Chapter 13 bankruptcy protections are reserved for individuals, not business entities. However, you may be eligible for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you operate a business as a sole proprietor. The relief that comes with bankruptcy could not only help on a personal level but it could also give you a path to reorganizing your business without pressure from creditors.

A Toms River Chapter 13 business bankruptcy lawyer can evaluate your financial situation and explain your options. If you meet the eligibility requirements under the bankruptcy code, our team of dedicated business bankruptcy attorneys could help you keep your business open and secure the relief you need.

Is Chapter 13 Available for Business Owners?

While it is true that Chapter 13 bankruptcy is restricted to individuals, it could be an option for your business if you operate in an individual capacity. Corporations and LLCs cannot file for this type of bankruptcy, but sole proprietors can.

There are many reasons why your Toms River business might benefit from the advice of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney. One of the most important benefits is the automatic stay that goes into effect the moment you file your petition. The automatic stay puts all collection efforts against you and your business on hold. Lawsuits are paused, collection calls are banned, and garnishments are released to provide you with the chance to develop a strategy to reorganize your business and settle your debts.

You and your attorney will submit a plan to pay a portion of your debt over the course of three to five years. If you make the payments required under the plan, you have the chance to discharge many of your remaining obligations at the end of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process. This gives your business an opportunity to start again with stable finances.

Benefits for Businesses That File for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a valuable tool for business owners who are struggling with overwhelming debt but do not want to close. Unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which can potentially lead to liquidation, Chapter 13 allows business owners to restructure their obligations while continuing operations. One of the main benefits is the creation of a manageable repayment plan, typically lasting three to five years, which consolidates debts into affordable monthly payments. This provides an opportunity to stabilize cash flow and focus on rebuilding the business.

Another advantage is the protection offered by the automatic stay, which immediately halts collection efforts, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and creditor harassment. This safeguard gives owners time to reorganize without the constant pressure of creditors. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can also help preserve essential business assets, including equipment, inventory, and real estate, that are critical to ongoing operations. In some cases, it may even allow for the restructuring of secured debts, such as reducing the balance owed on business-related property to its current market value.

If you are determined to regain a firm financial plan through Chapter 13 bankruptcy without closing the doors of your business forever, a lawyer in Toms River can help.

Talk to a Toms River Attorney About a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Your Business

If you are facing financial hardship and believe reorganizing your business is the only way to save it, filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy could be an option. Sole proprietors can benefit from Chapter 13, which is not available to most other businesses. If you have questions on how best to proceed, contact Gillman Capone for a case evaluation and learn if you can work with a Toms River Chapter 13 business bankruptcy lawyer today.