the bankruptcy trustee.

Bankruptcy exemption planning is the process of making deliberate choices concerning a debtor’s property before filing bankruptcy, to maximize the exemption protections provided by the bankruptcy law.

Warning: Bankruptcy Exemption Planning Can Be Dangerous.

Most people who file for bankruptcy do not lose anything they own because they often file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and everything they own is “exempt.” Or, if they have non-exempt property, they file a Chapter 13 and are able to use its “adjustment of debts” option to protect their “non-exempt” assets. But bankruptcy is not a “one size fits all” proposition, so this isn’t always the case. Sometimes a debtor may have assets that are not exempt, but cannot be protected well through a Chapter 13. That’s when exemption planning can be very beneficial.

That is not to say that exemption planning is simple. It isn’t. It consists of developing strategies for managing and positioning your assets before you file for bankruptcy so those assets are protected once you do file. Those strategies may better enable you to pay certain creditors that you want to pay, or need to pay, over others that you don’t. But there are risks associated with exemption planning. Because of the dangers associated with exemption planning, especially over-aggressive planning, bankruptcy exemption planning should always be undertaken with the assistance of experienced and informed bankruptcy counsel.

As noted above, one of the main tenants of bankruptcy law is that honest debtors should be allowed to discharge their debts, and the law provides exemptions to allow them to do so. On the other hand, bankruptcy is not meant to benefit dishonest debtors. Section 727(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits any debtor who attempts to defraud creditors by transfers of property, from being discharged. Clearly, then, there is a tension in the law with regard to how much you are allowed to sell or transfer before filing for bankruptcy. To properly engage in exemption planning, you will need the advice of an experienced and highly competent bankruptcy attorney to guide you as to the safest way to engage in asset protection and other strategies, and to inform you on which strategies are likely to be safe, and which are risky.

Don’t Go it Alone!

If you have assets that are not exempt but can’t be protected well through Chapter 13, or are simply considering filing bankruptcy, you may well benefit from pre-bankruptcy planning. If you are in Portland, Eugene, Coos Bay, Medford, or any other city in Oregon, we have an office near you, and we provide free initial case consultations. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or send us an email.

What Role Does Your Attorney Play in Filing for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a complex process that begins before the time you file and goes straight through to the debt discharge and the period when you will begin the process of rebuilding your credit. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate the maze of decisions, paperwork, procedure, and compliance that goes along with a bankruptcy filing.

From the beginning, your bankruptcy attorney is there to determine the right course for you and your specific circumstances. We assess your financial situation, help you to determine your financial goals, and discuss the options that are available and most appropriate for you. We can also begin taking collection calls and other creditor communications on your behalf.

One of the main tasks your bankruptcy attorney will undertake for you is the preparation and filing of your bankruptcy petition. These forms are exhaustive, and often run to 30-60 pages or more. The attorney will ensure that the forms are filled out completely and accurately in compliance with the applicable state law. Once you have reviewed the information, your bankruptcy attorney will file the finalized, signed version with the bankruptcy court.

A bankruptcy attorney will also help you determine whether a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing is right for you. This involves you and your attorney assessing the size and makeup of your debt, what assets you are willing to risk in a bankruptcy, and your ability (if any) to repay your debts. When you have an initial consultation with a bankruptcy attorney, here are some of the key points to go over:

  • How you can leverage bankruptcy to achieve your financial goals
  • What you can expect during the bankruptcy process
  • Any difficulties or issues specific to your case
  • Whether you should file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
  • What can be done to make the bankruptcy process easier for you

 

 

Bankruptcy and Divorce

Divorce is one of the big three reasons people file for bankruptcy (medical and job loss are the other two).  The interplay between these two areas of law can be complicated.  To make the right decision in terms of if and when to file for bankruptcy in the context of divorce, you need to know how bankruptcy can affect divorce and vice versa.

Generally, it makes the most sense to file for bankruptcy before getting a divorce. Since bankruptcy fees are the same for both joint and individual filings, you and your spouse can save money on fees by declaring bankruptcy while still married. Furthermore, attorney fees will likely be lower if you file jointly (make sure your bankruptcy attorney is aware of the upcoming divorce to avoid any conflict of interest).

Regarding Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13, it is usually a better idea to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy before a divorce. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing will usually take only a few months to receive the debt discharge. A Chapter 13, however, will run for three to five years. Since this process drags on, if you want to file for Chapter 13 it is usually better to do so after the divorce.

