Chapter 11 Pine Bluff Business Bankruptcy Lawyer & Business Bankruptcy Law Firm
What is a Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy? Who would file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Pine Bluff?
A bankruptcy case filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will generally be filed by a Pine Bluff 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 Jefferson 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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, area can provide invaluable financial support to businesses and provide guidance of when it might be time to seek the advice of a qualified Pine Bluff Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney. Some Pine Bluff area financial professionals include:
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Newton Owen Boyd & Smoke LTD 800 S Main Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 535-1510 Saia Joe L Jr CPA LTD 2306 W 31st Avenue, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 535-1040 |
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Moss Burks Moss & Co CPA 123 W 2nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 534-2728 Minor Alan K CPA 106 S Main Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 535-8000 |
Chapter 11 bankruptcies may also be filed by individuals in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County (an individual may be an unmarried person, a married person filing alone, or a married couple). |
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 Pine Bluff Chapter 11 bankruptcy is much more complicated and requires the advice of a qualified Pine Bluff Bankruptcy Attorney.
Common types of creditors in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, with whom a person may have very high debts that disqualify them filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy:
Banks and Mortgage Companies such as Pine Bluff National Bank (912 South Poplar Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71611) and Riverside Federal Savings Association (121 West Sixth Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601).
Car Dealers such as Budget Car Rental (5501 S Olive Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 663-4473) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2217 S Olive St, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 534-7766).
Jewelry Stores such as Sara Jewelers (2801 S Olive Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 536-2488 and Jewelry Palace, 2901 Pines Mall Drive, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 534-5565).
The Basics of a Chapter 11 Pine Bluff Bankruptcy:
A qualified Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, Arkansas (but they may vary depending on specific circumstances):
► The case begins when the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court. Jefferson County cases are filed with the Arkansas Eastern Bankruptcy Court located in the 100 E 8th Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 536-1190.
► 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 Pine Bluff Bankruptcy Attorney will advise you on the effects of confirmation of your plan.
Contact a Pine Bluff Bankruptcy Attorney for advice and consultation about filing a Ch. 11 Jefferson County Bankruptcy.
Serving clients throughout Southeastern Arkansas, including Arkadelphia, Center Grove, Clarksville, Cornerstone, Dumas, El Dorado, Fordyce, Friendship, Grady, Greenville, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Mount Zion, Pine Bluff, Redfield, Sheridan, Wabbaseka, Warren, White Oak Bluff, Wrightsville, and other communities in Jefferson County.