What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

Chapter 11 is one of the chapters of the US Bankruptcy Code that provides protection to debtors. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is almost exclusively used by businesses due to the expense and complexity of the process. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is appropriate when a business needs to restructure the debts it has and reorganize its finances so it can stay open. As an alternative to Chapter 7, which would require a business to liquidate, Chapter 11 allows a business to keep many of its assets.

How Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy Works

Chapter 11 bankruptcy involves the financial reorganization of a business, which may be a complex and extensive process. As soon as a company files for Chapter 11, all collection activities must cease. This stay will remain in effect throughout the bankruptcy process.

The process of Chapter 11 begins with the creation of a plan. The debtor or debtors involved may propose the repayment and reorganization plan or, after a period of time (usually around 120 days), the creditors may propose a plan as well. The plan may allow the debtor to cancel contracts. The value of shares owned if the stock is publicly traded may also be cancelled, leaving the shareholders with nothing. Any plan that is created must be approved by the creditors, and if there are multiple plans sometimes the creditors are given the opportunity to vote on the plan that is put into place.

A trustee will be involved throughout the reorganization process as well. The trustee will help to ensure that priority claims are paid, that assets are managed properly, and that the reorganization proceeds as it should. If the owners are not managing the assets properly, the trustee may take more control or someone else may be put in charge of the assets. 

How Long Does the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Process Usually Take?

A company may stay in Chapter 11 business bankruptcy for a very long period of time, sometimes years. During this time, the business is able to continue running and the aim is for the business to become profitable. Because of the number of requirements and the complexity of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, it is imperative that anyone considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy have qualified legal counsel.

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