Turnover to the Trustee

The Bankruptcy Code requires an entity in possession, custody, or control of property of the estate, including exempt property, to deliver that property to the trustee, unless the property is of inconsequential value to the estate.

Overview of Chapter 12 "Family Farmer" Bankruptcy

Chapter 12 is a part of a federal law called the Bankruptcy Code. Debtors and the United States Bankruptcy Courts must follow its provisions. Each Chapter applies to a different type of debtor. For example, Chapter 13 applies to consumers or individual debtors, with regular income who want to repay their debts under a bankruptcy plan. Chapter 12 applies to certain family farmers.

IRA Protection in Bankruptcy

Social Security benefits, company pensions, and 401(k) plans are all shielded by law and are, therefore, not lost to creditors in bankruptcy. Whether that same protection extends to an individual retirement account (IRA) is not clear. The bankruptcy law, which was drafted in the 1970's before IRAs became such an important vehicle for retirement savings, is ambiguous. This has led to contradictory rulings in federal courts around the country.

Case Commencement

Under the Bankruptcy Code, a voluntary or involuntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. A Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy case may be initiated by a voluntary filing by the debtor or by an involuntary filing by the debtor's creditors. Cases under all other chapters may be initiated only by a voluntary petition.

Chapter 13 Eligibility

Only individuals may file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Corporations and partnerships may not file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Any individual, even if self-employed or operating an unincorporated business, is eligible for Chapter 13 relief as long as that individual has regular income greater than reasonable living expenses, has unsecured debts not exceeding a certain sum, and has secured debts not exceeding a certain sum.