Filing for bankruptcy before also simplifies the property division process that will take place during the divorce. However, this is only the case if you live in a state that allows for enough exemptions to protect all of your joint property. Some states allow you to double the exemptions if you file for bankruptcy jointly. If you can’t double the exemptions, it might be a better idea to file individually after the divorce. Check with your bankruptcy attorney to clarify what your state will allow.

Also, when deciding when and if to file for bankruptcy before/after a divorce, keep in mind that certain debts are not dischargeable. Non-dischargeable debts include: alimony, child support, student loans, and attorney fees related to child custody or support cases.  If possible, consult with a bankruptcy attorney before starting the divorce proceedings to get the best course of action (if the petition for divorce has already been filed then each party will need to consult with their own bankruptcy attorney).

Pros and Cons to Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

For people who are ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or wish to repay their debts using a repayment plan, filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a great option. The following are some pros and cons to declaring a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Pros:

  • While under Chapter 13 the repayment of debts generally take place over a longer term, it’s often an advantage to have more time to budget and make disciplined payments; there can also be more flexibility on the payment terms in the context of Chapter 13. Furthermore, once you have successfully completed the Chapter 13 repayment plan, creditors cannot then obligate you to pay them in full.
  • While you can only file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy once every eight years, you can file for Chapter 13 repeatedly (every two years) if you need to (though each additional filing will show up on your credit report).
  • A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is noted on your credit score for up to seven years, while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain for ten years.
  • If during a Chapter 13 repayment plan you experience a sudden and significant financial hardship like losing your job or accumulating medical bills, your bankruptcy trustee can modify the repayment plan. The court may even allow a debt discharge due to hardship.

Cons:

  • You limit your Chapter 7 options. You cannot file for a Chapter 7 if you previously filed under Chapter 13 within the last eight years.
  • A Chapter 13 repayment plan can take a long time (up to five years in some cases).
  • Since you will be repaying your debts out of your post-bankruptcy disposable income, you will have cash tied up throughout the duration of the repayment plan.

Your debts could be too high to qualify for Chapter 13. If your secured debts exceed $1,184,200, you will be ineligible for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and the Means Test

The main hurdle you have to overcome when attempting to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the means test. The Chapter 7 means test is designed to look at your income and expenses and disqualify you for Chapter 7 if they don’t fit within certain guidelines. The means test will compare your average monthly income for the six-month period preceding your bankruptcy filing against the median income of a comparable household in your state of residence.

The means test is intended to prevent people with higher than average incomes from filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Often, the better bet for someone who cannot qualify under the mean test is to go the Chapter 13 route. The means test comes across as relatively straightforward, but it can be more complex than you think. A good bankruptcy attorney can be an invaluable resource in guiding you through this process. Here are three common mistakes people make when completing the means test form:

  • Listing the wrong household size. This can be more complicated than it would seem since courts don’t always agree on what constitutes household size. A minority of courts take the view that everyone living in the house should be counted. Other courts determine household size by including only those people who are financially dependent on the debtor. Household size is extremely important to the means test because it is used to calculate the median family income to balance against your income, and the standard deduction amounts for housing and certain other expenses.
  • Your income doesn’t match up to the documentation you provide. This is information you have to go over carefully. The number of weeks in a month, the issue date of paychecks, and the timing of the bankruptcy filing are all factors that can affect the average income figures.
  • Failing to take all allowable deductions. Don’t miss out on a deduction you are entitled to. Court ordered payments like those in a divorce or child custody case are allowable deductions, for example.

 

How Do I Get Credit After Filing for Bankruptcy?

One of the fears many people have over filing for bankruptcy is that they won’t be able to get credit afterwards. This is simply not the case. While declaring bankruptcy will hurt your credit score, there are strategies for rebuilding your credit immediately after filing.  Most chapter 7 clients begin receiving credit offers within 30 days of filing the case!

Right from the start you might be a more attractive prospect to a lender, since you have just dramatically reduced your debt-to-income ratio (at least in the case of Chapter 7; in a Chapter 13 this process will take longer, but it will happen). Those who have filed for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will benefit from the discipline of being on a repayment plan. This will also help in the long-term process of rebuilding credit.

It is important after filing for bankruptcy that you closely monitor your credit reports and credit score. Make sure you get a copy of your credit report from the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Go over the reports and look for errors and omissions regarding your current residence, employment and contact information. Some experts recommending avoiding credit repair agencies. Not all of them are above board, and even the reputable ones may not be able to do much that you cannot do yourself.

