Chapter 11 Long Island Business Bankruptcy Lawyer & Business Bankruptcy Law Firm

What is a Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy? Who would file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Long Island?

A bankruptcy case filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will generally be filed by a Long Island 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 Nassau County and Suffolk 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 Long Island 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 Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York, area can provide invaluable financial support to businesses and provide guidance of when it might be time to seek the advice of a qualified Long Island Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney. Some Long Island 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 Long Island Chapter 11 bankruptcy is much more complicated and requires the advice of a qualified Long Island Bankruptcy Attorney.

Common types of creditors in Long Island, New York, with whom a person may have very high debts that disqualify them filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy:

Banks and Mortgage Companies such as Community National Bank, (3121 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572) and Mid-Island Mortgage Corporation, (900 Merchants Concourse, Westbury, NY 1159).

Car Dealers such as Riverhead Toyota, (1655 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY 11901) and Riverhead Nissan, (1800 County Road 58, Riverhead, NY 11901).

Jewelry Stores such as Robert's Jewelers, (Main Road & Feather Hill, Southold, NY 11971) and Berne Jewelers Inc, (1674 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566).

The Basics of a Chapter 11 Long Island Bankruptcy:

A qualified Long Island 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 Long Island and Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York (but they may vary depending on specific circumstances):

► The case begins when the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court. Nassau County and Suffolk County cases are filed with the New York Eastern Bankruptcy Court located in Long Island Federal Court House, 290 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722 - (631) 712-6200.

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

Contact a Long Island Bankruptcy Attorney for advice and consultation about filing a Ch. 11 Nassau County and Suffolk County Bankruptcy.

Serving clients in Long Island including Queensbridge Houses, Sunnyside, Blissville, Tudor City, Ravenswood Houses, Greenpoint, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Sunnyside Gardens, Peter Cooper Village, Stuyvesant Town, Rose Hill, Jacob Riis Houses, Haberman, Loisaida, Astoria, Williamsburg, Woodside Houses, New York. Also serving the boroughs of Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens (Queens County) and Nassau and Suffolk counties.