The Basics of Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code

Individual debtors seeking bankruptcy protection normally file under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Under this chapter of filing, the bankruptcy trustee sells nonexempt assets of the debtor. The proceeds of such sale are used to pay creditors in accordance with the regulations of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, the Bankruptcy Code will allow the debtor to keep certain property, which is deemed exempt; but a trustee will liquidate the debtor’s remaining assets. Debtors seeking bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 should realize that the filing of a petition may result in the loss of property. A distinguishing characteristic between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and Chapter 13 is that there is no plan of repayment in a Chapter 7 case.

In order to qualify for relief under Chapter 7, the debtor may be an individual, a partnership, or a corporation or other business entity. A means test for individual debtors is employed determine the eligibility of the debtor, and if qualified, relief is available under this chapter without regards to the amount of the debtor’s debts or whether the debtor is solvent or insolvent. Under the test, if the debtor’s current monthly income is more than the state median, the Bankruptcy Code requires application of the test to determine whether the Chapter 7 filing is abusive. Abuse is presumed if the debtor’s aggregate current monthly income over 5 years, minus certain allowed expenses, is more than (i) $10,950, or (ii) 25% of the debtor’s nonpriority unsecured debt, as long as that amount is at least $6,575. The debtor may rebut such presumption only by demonstrating special circumstances that justify additional expenses or adjustments of current monthly income. Unless the debtor overcomes the presumption, the case will generally be converted to Chapter 13 with the debtor’s consent or will be dismissed.

No individual may be a debtor under Chapter 7 unless he or she has, within 180 days before filing, received credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency either in an individual or group briefing. If a debt management plan is developed during required credit counseling, it must be filed with the court.

One of the primary purposes of bankruptcy is to discharge certain debts to give a debtor the needed fresh start. The debtor in a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing has no liability for discharged debts. Although an individual Chapter 7 case usually results in a discharge of debts, certain types of debts are not discharged. In addition, a bankruptcy discharge does not extinguish a lien on property. An experienced attorney will guide the debtor through which debts may or may not be discharged.

In order to file a Chapter 7 case, the debtor must file a petition with the bankruptcy court serving the area where the individual resides. Further, the debtor must also file with the court (1) schedules of assets and liabilities; (2) a schedule of current income and expenditures; (3) a statement of financial affairs; and (4) a schedule of executory contracts and unexpired leases. Debtors must also provide the bankruptcy trustee with a copy of the tax return for the most recent tax year as well as tax returns filed during the case including tax returns for prior years that had not been filed when the case began. Individual debtors must also file: a certificate of credit counseling and a copy of any debt repayment plan developed through credit counseling; evidence of payment from employers, if any, received 60 days before filing; a statement of monthly net income and any anticipated increase in income or expenses after filing; and a record of any interest the debtor has in federal or state qualified education or tuition accounts. Again, experienced counsel should guide debtors carefully through the filing process in order to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

The filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy includes a $245 case filing fee, a $39 miscellaneous administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge. If the debtor’s income is less than 150% of the poverty level (as set out in the Bankruptcy Code), and the debtor is unable to pay the Chapter 7 fees even in installments, the court may waive the requirement that the fees be paid.

Although a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing may seem daunting, with proper professional guidance and counseling, the process can be manageable and drastically improve the stress and financial pressure on debtors choosing to file Chapter 7 protection.

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