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

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

A bankruptcy case filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will generally be filed by a Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Monica 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 Monica, Los Angeles 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 Monica Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney. Some Santa Monica 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 Monica Chapter 11 bankruptcy is much more complicated and requires the advice of a qualified Santa Monica Bankruptcy Attorney.

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

Banks and Mortgage Companies such as Santa Monica Bank (1251 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90406) and Viking Savings and Loan Association (2010 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90403).

Car Dealers such as Newcars.Com (701 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-6430) and Toyota Santa Monica Preowned (1100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 255-0773).

Jewelry Stores such as Loraine Fine Jewelry (2507 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 998-0080) and Claude Joaillier Fine Jewelry (1014 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 917-9232).

The Basics of a Chapter 11 Santa Monica Bankruptcy:

A qualified Santa Monica 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 Monica and Los Angeles County, California (but they may vary depending on specific circumstances):

► The case begins when the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court. Los Angeles County cases are filed with the California Central Bankruptcy Court located in the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse, 255 E. Temple Street, Room 940, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 894-3118.

► 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 Monica Bankruptcy Attorney will advise you on the effects of confirmation of your plan.

Contact a Santa Monica Bankruptcy Attorney for advice and consultation about filing a Ch. 11 Los Angeles County Bankruptcy.

Serving clients throughout Southern California, including Agoura Hills, Athens, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Compton, Culver City, Downey, East Los Angeles, Florence, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Lawndale, Lennox, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhatten, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, South Gate, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, View Park, West Athens, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, and other communities in Los Angeles County.