Most people dealing with financial pressure evaluate bankruptcy and voluntarily decide whether filing for bankruptcy makes sense for them. But creditors can also force debtors into Chapter 7 bankruptcy using an involuntary bankruptcy process. Learn more about these rare bankruptcy filings, including:
If this happens to you, you have options.
You'll start by checking that the creditors filed the involuntary bankruptcy properly. Here are the requirements:
You'll likely want to object to the filing if it doesn't satisfy all of the requirements, but you'll probably need a bankruptcy lawyer to do this. A bankruptcy lawyer will also explain the likelihood of success and whether you have other reasons to contest the involuntary filing.
Creditors often do worse in bankruptcy than if they pursued their debts outside of bankruptcy—which is why it's rare for creditors to file an involuntary bankruptcy. So if you're struggling to pay your bills, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy might not be a bad option.
The automatic stay will prevent creditors from collecting outside of the bankruptcy action. If you're an individual, you'll likely be able to protect at least some property using bankruptcy exemptions.
But Chapter 7 works differently for individuals and businesses, so if a company is involved, you'll want to explore the effects of Chapter 7 bankruptcy on small businesses. And keep in mind that small businesses other than sole proprietors aren't entitled to a Chapter 7 debt discharge. If you personally guaranteed business debts, your assets might be at risk.
Chapter 13 works well for people who want to keep property they'd lose in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you're an individual or sole proprietor, you can convert to Chapter 13 if you think it would be a better choice.
But you'll need enough income to support a Chapter 13 repayment plan. And this chapter isn't available to businesses other than sole proprietors. If you are a sole proprietor, be sure to review the differences between Chapters 13 and 11.
Bankruptcy is an unusual area of law because it's essentially a qualification process. The laws provide instructions for completing a 50- to 60-page bankruptcy petition, and because all rules apply in every case, you can't skip a step.
The forms and resources below will help you find more information. Also, you can use this list of Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy forms to see where this topic falls. And this handy bankruptcy document checklist will help you gather the things you'll need to complete the petition.
More Bankruptcy Information |
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Bankruptcy Forms |
You'll find fillable, downloadable bankruptcy forms on the U.S. Courts bankruptcy form webpage. |
Related Information |
What Should I Know About Bankruptcy? |
We want to help you find the answers you need. Go to TheBankruptcySite for more easy-to-understand bankruptcy articles, or consider buying a self-help book like The New Bankruptcy by Attorney Cara O'Neill.
We wholeheartedly encourage research and learning, but online articles can't address all bankruptcy issues or the facts of your case. The best way to protect your assets in bankruptcy is by consulting with a local bankruptcy lawyer.