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Reasons Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Could Be Denied

How to Avoid Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Denials?

By Marc LiebermanPublished 2 years ago 9 min read
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If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's important to understand the process and what could potentially derail your petition. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the basics of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as well as some of the reasons your petition could be denied. We'll also touch on some of the 'hidden' assets that can be a problem during the bankruptcy process. By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process and what could potentially cause your petition to be denied.

What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

To file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including passing a means test to determine whether you can repay your debts. If you've filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy before, your case may be denied based on your current financial situation.

Certain types of debt can't be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including debt related to child support and alimony payments, student loans, and most taxes. Additionally, if the court finds that you committed fraud or misrepresented your financial situation, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be denied. So, it's important to make sure all your finances are in order before filing for bankruptcy protection.

If you're unable to repay your debts in a satisfactory manner, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the best option for you. This type of bankruptcy allows you to have your assets frozen so you can begin to pay off your debt over time. However, this process takes time and requires a lot of effort on your part. If you're ready to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, speak with an attorney who can help guide you through the process.

The Difference Between Chapter 7 And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

When a person files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they are essentially declaring themselves bankrupt. This means that they have stopped all normal business operations and have turned over all control of their business to the court. The debtor is an individual, partnership, or corporation. Creditors file a petition with the court and the bankruptcy trustee is appointed to administer the case. The debtor's assets are sold and the proceeds used to pay creditors.

There are some key differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

  • In Chapter 7, most debts are eliminated completely whereas in Chapter 13 most debts are reduced or refinanced.
  • With Chapter 13, there is often a longer period of time before any distributions (payments) must be made from the estate. This allows people more time to make their payments without penalty interest rates, etc.
  • A creditor cannot take possession of property during either type of bankruptcy except in cases where it is necessary for payment of debt owed by the debtor to another party (such as wages).

Why You Might Need To File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot pay your bills, or you are struggling to make ends meet, it may be time to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Here are some reasons why you might need to file for bankruptcy:

  • You didn't attend the mandatory credit counseling session.
  • You didn't file all the required paperwork.
  • Your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In most cases, these problems can be resolved by filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy or by attending a free debt counseling session. However, if these options are not available, then filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be your best option.

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a difficult decision, but it can be the best option if you cannot pay your bills or are struggling to make ends meet. Here are some things to consider before filing:

  • You should first try to resolve your financial problems by talking to your creditors and debtors directly. However, sometimes this isn't possible or affordable.
  • If you cannot afford to pay all of your debts, then you may need to file for bankruptcy in order to keep certain important items, such as your home or car, from being seized by the court.
  • Make sure you understand the various options available to you before filing for bankruptcy. There are different types of bankruptcy depending on whether you have regular income or not, and each type has its own set of requirements and benefits.
  • How To File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In Los Angeles

    If you are in debt and struggling to manage your finances, bankruptcy may be an option for you. In this section, we will discuss the three most common types of bankruptcy in Los Angeles and how to file for them. We will also provide tips on what to do if your Chapter 7 bankruptcy is denied. Let's get started!

    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is the most common type of bankruptcy in Los Angeles. It is a reorganization plan that allows people to repay their debts over a period of up to 5 years while still keeping some property and assets. However, Chapter 7 bankruptcies can be difficult to obtain – there are certain requirements that must be met. If these requirements are not met, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be denied.

    Here are common reasons why a Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be denied:

    • You have too much debt relative to your income - If you owe more money than your annual income, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be denied. This means that you would have to liquidate all of your assets before filing or else your case may be closed without being approved by the court.
    • You filed multiple times in the past - if you have filed for bankruptcy twice or more within the past 10 years, your case may be denied based on the "multiple filings" rule. This rule limits how many times someone can file for personal bankruptcy within a 10-year period and generally results in a denial of a person's case unless they can provide compelling reasons why it should not apply (such as having been forced into filing due to financial hardship).
    • You failed to disclose material facts - if information about yourself was not truthful during the initial application process or during any subsequent hearings related to the case, your Chapter 7 petition may be rejected based on this information alone. For example, if you did not report income or assets that you knew about at the time, this could lead to a denial of your petition.

    What Happens Once You File For Chapter Bankruptcy?

    When you file for bankruptcy, your case starts with the filing of a petition. At this stage, the trustee will review your case and may object to your discharge. If no objections are filed, you will receive your discharge, which means that you are no longer legally responsible for any of your debts.

    Assuming the case is approved, the next step is to appoint a bankruptcy trustee. The trustee will manage your case and distribute your assets among your creditors. The trustee may also offer you debt relief options, such as a repayment plan or a reduction in the amount of your debt.

