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In today’s economy, more and more business owners are facing the prospect of bankruptcy. If your company is struggling financially, there’s a lot you need to know before filing for bankruptcy.

Financial difficulties can make running your business next to impossible—if you’re facing the prospect of filing for bankruptcy protection, there’s a lot you need to know!

Bankruptcy May Not Be Your Only Option

Even when debts are piling up and creditors are harassing you and it seem like there’s no end in sight for your money woes, corporate bankruptcy may not be your only option. There are non-judicial solutions, including workouts and turnarounds, that can be used to satisfy your business debts without declaring bankruptcy. These bankruptcy prevention strategies may be right for your company, so contact your local bankruptcy attorney for specific advice about your particular situation.

You Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Filing for bankruptcy without an attorney may seem like a great way to save money, but this plan is likely to backfire in the long run. Keep in mind that your bankruptcy lawyer is a professional with years of experience dealing with the complexities of bankruptcy law. As an expert, he or she has the knowledge and expertise you can rely on to successfully guide you through the bankruptcy proceedings. While it may feel like you’re all alone when your company is in dire financial straits, hiring a corporate bankruptcy attorney means you’ll have a pro on your side! Whether it’s helping you develop a viable alternative to bankruptcy or arguing your case in the courtroom, your business bankruptcy lawyer will be an invaluable asset to your company.

Bankruptcy Should Be a Last Resort

At first glance, bankruptcy may sound like a great idea if your company has financial problems: freeing you from unmanageable debt, bankruptcy protection does have a glimmer of allure. But bankruptcy should not be entered into lightly! In the case of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your company will be liquidated to satisfy your creditors, eliminating the business you worked so hard to build. Even with bankruptcy filings that don’t dissolve your company, you’ll be saddled with the social stigma of the bankruptcy, creating complications down the road. Bankruptcy can be a resolution for your insolvency issues, but be sure it’s your only option. Your bankruptcy attorney can provide specific advice and guidance, so contact them today

Corporate Bankruptcy Filing: What are the next steps?

The word “bankruptcy” gets tossed around a lot… But what does it actually mean and what happens after your company files a bankruptcy. In layman’s terms, bankruptcy is when your company has financial obligations and liabilities that exceed your assets, making you unable to pay your bills as they come due. Filing for bankruptcy is a judicial solution for the debtor—your company—to seek relief from your creditors. The courts will determine if you are unable to satisfy your debts and, if so, attempt to determine a fair way to satisfy your creditors.

Filing for bankruptcy is similar to any other lawsuit: a bankruptcy petition simply starts the process, without guaranteeing any outcome or resolution. However, unlike other legal proceedings, a bankruptcy filing immediately generates an automatic stay, also known as bankruptcy protection. This injunction stops creditors from taking additional action to attempt to collect on their debts until the bankruptcy case is resolved. This stay essentially gives your business temporary relief and time to develop a plan for debt resolution.

As your bankruptcy case proceeds, different creditors will be treated differently, but if or when the court declares your company bankrupt, the court will attempt to satisfy your financial obligations in an equitable and appropriate way.

Of course, just as every company is unique, every bankruptcy filing is different. Depending on the financial obligations, assets, and even structure of your business, your bankruptcy proceeding will unfold differently. Perhaps the most important question is whether to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or proceed with a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Chapter 7  dissolves your business, liquefying assets to satisfy creditors. Chapter 11 involves reorganizing the business to regain solvency and profitability.

If you’re considering filing a business bankruptcy, now is the time to consult a professional bankruptcy lawyer like David Ganje. We can help determine the right course of action for your particular company, helping your business achieve the best outcome given the circumstances. There may be non-bankruptcy options available for resolving your business debts so call today!