Chapter 11 Santa Barbara Business Bankruptcy Lawyer & Business Bankruptcy Law Firm

What is a Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy? Who would file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Santa Barbara?

A bankruptcy case filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will generally be filed by a Santa Barbara area business, although this chapter is also available to individuals. While a business may choose to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation), it may not file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization) because these are reserved for individuals. But it is very common for a business to want to reorganize its debts and stay in business rather than filing a Chapter 7 and liquidating all of its assets. Chapter 11 bankruptcies are available to Santa Barbara County businesses for this purpose (i.e., staying in business and restructuring the company's debts). Whether you are a small business or a large business, debt can beome overriding.

There are some famous Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases filed by some high profile companies: Lehman Brothers in 2008 (during the Wall Street collapse); Washington Mutual Bank which was quickly acquired by Chase Bank; and the Enron bankruptcy which brought to light unlawful accounting practices. It doesn't take unlawful accounting practices to get a business, even a small business, into trouble ... the current economy combined with poor bookkeeping and/or lack of financial planning can cause problems and conceal a looming financial crisis for Santa Barbara businesses.

A business does not have to be completely insolvent before it is allowed to file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Accountants and bookkeepers in the Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California, area can provide invaluable financial support to businesses and provide guidance of when it might be time to seek the advice of a qualified Santa Barbara Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney. Some Santa Barbara area financial professionals include:

The main reason an individual or married couple would want to file a Ch. 11 bankruptcy instead of a Ch. 13 case is because their debts may exceed the limits allowed in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Although similar to ch.13, a Santa Barbara Chapter 11 bankruptcy is much more complicated and requires the advice of a qualified Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Attorney.

Common types of creditors in Santa Barbara, California, with whom a person may have very high debts that disqualify them filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy:

Banks and Mortgage Companies such as First Bank (3304 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105) and Business First Bank (1035 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

Car Dealers such as Auto Store (1120 N Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103) and Bramar Motors (531 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

Jewelry Stores such as Esther's Fine Jewelry (220 W Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101) and Gillio Coin and Fine Jewelry (1103 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

The Basics of a Chapter 11 Santa Barbara Bankruptcy:

A qualified Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Law Firm will have the expertise to guide their clients through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Here are the common steps for Chapter 11 cases filed in Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County, California (but they may vary depending on specific circumstances):

► The case begins when the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court. Santa Barbara County cases are filed with the California Central Bankruptcy Court located in the Northern Division, 1415 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

► The filing fee of $1,000 and administrative fee of $39 are paid.

► Upon filing of the petition and pursuant to Section 1107 of the bankruptcy code, the debtor assumes the responsibilities normally assigned to a trustee (as in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 case) and is known as "debtor in possession." This means the debtor may continue to operate the business, including paying employees.

► The debtor in possession also has the responsibility of filing monthly operating reports with the Court and the U.S. Trustee, filing and paying taxes, and creating a plan for reorganization.

► Although the debtor is given the authority to continue to operate the business in the ordinary course of business, the debtor is expected to do so in a manner in the best interest of all concerned. The interest of the creditors is protected by the formation of various creditor committees. These committees will have much influence on the reorganization plan being developed by the debtor in possession.

► A plan is proposed, a confirmation hearing is held, and eventually a plan will be confirmed.

► The plan is implemented.

► Confirmation of the plan can also mean discharge of debts incurred prior to confirmation, but there are many variables including whether the debtor is an individual or a business. Your Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Attorney will advise you on the effects of confirmation of your plan.

Contact a Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Attorney for advice and consultation about filing a Ch. 11 Santa Barbara County Bankruptcy.

Serving clients throughout Southern California, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Camarillo, Carpintera, El Paso de Robles, Fillmore, Goleta, Isla Vista, Lompoc, Los alamos, Los Osos, Moorpark, Nipomo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Solvang, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and other communities in Santa Barbara County.