Adversary Actions In Bankruptcy
As a creditor, it can be immensely frustrating when a debtor files for bankruptcy protection. Even after filing your “proof of claim” evidencing the debt owing to you, in most cases, that debt will be forever discharged – e.g., wiped out – and you’ll receive little to no payment. From a layman’s perspective, it may feel “fraudulent” that the debtor avoided your debt especially in cases where the debtor promised over and over that he or she would pay you. Those promises – whether orally or by contract – typically do not warrant additional legal action in bankruptcy. In certain specific instances, however, there is a legal basis to file an “adversary action” that, if successful, avoids the discharge of your debt, and allows you to pursue your claim against the debtor:
- The debtor used fraud or false pretenses or made a false statement about his or her financial condition in obtaining the debt.
- In issuing credit, the creditor relied on a false written statement about the debtor’s financial condition, which was made with the intent to deceive the creditor.
- The debt involved purchase of luxury goods or services worth more than $675 in aggregate during the 90-day period prior to filing of the bankruptcy.
- The debt arose from a cash advance or series of cash advances totaling more than $950 and was incurred within the 70-day period prior to the bankruptcy filing.
- The debt was incurred on account of the debtor engaging in fraud while acting as a fiduciary, embezzlement, or larceny.
- The debt resulted from the debtor causing willful and malicious injury to another person or another person’s property.
If you are a bankruptcy creditor and would like our experienced bankruptcy attorneys to analyze your claim, and whether an adversary action is a reasonable option, we would be happy to assist.