In 2020, we've become all too familiar with the struggles of the gas and oil producers upon which many of our most popular industries rely. The resultant surge in restructuring activities, including Chapter 11 proceedings, among gas and oil producers is the highest in years.
A recent ruling in the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit represents a significant departure from the generalized belief that student loan debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, and which, if followed by other circuit courts, could have a dramatic impact on bankruptcy law.
Bankruptcy courts are embracing virtual alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes to handle cases during this extraordinary period. Engaging in online mediation, and arbitration, can expedite Chapter 11 cases toward an equitable conclusion for the parties involved, while ensuring everyone can practice safe social-distancing.
The clock is ticking for small businesses to take advantage of a new way to restructure under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. New Subchapter V — part of the CARES Act — is set to expire early next year.
When does a tax liability claim arise in a bankruptcy case? The issue was recently addressed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware which ruled that federal income taxes for the year in which a debtor files for bankruptcy are entitled to priority treatment as administrative expenses when the end of the taxable year occurred after the bankruptcy petition date.
In re Smith The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Tenth Circuit recently joined the majority of circuit courts of appeals in finding that a creditor seeking a judgment of nondischargeability must demonstrate that the injury caused by the prepetition debtor was both willful and malicious under Section 523(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.
Chapter 11 petition strategy will almost invariably require and depend upon cash flow for continued use of leased stores and restaurants. To say the least, for those companies that filed for bankruptcy on the eve of the COVID-19 shutdowns, the strategies — and available cash flows to pay landlords — did not go as planned.
Even though payment of post-petition rent under a nonresidential lease (prior to rejection) has historically been an absolute requirement, bankruptcy courts, as courts of equity, have the ability during these extraordinary times to take a more flexible approach.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has been relentlessly pursuing bankruptcy reform for two decades. And Joe Biden has adopted her comprehensive proposal. The proposals could impact commercial bankruptcy law and reverberate across our financial systems.
This article highlights several of these outcomes and discrepancies of the CARES Act stimulus package, including how accepting crisis funding could lead to a company becoming more distressed, how bankruptcy courts are inconsistently ruling on the ability for Chapter 11 debtors to receive PPP loans and how changes to the Bankruptcy Code altered the rights of equity holders and debtholders.
