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What Happens to Chapter 11 Cases?

By James H.M. Sprayregen and Jonathan Friedland
May 24, 2005

This Special Edition of The Bankruptcy Strategist is devoted entirely to the recently enacted “Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005,” which makes the most sweeping changes to the Bankruptcy Code seen in the last 20 years (although the law does nothing to address some significant issues that have been much debated, such as asbestos, forum shopping, and pension liability). The legislation primarily takes aim at perceived consumer bankruptcy abuses, but will also affect numerous aspects of business bankruptcy practice.

This article analyzes key changes to the Bankruptcy Code that will be important to most business bankruptcy participants. Other articles in this issue address in detail the changes related to cross-border insolvencies, executory contracts, financial contracts, investment bankers, and plan exclusivity. Neither we nor the other contributors to this edition have attempted to address the substantial changes affecting only individuals who file for Chapter 11 relief, or changes to the special provisions for “small business” and “single asset real estate” debtors, as those terms are defined in the Code.

The new law generally becomes effective on Oct. 17, 2005 (180 days after its April 20, 2005 enactment), and most of the changes will apply only to cases filed on or after that date. Particular provisions have different effective dates, however, and some of the changes will apply to pending cases. The changes outlined below appear to be intended to solve perceived problems in the existing state of Chapter 11 practice. Whether such problems actually exist, and whether the changes fix them, remains to be seen.

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