Search Site
Menu
Small Business Reorganization Act

Fresno Lawyers Help Clients Navigate the Small Business Reorganization Act

Helping local companies in central California restructure their debts

It’s relatively easy for a small business to fall into debt. Whether it is a nationwide recession, local hard times or a business decision that didn’t pay off, “mom and pop” companies may find themselves at the mercy of creditors. Debt reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code has long been an option for businesses that want to stay open while reducing their debt to manageable levels, but it is normally complicated and expensive. Fortunately, the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) eases some of the normal requirements for small businesses who want to use this process. Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation is ready to guide small businesses through this new, streamlined process.

How the SBRA makes reorganizing debts easier for small businesses

The special SBRA procedures, known as Subchapter V, apply only to “small business debtors,” defined as persons or entities engaged in business or other commercial activities who owe a limited amount of unconditional debt, excluding debt owed to insiders, such as affiliates of the business or relatives of the owners. The debt limit, formerly $2,725,625, was raised to $7.5 million in 2020 as a part of legislation passed to address the coronavirus epidemic.

As a result of the SBRA, your small business case may avoid several difficult and costly aspects of other Chapter 11 cases. For example:

  • The court may forgo the appointment of a creditors’ committee, which would otherwise be allowed to retain attorneys and experts at the debtor’s expense.
  • Only the small business debtor, not the creditors, may propose a plan of reorganization, though it generally must do so within 90 days.
  • The debtor remains in control of its business, overseen by a bankruptcy trustee, if it is capable of doing so in an honest and competent manner.
  • The debtor may keep its ownership of the business without investing additional money, as long as its reorganization plan is fair and equitable.
  • Even if unsecured creditors refuse to approve the plan of reorganization, the small business debtor can keep property without paying the unsecured creditors in full. (Secured creditors must be paid in full if they don’t approve the plan).
  • Administrative expenses may be paid over the course of the plan, rather than when it is confirmed.
  • The SBRA allows businesses operating two or more real properties to qualify, whereas they were previously excluded.

As a small business debtor, you must apply all of your projected disposable income to paying off creditors for the three to five years that the plan of reorganization is in effect. Overall, small business cases are substantially more likely to result in a successful Chapter 11 under the SBRA. If your small business is in need of reorganization, we can explain the requirements and advantages of the SBRA, file all of the necessary paperwork, seek the necessary court approval and guide you through the process.

Contact a dedicated California bankruptcy lawyer for a consultation

Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation represents local businesses in Chapter 11 bankruptcies brought under the Small Business Reorganization Act. Please call 559-432-9944 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We serve clients from our main office in Fresno and locations in Paso Robles and Visalia.

COVID-19 Notice

These are unquestionably difficult times. We understand the word "crisis". Usually, people do not come to us just to say hello. They come with their problems and we have to respond quickly. We understand they need help.

The problems do not stop because of the presence of the COVID-19. Assistance from our office will continue. We have the technology available to provide our clients with continued quality legal services in order to protect their interests. We can meet our clients virtually whether by telephone or video. We can meet our clients in person but with special arrangements and implemented safeguards.

In spite of the pandemic, life does not stop. You may continue to have legal needs. Some people will have greater needs than others. We stand ready to help whatever the circumstances.

Your continued faith in us never goes unnoticed.

Allowing us to help you is a privilege we take very seriously. Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation Tough. Competent. Understanding.

Our Office
  • Fresno Office
    2445 Capitol St
    Ste 150A
    Fresno, California 93721
    Phone: 559-432-9944
    Fax: 866-740-6678
Awards & Memberships
AVVO Client Review
Glen E. GatesReviewsout of 13 reviews
AVVO Rating
9.5Glen E. Gates
contact us