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Facing Legal Action: What to Do When Sued by the U.S. Attorney on a Defaulted SBA Loan

Learn essential steps to take when sued by the U.S. Attorney for a defaulted SBA loan. Understand the process, explore negotiation options, and engage legal aid.

Have You Been Sued by the U.S. Attorney Over a Defaulted SBA Loan?

Facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Attorney due to a defaulted SBA loan can be overwhelming. Protect Law Group specializes in helping individuals navigate these challenging situations. With experienced SBA attorneys and Federal Agency Practitioners, they provide tailored solutions to address complex legal and financial issues effectively.

Understanding the Consequences of Defaulting on an SBA Loan

Defaulting on an SBA loan often triggers a series of actions. Initially, your lender may file a lawsuit to recover the loan amount before involving the SBA. Protect Law Group can guide you through this process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.

The Role of Your Lender

After a default, lenders aim to recover as much of the loan as possible. They may file lawsuits against borrowers and guarantors but are often open to compromise. Protect Law Group can help you negotiate with lenders to potentially dismiss lawsuits before judgments are reached.

The SBA's Involvement

Once the SBA honors the loan guarantee, they may pursue recovery from guarantors with significant assets or income. Protect Law Group offers expert advice on managing this stage of the process.

When the SBA Refers Your Case to the U.S. Attorney

If the SBA refers your case to the U.S. Attorney, the Civil Division may file a lawsuit in federal court. Protect Law Group emphasizes the importance of seeking legal counsel immediately to navigate federal court procedures and explore settlement options.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consulting an attorney is crucial. Protect Law Group provides case evaluations to help you respond appropriately and within deadlines, minimizing risks of adverse judgments.

Understanding the Lawsuit's Implications

A lawsuit signals the government’s intent to recover the debt. Protect Law Group can help you demonstrate sincerity in resolving the matter and develop a strategy to address the lawsuit effectively.

The Legal Timeline for SBA Lawsuits

The SBA has six years to file a lawsuit, starting from when they take possession of the Note. Protect Law Group ensures clients understand these timelines and how federal laws override state statutes of limitations.

Key Considerations

Understanding the statute of limitations is vital. Protect Law Group provides clarity on how these timelines impact your case and helps you prepare accordingly.

Steps to Navigate the Process

Evaluating Your Financial Situation

Assess your assets, liabilities, and income to determine a reasonable compromise. Protect Law Group assists in crafting offers that reflect your genuine capacity to pay.

Engaging Professional Assistance

Self-representation is rarely advisable. Protect Law Group’s experienced attorneys provide tailored strategies to address your specific circumstances.

Developing a Negotiation Strategy

Negotiation remains possible even after a lawsuit is filed. Protect Law Group helps structure compelling offers to resolve disputes before judgments are issued.

Exploring Settlement Options

What Makes a Reasonable Offer?

A reasonable offer aligns with your financial capabilities and satisfies the lender or SBA. Protect Law Group ensures your offer is legally sound and strategically advantageous.

Benefits of Settling Out of Court

Settlement saves time, money, and stress while avoiding lengthy court procedures. Protect Law Group helps clients achieve favorable settlements to minimize legal and financial burdens.

Preparing for Court Proceedings

When Settlement Isn’t Possible

If settlement isn’t feasible, Protect Law Group prepares clients for court proceedings, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and developing strategies to minimize potential losses.

Understanding Potential Outcomes

Court decisions may impose stricter repayment terms. Protect Law Group helps clients understand these risks and prepares for appeals if necessary.

Leveraging Legal Aid and Resources

Seeking Support from Legal Aid Organizations

Legal aid organizations can provide guidance for those unable to afford private attorneys. Protect Law Group connects clients with resources to navigate SBA loan litigation.

Utilizing Online Resources

Staying informed through credible platforms is essential. Protect Law Group offers insights and updates on SBA-related lawsuits to help clients stay prepared.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

Facing a lawsuit over a defaulted SBA loan is challenging, but Protect Law Group is committed to helping clients find resolutions. By understanding the legal landscape, evaluating your financial position, and engaging professional assistance, you can address the situation constructively and move forward with confidence.

