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After filing for bankruptcy, you might wonder if interest will continue to accrue on your debts. In most cases, interest does continue to accrue on debts that were outstanding at the time of filing, but there are some exceptions.
The Automatic Stay provision of the Bankruptcy Code temporarily halts most collection activities, including interest accrual, but it's not a permanent solution. This provision is in place to give you breathing room during the bankruptcy process.
The court may allow interest to continue accruing on certain debts, such as mortgage and car loans, as long as you continue to make payments.
Interest After Bankruptcy
Interest does not typically accrue on a claim after a bankruptcy case begins, as long as the interest has not been earned by the petition date.
The Bankruptcy Code defines "unmatured interest" as interest that has not been earned as of the petition date, and this type of interest is not allowed.
However, if the collateral value exceeds the amount of the claim, an undersecured creditor may be able to claim interest under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
Worth a look: Does Interest Accrue after Due Date before Statement
Does Interest Accrue?
In bankruptcy, interest can continue to accrue even after the start of proceedings.
For oversecured creditors, this means they're entitled to post-petition interest, which can be a significant concern for debtors.
Unfortunately, this interest can be difficult to alleviate, especially if the value of the collateral increases.
In the case of U.S. Lines, Inc., the court ruled that post-petition interest can indeed accrue for oversecured creditors, as seen in the decision of 199 B.R. 476, 481 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1996).
The secured creditor typically has a say in how the interest rate is calculated, which can be a challenge for debtors trying to maintain liquidity.
Related reading: When Does Post Judgment Interest Begin to Accrue
Post-Petition Under the Bankruptcy Code
Post-petition interest is a critical aspect of bankruptcy, and it's essential to understand how it works. The Bankruptcy Code provides that any claim may be objected to successfully to the extent it's for unmatured interest, meaning interest that hasn't been earned as of the petition date.
In most cases, collateral is underwater, and section 506(b) rarely comes into play. However, if the collateral value increases, an undersecured creditor might become oversecured, and they'll likely seek allowance of an enhanced claim under section 506(b).
The value of collateral is key in determining post-petition interest. If the collateral value exceeds the amount of the claim, the creditor is entitled to interest on that excess value. This is where section 506(b) comes in, allowing the creditor to claim interest on the enhanced value.
In cases where the creditor is oversecured, they're entitled to post-petition interest, which can be a significant burden on the debtor. The secured creditor has a say in how the interest rate is calculated, but the debtor may struggle to alleviate an increased claim and maintain liquidity.
Lender's Rights and Obligations
As a debtor, it's essential to understand a secured creditor's rights and obligations. An oversecured creditor has the right to post-petition interest, which can be a significant burden.
Their claim can increase if the value of the collateral increases, making it harder for the debtor to maintain liquidity. This is a concern for debtors who successfully increase the value of their assets.
The secured creditor also has a say in how the interest rate is calculated, which can impact the overall amount they're owed.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Enterprise Value Minority Interest
Post-Petition Rights
Post-petition interest is a crucial aspect of lender's rights, especially for oversecured creditors. Oversecured creditors are first in line to be paid, but they're also entitled to post-petition interest.
The value of the collateral must be higher than the creditor's claim for them to be considered oversecured. This means the creditor has a significant amount of protection.
In bankruptcy, oversecured creditors can accrue interest even if it's not allowed in the proceeding. This can be a challenge for debtors trying to manage their finances.
The court case In re U.S. Lines, Inc. (199 B.R. 476, 481) set a precedent for post-petition interest. The court's decision highlights the importance of understanding lender's rights.
Oversecured creditors have a say in how the interest rate is calculated. This can be a complex issue, but it's essential for debtors to be aware of their obligations.
Oversecured Creditor's Default-Rate Right
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In some cases, a lender may be oversecured, meaning they have more collateral than the amount owed. This can be a blessing for the borrower, but it also comes with certain risks.
If a lender is oversecured, they have the right to foreclose on the collateral, but they must do so in a way that is fair and reasonable. For example, if a borrower defaults on a mortgage, the lender can foreclose on the property, but they must give the borrower a reasonable amount of time to pay off the debt or sell the property themselves.
The lender's right to foreclose is not absolute, however, and they must follow the procedures outlined in the loan agreement. This means providing the borrower with notice of the foreclosure, holding a public auction, and selling the property to the highest bidder.
In some cases, the lender may be able to recover more than the amount owed, but they must use the excess funds to pay off any outstanding debts or fees.
For more insights, see: Investment Property Interest Only
Collecting Debt
Some debts, like student loans, can't be discharged in bankruptcy, so they'll continue to accrue interest even after you've filed for bankruptcy.
You'll still be responsible for paying back these debts, even if you've gotten a fresh start through bankruptcy.
Debts that are not discharged in bankruptcy will continue to accrue interest, which can add up quickly.
A good example of this is credit card debt, which can have high interest rates that make it difficult to pay off.
In some cases, creditors may try to collect on debts that were discharged in bankruptcy, but this is not allowed by law.
Bankruptcy law prohibits creditors from taking any action to collect on debts that have been discharged.
This means that if you've been discharged from a debt in bankruptcy, you can't be sued or harassed by the creditor.
Sources
- https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx
- https://www.taxnotes.com/lr/resolve//1fxyy
- https://tonkon.com/alerts/when-interest-rates-rise-consider-bankruptcy-restructuring-for-rate-relief/
- https://www.dailydac.com/post-petition-interest/
- https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2020/08/oversecured-creditors-right-to-contractual-defaultrate-interest-allowed-under-state-law
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