Another way to immediately begin rebuilding your credit score following a bankruptcy is to open a secured credit card account. A secured card is a credit card that requires a cash collateral deposit which then becomes the credit line for that account. After a period of timely payments, the bank will sometimes reward you by increasing your credit line without you having to make an additional deposit. The best way to utilize a secured credit card is to make a few purchases every month and then pay them off in a timely manner. Don’t carry a balance around on the card. OlsenDaines provides all our clients with a free credit rebuilding program, an invaluable resource in helping you make a plan for rebuilding your credit.

 

 

5 Myths About Bankruptcy

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the bankruptcy process. When making the decision whether to initiate the bankruptcy process, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction. Here are 7 of the most common myths surrounding bankruptcy.

  1. Bankruptcy will ruin my credit.

For many people considering filing, this may be a moot point as they likely already have a low credit score. In any event, filing for bankruptcy can actually sometimes improve your credit score. As far as your credit report goes, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will show on the report for 10 years. Again, this may not be a bad thing. Borrowing opportunities may actually increase when prospective lenders see that you filed and are in the process of rebuilding your credit.

  1. I make too much to file for bankruptcy.

Even if you’re taking home more than your state’s median income, you may still be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. To qualify for Chapter 7, you need to pass a mean test. Basically, this entails that if you have a certain amount of cash left over after subtracting your expenses from income you will be denied. However, you may very well have significant expenditures that outweigh your income. This is where a good bankruptcy attorney comes in; your attorney can prove your need for bankruptcy relief in spite of your income.

  1. I’d be better off paying all of my debts.

While filing for bankruptcy is undoubtedly a serious financial step to take, it may still be the right one. The easing of financial stress and the sense of “wiping the slate clean” can provide a huge sense of relief. According to Time’s Money column,

“If your debts are more than 50% of your annual income and you see no way to pay them off within five years, bankruptcy is likely your best path toward living debt-free.”

  1. Filing for bankruptcy means I’m lazy or a deadbeat.

Many people buy in to the myth that bankruptcy is a personal failing. In fact, bankruptcy is simply a tool that can help people regain control over their financial state. Many people who file for bankruptcy have exhausted all other options in trying to resolve their debt problems. With stagnant wages and medical costs that continue to sky rocket, the truth is that bankruptcy is nothing more or less than a remedy for a specific set of financial conditions that can happen to anyone.

  1. If I file, I’ll lose everything.

The truth is you may be able to keep a lot more than you think. The majority of Chapter 7 bankruptcies are no-asset cases where the debtor doesn’t have to give up any possessions. In these cases, you are allowed to carve out exemptions for basic assets that are necessary for your daily life. This can vary depending on the state; for people in Oregon or Washington, your best bet is to contact a reputable bankruptcy attorney in your state to learn more.

What Debts Do You Still Owe After Bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a way for people overwhelmed with debt to get a fresh start on their finances. A debt discharge under Chapter 7 releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. However, there are some debts that do not fall into this category. Depending on the circumstances, there are some bills that you must (or should) continue to pay.

The basic Chapter 7 timeline is as follows:

  • Mandatory credit counseling
  • Filing of papers to begin the bankruptcy process
  • Creditors’ meeting held about a month after the papers are filed
  • Mandatory budge counseling within 60 days of the creditors’ meeting
  • 60 days after the creditors’ meeting the court will send a written discharge of your debts

For most debtors the discharge order wiping out debts will be entered automatically. Once the discharge has occurred, creditors cannot initiate or continue any actions against the debtor to collect a discharged debt. This includes telephone calls, letters, and any other personal contact.

The following debts may not be discharged under Chapter 7:

  • Alimony and child support
  • Educational loans made or guaranteed by the government
  • Debts for willful or malicious injuries to another person or another person’s property
  • Debts involving death or personal injury resulting from the debtor’s operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated
  • Debts for certain criminal restitution orders
  • Debts the debtor did not set forth in the bankruptcy filings to the court
  • Debts owed to certain tax-advantaged retirement plans
  • Debts for certain condominium or cooperative housing fees

It’s worth noting that the debt discharge under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is slightly broader than Chapter 7. The following debts may be dischargeable under Chapter 13, but not Chapter 7:

  • Debts for willful or malicious injury to property
  • Debts involving property settlements in divorce or separation proceedings

If you would like to discuss your situation with one of our licensed bankruptcy attorneys, our doors are wide open. We offer free consultations to people throughout the state of Oregon, and we also have offices in Vancouver, and Tri-Cities in Washington. To schedule an appointment, send us a message through our contact page.