Quick Overview of Chapter 9 Filing Process

The decision of when to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 9 provisions is not one that a municipality should reach lightly. It may be possible that a community may try to exhaust all other debt reconciliation options before resorting to Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

Along with when to file bankruptcy, a municipality must decide how exactly it will implement debt adjustment strategies in accordance with Chapter 9 bankruptcy standards. In return for receipt of bankruptcy assistance, a district will need to be active in trying to manage its deficits, employing solutions as it sees fit. Municipal debtors are usually given considerable latitude in this regard.

Possible answers to a region's financial programs along these lines include raising taxes, renegotiating certain municipal contractual agreements and leases, delaying or cancelling raises and benefits for employees, and applying for new loans.

Barring accusations of wrongdoing and formal review, the final step of the filing process for bankruptcy assistance will usually be confirmation of an adjustment of debt plan by the bankruptcy court. This can by no means be assumed, however, as there are numerous conditions of eligibility to satisfy.

Among these conditions are the need for said plan to adhere to Chapter 9 constraints and overall U.S. Code Title 11 bylaws, all monies to be paid and incidental expenses in alleviating deficits are enumerated, all authorities required to give their assent have done so, and the plan (which, of course, must be realistic) must be in the "best interests" of creditors.

NEXT: The Basic of Chapter 9 Governing Laws