With more than $900 million in government aid claimed by small business owners across the United States, it’s clear that COVID-19 has shaken our country’s economy to the core. The economy shuddering to a halt has made it nearly impossible for business owners to keep the lights on and paying employees – even with the Paycheck Protection Program. What’s unclear, however, are the ways in which your bankruptcy filing will be impacted by COVID-19 and the dramatic shifts it has caused in our country’s processes.
Are the Courts Even Open?
The ways of the world are not as we have known them in the past, and bankruptcy courts are not immune to the changing tides. The new emphasis you have likely encountered on video chatting to stay connected through work and with friends is also translating to the U.S. court system.
As of right now, bankruptcy courts in Georgia are open for proceedings. Although, the internal practices of the court may have shifted to comply with social distancing guidelines. Be sure to consult with your bankruptcy attorney to determine whether your court has shifted to virtual meetings or has newly implemented guidelines for proceedings.
Timeline, Extension of Automatic Stays
On the side of the debtor, there are still deadlines that need to be met. Continue to operate under these deadlines unless your bankruptcy attorney instructs otherwise. Meeting these deadlines and filing paperwork on time are a few of the items well within your control that will make a large difference in your bankruptcy filing. Even if the timeline of your court appearance has shifted, these deadlines likely will not since the necessary documents can be electronically filed. Don’t take a delay in your court proceeding as a deadline extension!
Any automatic stays currently in place in your bankruptcy case will remain in effect unless exemptions – such as your creditor requesting relief from stay – are met. Automatic stays will also be denied to debtors who file multiple bankruptcy cases in a short amount of time.
Economic Relief Payments
One may ask themselves whether a creditor could seek to obtain economic relief payments if they are unable to make the ongoing payments. The short answer here is to relax, and know that the trustee will not attempt to claim relief payments made due to the coronavirus.
While there are grace periods, you are still responsible for making payments even during COVID-19. Talk with the trustee handling your bankruptcy filing to work out any alternative repayment options to fit your financial needs.
Consult with a Professional on How COVID-19 is Impacting Your Bankruptcy Filing
As things continue to change in our day to day, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and challenged in keeping up with it all. That’s what we are here for! The talented and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorneys at CMC Law are here to answer your bankruptcy filing questions and guide you through the process with compassion and transparency.
If you have an ongoing bankruptcy filing and are looking for help on how to navigate your case, or if you are looking to file for bankruptcy due to COVID-19, please give us a call at (404) 585-0040 or fill out our online contact form. We’re here for you, Atlanta!