What is a claim by creditors of the bankruptcy estate?

A claim is a notice to the trustee of the debtors estate that the debtor owes a fixed amount to the claimant. Claimants are creditors of the estate. For liquidation bankruptcies and personal reorganization bankruptcies, creditors of the estate must submit a proof of claim within a specific period of receiving notice of the bankruptcy filing. A creditor that fails to file a claim against the estate is barred from later collecting that debt if the bankruptcy filing proceeds to discharge of the debtor. Below are several important aspects about claims against the bankruptcy estate:

What is a Proof of Claim? 

At the commencement of a bankruptcy case, the debtor is required to provide a list of all assets and debts to be included in the estate. The debtor must also identify all creditors holding these debts. Creditors are then given notice of the debtors bankruptcy case with instructions on how to submit a claim. Creditors must then submit a proof of claim attesting to the court the nature and amount of the claim. If a creditor submits a secured claim, she must include evidence of a security interest. Creditors in Chapters 7 and 11 bankruptcies must file the proof of claim within 90 days of learning of the bankruptcy case. In Chapter 11 cases, the court will establish a bar date by which creditors may file a proof of claim; but, filing a proof of claim is not necessary to receive a distribution from the debtors estate. All creditor claims are generally allowed, unless the claim is challenged by the debtor, trustee, debtor-in-possession or by other creditors.

Note: In some cases, unsecured creditors may request the court appoint a creditors committee to represent their collective interests and communicate with the debtor in possession.

How to Dispute a Proof of Claim? 

When a creditor submits a claim against the bankruptcy estate, other parties in interest (such as the debtor, trustee, DIP, or other creditors) can file an objection to the claim. If a third-party opposes the claim, this creates a contested matter which is adjudicated in a proceeding before the bankruptcy court. The objecting party must demonstrate that the claim is not valid. If the party presents some evidence against the claim, the claimant will have to introduce evidence to support her claim. A trustee or debtor in possession generally pays based upon the amount of claim allowed by court.

What are Secured and Unsecured Claims?

A secured claim is the amount of a debt equal to the value of creditors interest in assets of the estate. The claim is bifurcated and is secured to extent of the value of the collateral. Any amount of the creditors claim beyond the value of the collateral is classified as an unsecured claim. The amount of a claim is generally the debt owed at the time of filing, including all amounts that accrue pre-petition, interest, late charges and attorneys fees. A debt generally does not receive interest during the pendency of the bankruptcy without special exception. Debts arising after the filing of bankruptcy are not included in the bankruptcy estate. The only post-petition debts included in the bankruptcy estate are the administrative expenses of managing the estate or instances of post-petition financing. These claims generally receive administrative priority over the unsecured claims. The difference between the allowed claim amount paid to the creditor and the amount of the creditors claim is the amount of the debt discharged in bankruptcy.

Note: To be included as part of a secured or unsecured claim, attorneys fees must be permitted by contract or state law. If so allowed, attorneys fees are treated the same as interest on the debt.

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