Facing Legal Action? Protect Your Future Today

Are you being sued by the U.S. Attorney over a defaulted SBA loan? Don’t face this challenge alone. Protect Law Group specializes in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of SBA loan disputes. With experienced SBA attorneys and Federal Agency Practitioners, we provide tailored solutions to protect your rights and financial future. Contact us today for a case evaluation at (833) 428-0937. Take the first step toward resolving your legal and financial challenges with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you default on an SBA loan?

When you default on an SBA loan, your lender will typically take steps to recover the outstanding loan amount. This may include filing a lawsuit against you and any guarantors involved. If the lender cannot recover the full amount, they may request the SBA to honor the loan guarantee. Once the SBA fulfills this obligation, they may pursue recovery from guarantors with significant assets or income.

What should I do if the U.S. Attorney files a lawsuit against me for a defaulted SBA loan?

If the U.S. Attorney files a lawsuit, it is crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney. A legal professional can help you navigate federal court procedures, respond within required timelines, and explore options for settlement or defense. Acting wisely and seeking professional advice is essential to protect your rights.

How long does the SBA have to file a lawsuit after a loan default?

The SBA has a six-year period to file a lawsuit against a guarantor. This timeline begins when the SBA takes possession of the loan Note, not from the moment of default. Federal law governs this limitation period, ensuring the SBA has adequate time to act even if the lender’s statute of limitations has expired.

Can I negotiate a settlement after a lawsuit has been filed?

Yes, it is possible to negotiate a settlement even after a lawsuit has been filed. The government is often open to settlement under the right circumstances. A reasonable offer that reflects your genuine financial capacity can lead to the dismissal of the lawsuit before it progresses to judgment. An attorney can help you craft a compelling settlement proposal.

What are the benefits of settling the lawsuit out of court?

Settling out of court can save time, money, and stress. It allows both parties to agree on terms that are less burdensome than those imposed by a court judgment. Additionally, settlement avoids lengthy court procedures and potential negative publicity, making it a more efficient resolution.

What resources are available to help me handle an SBA loan lawsuit?

Legal aid organizations can provide support to those who cannot afford private attorneys. These organizations can guide you through the complexities of SBA loan litigation. Additionally, online resources and platforms offer valuable insights and updates on dealing with SBA-related lawsuits, helping you stay informed and prepared.

$750,000 SBA 504 LOAN - NEGOTIATED TERM REPAYMENT AGREEMENT

$750,000 SBA 504 LOAN - NEGOTIATED TERM REPAYMENT AGREEMENT

Clients personally guaranteed SBA 504 loan balance of $750,000.  Clients also pledged the business’s equipment/inventory and their home as additional collateral.  Clients had agreed to a voluntary sale of their home to pay down the balance.  We intervened and rejected the proposed home sale.  Instead, we negotiated an acceptable term repayment agreement and release of lien on the home.

$430,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

$430,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

Clients' 7(a) loan was referred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for enforced collection in 2015. They not only personally guaranteed the loan, but also pledged their primary residence as additional collateral.  One of the clients filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy thinking that it would discharge the SBA 7(a) lien encumbering their home. They later discovered that they were mistakenly advised. The Firm was subsequently hired to review their case and defend against a series of collection actions. Eventually, we were able to negotiate a structured workout for $180,000 directly with the SBA, saving them approximately $250,000 (by reducing the default interest rate and removing Treasury's substantial collection fees) and from possible foreclosure.

$383,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED RELEASE OF LIEN FOR CONSIDERATION

$383,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED RELEASE OF LIEN FOR CONSIDERATION

Clients executed several trust deeds pledging seven (7) real estate properties and unconditional personal guarantees for an SBA 7(a) loan from the participating lender. The clients' small business failed and eventually defaulted on repayment of the loan exposing all collateral pledged by the clients. The SBA subsequently acquired the loan balance from the lender, including the right to liquidate  and collect all pledged collateral pursuant to the trust deed instruments.

The Firm was hired to negotiate separate release of lien proposals for all 7 real estate properties. In preparation for the work assignment, the Firm Attorneys initiated discovery  to secure records from the SBA and Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service. After reviewing the records and understanding the interplay between the lender and the SBA, the attorneys then prepared, submitted and negotiated the release of lien (ROL) for each of the 7 real estate properties for consideration.

After submitting the proposals, the assigned SBA Loan Specialists approved each ROL package - significantly reducing the total SBA debt claimed.

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