On Bankruptcy and Mediation
By: Donald L. Swanson Family businesses who need to reorganize have a tough go in bankruptcy. There are lots of impediments, both legal (e.g., absolute priority rule) and economic (Chapter 11 is expensive). The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 will help, but it only applies to businesses with less than $2.7 million of debt. An Extraneous... Continue Reading →
By: Donald L. Swanson “I’m very proud of the fact that, in four decades of practicing law, I’ve had only one client go to federal prison for lying on these bankruptcy schedules.” —Yours truly, emphasizing to clients the importance of accuracy and full disclosure in preparing bankruptcy schedules. One of the great challenges in representing... Continue Reading →
By: Donald L Swanson The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 has the following discharge provisions: Plan confirmation “discharges the debtor from” specified debts (see § 1181(c), § 1192 & § 1141(d)(1)(A)); but The discharge takes effect only “after completion” of “all payments due within” the 3 to 5 years term of the plan (§ 1192).... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 is said to provide a “Chapter 12-type” reorganization opportunity for small businesses within Chapter 11. That comparison is apt. Here’s why: Chapter 12 came into existence, back in 1986, because farmers had difficulty getting plans of reorganization confirmed under Chapter 11; The Small Business Act... Continue Reading →
By: Donald L Swanson When large businesses are in financial trouble, their banks commonly require them to hire a CRO (a Chief Restructuring Officer) as a condition for extending loans. The CRO can do a variety of things. But one of the essentials is an advisory role: --Evaluate the financial troubles and recommend a course of... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 became law on August 23, 2019. But the date it takes effect is "180 days" later: on February 19, 2020. This new law helps small business reorganize under Chapter 11 in much the same way that farmers reorganize under Chapter 12 and consumers reorganize under... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson The Small Business Reorganization Act is now law! The House of Representatives passed it on July 25, 2019; The Senate passed it on August 1, 2019; and The President signed it on August 23, 2019. This Act is much-needed and long overdue. It provides Chapter 12-type relief for small businesses within Chapter... Continue Reading →
By: Donald L. Swanson Three bankruptcy bills recently navigated the political morass in Washington D.C. and became law on August 23, 2019. The three new laws are: Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (H.R. 3311) Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2336) HAVEN Act (H.R. 2938). On August 29, 2019, the American Bankruptcy Institute ("ABI")... Continue Reading →
On July 30, 2019, Kristine Tidgren of Iowa State University and I presented a webinar for farmers titled, "Financial Impairment on the Farm." My portion of the webinar focuses on, "What's a farmer to do when the bank wants out?" Kristine's portion focuses on related tax issues. Here's a link to the webinar: Link: YouTube audio... Continue Reading →
