Bankruptcy For Creditors
After years of helping both creditors and debtors through bankruptcy, I’ve decided to focus solely on helping debtors. But I’m happy to give you names of excellent creditor lawyers.
Consider bankruptcy an area of law that holds our lives together and keeps our economy flourishing and healthy. Allow bankruptcy law the credit it deserves. It enables individuals and corporations to restart their lives. Allows them to pay their taxes, buy food and other requirements, or pay their employees so that they can purchase food and other essentials.
All of this and more is why I am ecstatic to be able to assist debtors in understanding bankruptcy.
Diane L. Drain
Creditors Bankruptcy FAQs
Examine all loan and security paperwork to confirm that they are comprehensive and that all necessary measures to perfect liens on any collateral supporting the obligation have been taken. If not, never take any action without first obtaining an order from the bankruptcy court. This is a critical phase that determines the strength of a secured creditor’s position in the case. Section 506 explains how a secured claim’s value is determined. Although correcting inadequacies after the filing of the petition may be a violation of the automatic stay, it is critical to be aware of any issues. The secured creditor may have a period of time to perfect the creditor’s lien when the debtor gets possession of property or a transfer is made under Section 547(c)(3) and (e).
The secured creditor or landlord may ask the debtor to sign a new contract called a “reaffirmation agreement” or “assumption of lease” after the bankruptcy is filed but before the discharge is issued. This new contract has the same terms as the original, and Sections 524(c) and (k) describe the paperwork, disclosures, and procedures that the creditor must follow in order to get this new contract. It must be approved by the Court in order for the debtor to be bound by it. Because 524(k)(5)(B) requires the debtor’s attorney to certify that the debtor will be able to make the payments, it’s likely that no debtor’s counsel will sign the reaffirmation agreement. This is not only absurd, but it also begs the question of how anyone could certify someone’s ability to pay a future debt.
Below is a link to a video of Bankruptcy Judge Eileen W. Hollowell, filmed explaining the reaffirmation process.
Look for a reason to object to a debt being discharged under Sections 523 or 727. Creditors have only 60 days from the date of the initial creditors’ meeting to initiate a complaint to have their debts declared non-dischargeable due to a misleading financial statement. A creditor’s chances of winning a non-dischargeable lawsuit are slim, and the creditor will almost always be denied attorney’s fees and expenses for filing the action.
Creditors will be notified of an initial meeting of creditors (Section 341, Meeting of Creditors) to be held by the bankruptcy trustee shortly after a bankruptcy is filed. You are welcome to attend the Section 341, Creditors’ Meeting, but it is not compulsory. This meeting allows the creditor to ask the debtor a few questions about the creditor’s claim, collateral, other claims against the debtor, the debtor’s plans for its bankruptcy case, and other financial matters. Time for the 341 is short, so it is not appropriate to interrogate the Debtor at this time (check out 2004 examinations). This is an excellent moment to inform the Trustee (the person in charge of the meeting) of any inconsistencies detected in the schedules by the creditor. Make sure you can back up any claims you make. The meeting might be attended by either the creditor or its counsel.
An order granting a Motion for Relief from the Automatic Stay, often known as a “stay order,” is obtained by filing a Motion, Notice, and Certificate of Mailing with the court, as well as notifying the appropriate parties. The Debtor is given the opportunity to respond. A hearing will be conducted if a response is filed. An Order, Certificate of No Objection, must be submitted with the Court if no response is filed. The Order will most likely be signed by the Court. The creditor is free to proceed with the action requested in the Motion and granted in the Order once the signed order is received.
Creditors Rights in Arizona
The legal term “Creditor’s Rights” refers to the area of practice for lawyers that concentrates on creditors’ rights and obligations. The Bankruptcy Code has numerous provisions to assist creditors and protect their interests if a bankruptcy petition is filed.
Creditors Rights in Bankruptcy
Attorneys who specialize in creditors rights will typically do one or more of the following:
- To collect consumer debts, file lawsuits and employ other legal means (i.e. debts owed by individuals).
- To collect commercial debts, file lawsuits and utilize other legal collection procedures (i.e. debts owed by businesses).
- In a bankruptcy procedure, represent the interests of a creditor.
- If a buyer defaults on a payment, conduct a foreclosure or trustee’s sale of the property.
- If the buyer defaults on payment, the secured items (such as autos) can be recovered.
- As needed, garnish paychecks or bank accounts.
- Non-exempt property can be sold at a sheriff’s sale.
- Other contractual and legal remedies may be pursued.
Attorneys may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Fees and charges are usually determined by:
- The bankruptcy chapter (Chapters 7, 11, or 13);
- What you wish to achieve;
- The extent to which the borrower will oppose your goals.
Clients from all across Arizona have put their trust in us
This attorney educates clients
"This attorney educates clients!" Anonymous This attorney educates clients on the bankruptcy process and helps them correctly complete the steps needed to reach the end of the process in a timely manner. She is thorough, professional and compassionate.
You made an unexpected, uncomfortable experience easy
"You made an unexpected, uncomfortable experience easy." J. & H. You made an unexpected, uncomfortable experience easy to get thru and recover and move on in our lives!. Thank – you are the best.
Diane is great
"Diane is great" G.S. Diane is great. After looking around for an attorney, I couldn’t be anymore happier with my decision of going with her. She answered all of my questions and took her time with me. Very motherly and straight forward. It’s very hard to find an [...]
