Securities Investor Protection Act

The Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) was designed to create a new form of liquidation proceeding. SIPA created the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), a nonprofit, private membership corporation to which most registered brokers and dealers are required to belong. The SIPC fund constitutes an insurance program. The fund is designed to protect the customers of brokers or dealers subject to SIPA from loss in case of financial failure of the member. The fund is supported by assessments upon its members.

Bankruptcy Case Administration

All bankruptcy proceedings are referred to a bankruptcy judge and all related papers, including the original petition, are filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. The United States Bankruptcy Court has its own local rules governing procedures within that court.

Dischargeability of Taxes in Bankruptcy

Debtors may be able to discharge some or all of their older income tax obligations in bankruptcy. Dischargeability of these taxes turns on the question whether or not they are "priority" claims. Tax obligations that are non-priority are dischargeable.

Voluntary and Involuntary Bankruptcy

A voluntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. The commencement of a voluntary case constitutes an order for relief under the relevant chapter. An involuntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court under Chapter 7 or 11.

Creditor Attempts to Collect Discharged Debt

A debt no longer exists after it is discharged in bankruptcy. The court enters an order prohibiting the debtor's creditors from later attempting to collect any discharged debt from the debtor.