Chapter 11 bankruptcy is often used by corporations or wealthy individuals who need a fresh start. Examples include Skymall and General Motors, which both filed for chapter 11 to restructure their debts.

The process of filing for chapter 11 can be lengthy and costly. Because of this, it’s important to know what you can and cannot expect from a bankruptcy case.

Creditors

Creditors have many rights under chapter 11 bankruptcy, including the right to be paid in full for their claims, to receive a share of the company’s assets, and to file a proof of claim. However, creditors also have the right to object to a bankruptcy plan if they don’t like it or to file a motion to dismiss or convert the case to chapter 7.

Creditors must also be made aware of their rights as soon as a debtor files for bankruptcy. They must be notified by a Notice to Creditors. They can then review the Debtor’s schedules to determine if their claims are listed and how much they’re owed. If a claim isn’t listed or the amount is wrong, the creditor can file a Proof of Claim.

A bankruptcy plan is a legal document that outlines the terms of the debtor’s reorganization, which usually entails paying creditors some or all of their claims in a way that is more convenient to them. The bankruptcy court reviews the plans and will hold hearings to confirm or reject them.

If a reorganization plan is accepted, the debtor is entitled to keep most of their assets and continue to operate their business. However, they may need to use cash collateral to pay their operating costs.

Once a reorganization plan is confirmed, the debtor may begin to make payments to its creditors under it. They must provide creditors with a copy of the plan, and they can object to the plan if they believe it is unfair or unjust.

Most businesses that file for bankruptcy are able to operate their operations during the case and repay some of their debts over time. They also have the option to sell some or all of their assets to repay their debts.

In some cases, a debtor may be able to obtain a “superpriority” over unsecured creditors or a lien on property of the estate in order to secure operating capital. In other cases, the debtor may be able to retain ownership of property based on equity interests.

A Chapter 11 case is a lengthy process that takes place over several months. During that time, the debtor must comply with the requirements of the court and the Bankruptcy Code and perform all of the duties of a trustee. This includes accounting for property, examining and objecting to claims, and filing informational reports.

Debtor

A debtor is a person or business that has incurred a debt and has the right to file for bankruptcy. This includes individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations and trade vendors.

When a business or an individual files for bankruptcy, it is considered to be in “debtor-in-possession” (DIP). It is often required to make periodic financial and operating reports to the United States Trustee while in DIP.

Debtors in possession must not use, sell or lease property unless the creditor who secured the loan consents to the use, sale or lease or the debtor obtains court approval. The court may approve a debtor’s use of property during the DIP for purposes such as paying employees and suppliers, but it can reject a debtor’s attempt to sell any asset unless the sale is part of a plan confirmed by the court.

Most debtors are able to keep their assets under a chapter 11 reorganization plan. This allows the debtor to restructure its business and repay some or all of its creditors over time.

The process of reorganizing a debtor under chapter 11 focuses on a plan of reorganization, which is filed with the court and approved by its creditors. It is important for a debtor to meet certain requirements and deadlines before it can receive the protection of chapter 11.

To be approved by the court, a plan must be feasible and likely to succeed. It must also be proposed in good faith and not seek to further an agenda prohibited by the law.

Generally, a chapter 11 bankruptcy case lasts for six months to two years or more depending on the size and complexity of the business involved. However, some cases are not completed within this time frame.

Once the case is filed, the bankruptcy court typically stays any action by a creditor that might interfere with the debtor’s ability to reorganize under the terms of its plan. In addition, most creditors get a moratorium on the payment of many debts.

The bankruptcy court may confirm a chapter 11 plan if a majority of the debtor’s creditors, including impaired general unsecured creditors, accept it or vote to reject it. If a creditor doesn’t agree to a plan, it can challenge the confirmation of the plan in court.

Assets

There are a variety of ways for a business owner to deal with debts. Depending on their financial circumstances and the type of company, they may be able to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy or sell some of their assets.

One of the most important rights a business owner has during the bankruptcy process is the ability to remain in possession of their business’s assets. While this is not always a good thing, it is possible under certain circumstances and can lead to a more successful outcome than filing for chapter 7.

The Bankruptcy Code gives business owners the opportunity to keep some of their assets and repay their creditors through a plan of reorganization. However, this is often a costly option and only works when a debtor has the resources to develop a viable business plan.

A business can also choose to sell some or all of its assets under a so-called section 363 sale. A 363 sale is a more efficient version of a traditional bankruptcy sale, and can address at least some of a business’s debts while leaving its assets intact.

Assets can include real estate, equipment, vehicles and other business-related items. The court can order the sale of non-essential items, such as cars or houses, if they are not necessary to continue operations.

While a business can be in possession of most of its assets during the chapter 11 process, they must obtain the court’s permission before they can use other property as collateral or obtain credit without court approval. This can be a confusing and frustrating process, especially when a creditor claims that the debtor in possession is not using the property as it should be used.

The best way to determine what is legal in your particular case is to consult with a qualified attorney. There are many rules and regulations surrounding a business’s operation and finances, and a competent lawyer can help ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Reorganization

Reorganization is the process of altering a corporation’s structure or finances because of financial duress, a desire to change strategy, or because of an order from the government. It can involve a variety of tactics, including changes in assets and liabilities; consolidation, selling, or eliminating departments or product lines; replacing or discharging employees; renegotiating debt agreements; or merging with other companies.

Restructuring can be used to accommodate new essential duties and tasks, improve efficiency, or enter new markets or client bases. It can also be necessary to alter a company’s ownership structure or corporate control.

Usually, reorganization is done under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. This type of bankruptcy gives the debtor in possession “in possession,” permits the business to continue operating, and allows the debtor to borrow new money with court approval.

In a chapter 11 case, the debtor in possession must prepare and file documents with the court that show its assets, creditors, and financial status. It must propose a plan of reorganization, and it must get the required votes from creditors whose rights are affected by the proposed plan. If the plan gets the required votes, the court may confirm it and discharge the debtor from most types of prepetition debts.

The reorganization process can take six months to two years, but longer, depending on the complexity of the plan. During this time, the business or individual must repay creditors under the approved plan. If the creditors don’t accept the reorganization plan, they can ask the court for a “cram down,” which means that they are forced to agree with the reorganization plan.

If you’re restructuring a company or department, make sure to communicate your plans openly and transparently with all parties involved. Doing so will help you build trust and respect among your team members.

Consider offering severance packages to any employees who are laid off during the process. These packages should be fair and comply with the law, and they should show the individuals that their contributions to the company are valued.

Restructuring can be scary for both individuals and businesses. It can also lead to confusion and mistrust. It’s important to communicate with employees and clients to determine how they will feel about the reorganization, and then to make sure they are prepared for it.