    Once the case is finalized, you will receive notice from the court along with any required documents. You must take action to protect your rights during this time and should contact an chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles if you have any questions or concerns.

    Chapter Bankruptcy Discharge Vs Dismissal

    There is a difference between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge and dismissal. A dismissal means that your case has been dismissed and you are no longer legally protected from your creditors.

    In contrast, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge means that your debts have been wiped out and you are no longer obligated to repay them. If your Chapter 7 bankruptcy is dismissed, you may still be able to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

    A discharge can be helpful if you need time to reorganize your finances or if you do not have any money left over after paying off your debts. It is also important to note that a discharged bankruptcy does not mean that you are free from all legal obligations; in most cases, you will still need to pay back any money that was borrowed through the bankruptcy process.

    Reasons Your Chapter Bankruptcy Could Be Denied

    If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, there are a few things you should know. One of which is that your Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be denied based on the information you provide. Here are some of the reasons your Chapter 7 might not be approved:

    • You haven't completed the required credit counseling.
    • Your income is too high to file for Chapter 7.
    • Most of your debt is non-dischargeable.
    • You've recently filed for bankruptcy.
    • You transferred property before filing for bankruptcy.
    • You failed to list all of your creditors or assets on your bankruptcy schedules.
    • You intentionally tried to defraud your creditors.

    If you are denied a Chapter 7, your options are to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy or to take the bankruptcy route without credit counseling. Your income will not affect your ability to file for either Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy, but most debts cannot be discharged in either type of bankruptcy.

    If you decide to go without credit counseling and have trouble meeting your financial goals after filing, you can ask the court for permission to receive additional assistance from a debt management plan (DMP).

    'Hidden' Assets That Can Derail Your Bankruptcy Petition

    If you're thinking of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's important to know about the potential consequences. Specifically, if you have any hidden assets that the court can't see, your petition may be denied. Here are 8 examples of such assets:

    1. Undisclosed bank accounts - If you've been hiding money away in an undisclosed account, this could be enough to derail your bankruptcy petition.

    2. Gifts or inheritances received within 6 months of filing - Even if the gift is small, it might not qualify as a "hidden asset" and could lead to a denial by the court.

    3. Recent large deposits into your checking or savings account - If you make a large deposit within 6 months of filing your petition, this could also be considered a "hidden asset."

    4. Equity in a second home - If you own equity in a second home that's not being used as your primary residence, this might count as a hidden asset and lead to a denial by the court.

    5. A fully owned business (even if it's not profitable) - Even if your business isn't making money at the moment, it might still be considered a "hidden asset" and deny your petition.

    6. Significant amounts of cash hidden away somewhere - This includes anything from stashed cash in boxes at home to secret funds held in overseas accounts.

    7. A valuable collection of items (e.g., art, wine, jewelry) - This includes anything from high-value collectibles to sentimental items like wedding rings and family photos collections.

    8. Significant amounts of unsecured debt (e.g., credit cards)

    The Cat In The Hat

    In order to file for bankruptcy in the United States, you must complete credit counseling. If your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be required to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. Most of your debts are non-dischargeable under US law and if you have filed for bankruptcy more than once in the past eight years, your case will be dismissed.

    Additionally, if you attempted to defraud your creditors by concealing assets or misrepresenting information on your bankruptcy petition or documents, your case may also be dismissed. The majority of Americans who file for bankruptcy do so because they cannot pay their debts. Filing for bankruptcy is not a solution to financial problems—it's only an option if you can't solve your debt problem without filing.

    In order to be eligible for bankruptcy, you must have a serious financial crisis and be unable to meet your basic living expenses. You must also prove that you have tried to solve your debt problem unsuccessfully before filing for bankruptcy.

    If you are able to show that you are suffering from an unexpected and substantial financial hardship, the judge may allow some of your debts to be discharged (paid off). This depends on the type of bankruptcy you file and the laws in your state. Chapter 13 bankruptcies usually allow more debt relief than Chapter 7 bankruptcies do, but there is no guarantee that any or all of your debts will be discharged.

    In Summary

    Filing for bankruptcy is a difficult decision, but it can be the best option if you cannot pay your bills or are struggling to make ends meet. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to have your assets frozen so you can begin to pay off your debt over time. However, this process takes time and requires a lot of effort on your part. If you're ready to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, speak with a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles who can help guide you through the whole process.

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    About the Creator

    Marc Lieberman

    I am a highly experienced litigator, specializing in pre-bankruptcy planning and complex bankruptcy matters on behalf of creditors, debtors, and bankruptcy trustees.

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