09 Dec Should you reaffirm a debt in bankruptcy?

By Atty. Crispin Caday Lozano

A good bankruptcy attorney will guide clients whether or not to reaffirm a secured debt.  There are considerations before a debtor would want to reaffirm a debt.  In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor must submit to the court a schedule (Schedule D- Creditors Holding Secured Claims) indicating all of their secured debts (mortgages, vehicle loans, and purchase money loans for furniture, jewelry, or household goods, as well as any other debt for which you have pledged property as collateral to the creditor). In addition to filing a list of all secured debts, Chapter 7 debtor also file a form called the ‘Statement of Intention’.

Q.      What is a Statement of Intention?

A.       The Statement of Intention is required to be filed in Chapter 7 cases. It is not required in Chapter 13 cases.  Statement of Intention is a form completed by the debtor that advises the court, the Trustee, and your creditors what you intend to do with your secured collateral such as your home or car. This document also applies to leases.  It must be filed within thirty (30) days after the debtor files a petition under Chapter 7 or on or before the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors.  It requires the debtor to state the following:

1. whether the property will be surrendered or retained,
2. whether it will be claimed as exempt,
3. whether the debtor intends to redeem the property, and
4. Whether the debtor intends to reaffirm the debt secured by the property.

Q.      What is redemption in bankruptcy?

A.    In redeeming a debt, a Chapter 7 debtor pays the fair market value of the collateral, usually in one lump sum — in full satisfaction of the debt. This option can be especially helpful when the debtor’s collateral is underwater, meaning the value is less than the loan amount.

Q.      What is Reaffirmation in bankruptcy?

A.       In reaffirming a debt, the debtor agrees to remain responsible on the debt after bankruptcy and will continue making payments to the creditor, while keeping the collateral.  Once the debtor signed the reaffirmation agreement, he or she will have 60 days from the date of the signing or up until the day the court discharges the case, whichever is later, to change his or her mind and withdraw the agreement.

However, once the court enters the Chapter 7 discharge, the agreement is binding and in effect. If the debtor defaults on a reaffirmed debt after the court entered the discharge, the creditor can repossess the collateral and sue the debtor for any deficiency balance, fees and costs.

Q.       What are the disadvantages of Reaffirmation Agreements?

A.       The following are the disadvantages of reaffirmation agreements:

1. Instant Liability – A reaffirmation agreement binds you in contract. If you missed payments in the future, it could mess up your new credit, cause you to lose the property, and make you responsible for the balance of the loan.
2. Approval of Lawyer is Needed – Your lawyer must review and examine all the circumstances and only sign the reaffirmation agreement if he believes it will not inflict an undue hardship on you and your family.  Your lawyer must determine and decide if you are in a good financial position to repay the debt.
3. Approval of the Court is Needed – Reaffirmation Agreement is not accepted until the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves the terms. Usually, bankruptcy courts are not delighted to let you carry on personal liability when you have already shown that your expenses go beyond your post-bankruptcy income.

Q,      What are the basic considerations when signing reaffirmation agreement?

The following are some tips when signing a reaffirmation agreement: Try to reduce the principal and interest, or stretch out the payment length.  This is restructuring the payment terms to be more favorable.

You have 60 days to change your mind.

In California, most secured creditors are willing to let you keep making payments without signing a reaffirmation agreement. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy lawyers often refer to this as the KEEP and PAY OPTION or RIDE THROUGH.

Wake up and fight for the Philippines

China has been interfering in our election since 2015 to put their person as President.  China may annex the Philippines after the May 2022 election because of China’s ambition to control the West Philippine Sea which will enable them to control all the important sea passage.  When this happens, all of us including our children and grandchildren will become slaves of Communist China.  This is something that we have to fight to the last drop of blood.  We will have no more country because we were sold by our politicians.

Call to Action:   Many groups are now mobilizing to defeat the candidacy of BBM who is supported by China.  We need to unite in order to defeat whoever China is supporting for President. Support Leni Robredo and join the real opposition. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.

Note: If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. 

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers.  He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999.  His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website:  www.crispinlozanolaw.com/