Are You A Farmer or Fisherman Looking To File Chapter 12 Bankruptcy ?
CONTACT OUR FIRM IN MEDIA, PA; RISING SUN, MD & STATEN ISLAND, NY FOR HELP
Who is Chapter 12 Intended For?
What Are the Requirements To File Chapter 12 Bankruptcy?
- You are an individual, married couple, partnership, or corporation;
- You participate in a fishing or farming operation;
- More than half of your gross income comes from fishing or farming;
- Except for mortgages on your home, at least 80 percent of your debts must be from your business if you are a fisherman or 50 percent if you are a farmer; Your total debts may not exceed about $1.8 million for fishermen or $4 million for farmers;
- For corporations or partnerships, more than half of the business interests must be owned by a single family.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS TYPE OF BANKRUPTCY IS TRULY AIMED AT HELPING FAMILY-RUN FARMS AND FISHING BUSINESSES.

As in other types of bankruptcy, you must prepare and file a bankruptcy petition to initiate your case along with substantial supporting paperwork regarding your debts, income, and other assets. Once you file, the court will order all creditors to cease collection efforts by issuing an automatic stay. This can provide instant relief from your debts. In addition, the automatic stay in a Chapter 12 case also applies to debts jointly owned by people who are not involved in the bankruptcy, which is not the case in other types of bankruptcy.
If you proceed with your Chapter 12 bankruptcy, your debts will be reorganized and there will be one consolidated monthly payment that goes through the courts and not directly to your creditors. The court will then distribute your payment to your creditors in accordance with your repayment plan, which will last for three to five years depending on your situation. After you complete your payment plan, any qualifying debts that remain can be discharged by the courts, which can leave you with a relatively clean financial slate.
Throughout your case, a bankruptcy trustee will review all information submitted to the court, monitor your business operations, collect payments and distribute them appropriately to creditors, and communicate with the court regarding your case. Overall, Chapter 12 bankruptcy can be relatively straightforward, though many legal issues can arise to complicate your case.
The first step in figuring out whether Chapter 12 bankruptcy is the right solution to save your family farm or fishery is to discuss your case with a highly experienced Chapter 12 bankruptcy attorney. Because this type of bankruptcy is relatively rare and has many different restrictions and requirements, it is critical to have the best representation possible by an attorney who fully understands how Chapter 12 works. Please do not hesitate to call the law offices of Michael Siddons today at 610-255-7500 for more information about how Chapter 12 bankruptcy can help you, your business, and your family.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL DISTRESS FACED BY FAMILY FARMERS AND FISHERMAN
- Fluctuating land values -Farmland is usually the most important asset of a farm operation and often is used as a collateral for loans. If the value of the farmland drops, debt can spiral out of control. There is a boom-and-bust cycle of land values that can significantly affect the financial situation of farmers.
- Decline in profits -With the newer trend of people growing their own food, the prices of agricultural commodities will decrease. Decreasing prices mean fewer profits and less income for farm or fishing operations.
- Government cuts -The government spends billions of dollars in supporting farms across the U.S. However, with the recent emphasis on reducing federal spending, Congress may dedicate fewer resources to bolster the income of farms.
HIRE A FARM AND FISHERMAN BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY
- Evaluate your financial situation and advise whether bankruptcy is a good solution for you;
- Determine whether you qualify under Chapter 12;
- Help you prepare a thorough and accurate petition with all of the necessary documentation;
- Help you propose a favorable payment plan that you can afford and still provide for the needs of your business and family;
- Represent you in any court hearing, which can be intimidating, and communicate with the court and trustee on your behalf;
- Provide guidance throughout the entire bankruptcy process and ensure you receive a discharge at the end of your case.
How To File Bankruptcy For Your Family - Run Business
CHAPTER 12 BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY IN MEDIA, PA; RISING SUN, MD & STATEN ISLAND, NY
If you have never dealt with the legal system before, finding an attorney can be a challenging process. You need a farm and fisherman attorney. An internet search will yield thousands of results for possible bankruptcy attorneys and you may not know where to begin in choosing the right one for your case.
As a top farm and fisherman attorney, Michael Siddons is committed to protecting the rights of family farmers and fisherman throughout the Media, PA; Rising Sun, MD & Staten Island, NY surrounding areas. We know that you can find relief from debt and preserve the success of your farm at the same time and we will always strive for the most favorable results in your Chapter 12 bankruptcy case.
For more information about Chapter 12 Bankruptcy and to find out if it’s right for your business, call Mike Today!
Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a major decision, especially for someone who owns their own farm or fishing operation. Your finances can directly impact the success of your farm and your ability to remain in business. If you lose your farm, you can lose the ability to support your family and may also lose your home, vehicles, and other assets and property.
Affordable family farmer attorney
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHAPTER 12 BANKRUPTCY CONTACT ONE OF OUR ATTORNEYS TODAY
- THE LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL ALAN SIDDONS, ESQUIRE | MEDIA, PA 230 North Monroe Street Suite A Media, PA 19063
- (610) 255-7500
Get A Free Consultation
COUNTIES WE SERVICE
Maryland – Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Hartford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester.
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Pennsylvania – Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northhampton, Philadelphia, York