Rate Ms. Drain’s services: 5.0 out of 5.0
"Rate Ms. Drain’s services: 5.0 out of 5.0" Anonymous When I was looking for a bankruptcy attorney, the U.S. Courts’ website had some Phoenix attorney’s listed. I visited one in person and the then read Ms. Drain’s site. The in-person attorney gave me a 2 inch stack of papers [...]
Rated high among her peers
"Rated high among her peers" Anonymous Ms. Drain helped make a very difficult time more bearable. She treated us with the utmost respect and caring while pushing us to get together the paperwork needed to get us to the best possible end result. It was very obvious [...]
Diane cleaned up serious mistakes made by another attorney
Diane cleaned up serious mistakes made by another attorney. J.D. Diane helped me straighten out my case, after an attorney from a different law firm, made serious mistakes in my filing that could have been extremely detrimental. If not for her very professional guidance, constant communication and follow-up, while [...]
Thank you for your caring and professionalism with my case
"Caring and professional!" R.L. Thank you for your caring and professionalism with my case. You are the best!
It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client
"It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client." K. Thank you. It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client. I am continually grateful that I was led to you to help me through my bankruptcy process. You are truly the best of the best and [...]
Diane and Jay were very patient with us
"Diane and Jay were very patient with us" N & J Diane and Jay were very patient with us in explaining every important detail involved in our case which helped ease the anxiety that sometimes came when we felt unsure about certain questions, Thank you. [...]
Highly recommend Diane Drain!
“Highly recommend Diane Drain!” J.P. I could not have made a better choice than Diane to help me with my bankruptcy case. During what is a very difficult and stressful time, she made things so easy to understand and the process could not have gone smoother. If [...]
You will have to put in the required time and effort, but Diane’s processes and methodology does work
“You will have to put in the required time and effort, but Diane’s processes and methodology does work” A & N.S. I have worked in the demanding High Technology Industry for over 40 years and have been involved with many stressful and high pressure business situations worldwide. [...]
Extremely competent representation and explanations
"Extremely competent representation and explanations!" K.M. 5 Star service and representation from Diane and Jay. Extremely competent representation and explanations of the legal process and how to prepare for the filing. True compassion shown to those going through a very difficult time in their lives. Diane is obviously respected [...]
Diane is very concerned for your well-being
“My anxiety faded away with each conversation we had ” R.L. If you are considering a bankruptcy, there is no other person in the state of Arizona to talk with other than Diane Drain. She is very concerned for your well-being. Her knowledge and expertise allowed me [...]
They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise
"They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise!" R.F. She and her team are responsive, knowledgeable, efficient, trustworthy, good communicators, detail-oriented, well-connected, caring and compassionate. They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise and appropriate action to get it done. Being a well-established [...]
If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest
"If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest." P.G. If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest possible rating to attorney Diane Drain. Before I called Diane, we did our own research, read everything on their web [...]
We are very happy we were referred to Diane
"We are very happy we were referred to Diane" S.G. Diane helped my husband and me get past a difficult chapter in our lives. She answered all our questions and gave us excellent advice. We followed her directions from start to finish and the process went smoothly. Having [...]
Our Emotional Ups and Downs Were Frequent, and Her Patience Was Unwavering!
“We highly recommend Diane Drain IF you are looking for the educated, knowledgeable, honest and transparent (and very fairly priced) attorney! ” P.R. We had recently relocated to Arizona from the Chicago area when we realized we had to face up to our financial problems, rather than [...]
My wife and I would recommend Diane to anyone who is thinking of filing
"My wife and I would recommend Diane to anyone who is thinking of filing" P.A. Filing for Bankruptcy is a huge decision, yet Diane’s knowledge of the laws from her years of experience make it far less daunting. My wife and I would recommend Diane to anyone who [...]
Why is a Creditor Suing Me After I Filed Bankruptcy – You Did Not Follow the Law.
What are the Basic Bankruptcy Principles? Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people and businesses overwhelmed by debt get a financial ‘start fresh’. The [...]
Bankruptcy and New Arizona Homestead Statutes
Bankruptcy Issues After January 1, 2022 Changes in Arizona Homestead Statutes Reprint from Gary Stickell’s website: January 19, 2022 The [...]
- The Arizona Statute of Limitations Applicable to Collection Lawsuits and Non-Judicial Trustee’s Foreclosure Sales of Real Property, Gallery
The Arizona Statute of Limitations Applicable to Collection Lawsuits and Non-Judicial Trustee’s Foreclosure Sales of Real Property,
Collection companies & Debt buyers, Creditors Rights, Debt Relief Agencies, Foreclosure, Trustee Sale and Foreclosure Videos
The Arizona Statute of Limitations Applicable to Collection Lawsuits and Non-Judicial Trustee’s Foreclosure Sales of Real Property,
The Arizona Statute of Limitations Applicable to Collection Lawsuits and Non-Judicial Trustee’s Foreclosure Sales of Real Property, article by Larry O. Folks, Folks Hess, [...]
Enforcement of Arizona Money Judgment Against Debtor’s Residence “Homestead” Property
Analysis of Enforcement of Money Judgments in Arizona Against a Judgment Debtor’s Residence / “Homestead” Property By Larry O. Folks (10/26/20) (reprinted with permission [...]





