If you Owe more than $30,000 contact us for a case evaluation at (833) 428-0937
contact us for a free case evaluation at (833) 428-0937
Call us (833) 428-0937

The Role of Personal Guarantors in SBA Loan Defaults: What You Need to Know

Learn the vital role of personal guarantors in SBA loan defaults. Discover strategies, legal implications, and ways to navigate defaulted SBA loans effectively.

Book a Consultation Call

The Role of Personal Guarantors in SBA Loan Defaults: What You Need to Know

Introduction

In the realm of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, understanding the critical role of personal guarantors amid defaults is paramount. This comprehensive guide navigates the intricacies, responsibilities, and strategies essential for individuals associated with SBA loans and highlights the significance of personal guarantors in these circumstances.

Unveiling the Responsibilities of Personal Guarantors

Personal guarantors serve as a protective shield for lenders, offering assurance of repayment in cases of SBA loan defaults. Their commitment plays a pivotal role in securing loans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the weight of their responsibilities in such financial arrangements.

Impact of SBA Loan Defaults on Personal Guarantors

When an SBA loan defaults, personal guarantors face potential financial risks. They become liable for the unpaid debt, subjecting their assets and finances to potential collection actions by the lender or SBA to recover outstanding amounts.

Strategies for Personal Guarantors Facing SBA Loan Defaults

Navigating through defaulted SBA loans requires strategic action from personal guarantors. Seeking legal counsel, negotiating settlements, or exploring compromise options can mitigate the repercussions and offer avenues for resolution amid challenging circumstances.

Legal Support: Safeguarding Personal Guarantors' Interests

Engaging legal expertise becomes crucial for personal guarantors entangled in SBA loan defaults. Legal professionals well-versed in SBA loan matters offer guidance, negotiation prowess, and explore legal avenues to shield guarantors' interests effectively.

FAQs: Answers to Common Queries

  • How does a personal guarantor impact an SBA loan default?
  • Personal guarantors assure repayment in the event of SBA loan defaults, serving as a backup for lenders.

  • What happens if a personal guarantor fails to repay an SBA loan?
  • Failure to repay can lead to potential collection actions, risking the guarantor's assets and finances.

  • Can negotiation help personal guarantors facing SBA loan defaults?
  • Yes, negotiation and settlement discussions can provide options to alleviate the impact of defaults.

  • Should personal guarantors seek legal assistance for defaulted SBA loans?
  • Seeking legal counsel is highly recommended to protect and navigate through defaulted SBA loans effectively.

  • Are there ways to protect personal assets in SBA loan defaults?
  • Exploring settlement options, negotiation strategies, and legal guidance can safeguard personal assets.

  • What role does a personal guarantor play in mitigating SBA loan default consequences?
  • Guarantors can engage in negotiations, explore settlements, and seek legal support to mitigate default consequences.

Conclusion

Understanding the pivotal role of personal guarantors in SBA loan defaults is crucial for individuals associated with such financial arrangements. This article elucidates their responsibilities, implications of defaults, mitigation strategies, and the importance of legal support, providing a comprehensive roadmap for navigating through the complexities of defaulted SBA loans effectively.

Why Hire Us to Help You with Your Treasury or SBA Debt Problems?

construction accident injury lawyer

Millions of Dollars in SBA Debts Resolved via Offer in Compromise and Negotiated Repayment Agreements without our Clients filing for Bankruptcy or Facing Home Foreclosure

slip and fall attorney

Millions of Dollars in Treasury Debts Defended Against via AWG Hearings, Treasury Offset Program Resolution, Cross-servicing Disputes, Private Collection Agency Representation, Compromise Offers and Negotiated Repayment Agreements

truck accident injury attorney

Our Attorneys are Authorized by the Agency Practice Act to Represent Federal Debtors Nationwide before the SBA, The SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Treasury Department, and the Bureau of Fiscal Service.

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

Client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan for $100,000 from the lender. The SBA loan went into early default in 2006 less than 12 months from disbursement. The SBA paid the 7(a) guaranty monies to the lender and subsequently acquired the deficiency balance of about $96,000, including the right to collect against the guarantor. However, the SBA sent the Official 60-Day Due Process Notice to the Client's defunct business address instead of his personal residence, which he never received. As a result, the debt was transferred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service where substantial collection fees were assessed, including accrued interest per the promissory note. Treasury eventually referred the debt to a Private Collection Agency (PCA) - Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc. Pioneer sent a demand letter claiming a debt balance of almost $310,000 - a shocking 223% increase from the original loan amount assigned to the SBA. Client's social security disability benefits were seized through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). Client hired the Firm to represent him as the debt continued to snowball despite seizure of his social security benefits and federal tax refunds as the involuntary payments were first applied to Treasury's collection fees, then to accrued interest with minimal allocation to the SBA principal balance.

We initially submitted a Cross-Servicing Dispute (CSD) challenging the referral of the debt to Treasury based on the defective notice sent to the defunct business address. Despite overwhelming evidence proving a violation of the Client's Due Process rights, the SBA still rejected the CSD. As a result, an Appeals Petition was filed with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) Court challenging the SBA decision and its certification the debt was legally enforceable in the amount claimed. After several months of litigation before the SBA OHA Court, our Firm Attorney successfully negotiated an Offer in Compromise (OIC) Term Workout with the SBA Supervising Trial Attorney for $82,000 spread over a term of 74 months at a significantly reduced interest rate saving the Client an estimated $241,000 in Treasury collection fees, accrued interest (contract interest rate and Current Value of Funds Rate (CVFR)), and the PCA contingency fee.

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN – NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN – NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

Client’s small business obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000.  He and his wife signed personal guarantees and pledged their home as collateral. The SBA loan went into default, the term or maturity date was accelerated and demand for payment of the entire amount claimed was made.  The SBA lender’s note gave it the right to adjust the default interest rate from 7.25% to 18% per annum. The business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but was dismissed after 3 years due to its inability to continue with payments under the plan. Clients wanted to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would have been a mistake as their home had significant equity to repay the SBA loan balance in full as the Trustee would likely seize and sell the home to repay the secured and unsecured creditors. However, the SBA lender opted to pursue the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and subsequently assigned the loan and the right to enforce collection to the SBA. Clients then received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and hired the Firm to respond to it and negotiate on their behalf. Clients disputed the SBA’s alleged balance of $148,000, as several payments made to the SBA lender during the Chapter 11 reorganization were not accounted for. To challenge the SBA’s claimed debt balance, the Firm Attorneys initiated expedited discovery to obtain government records. SBA records disclosed the true amount owed was about $97,000. Moreover, because the Clients’ home had significant equity, they were not eligible for an Offer in Compromise or an immediate Release of Lien for Consideration, despite being incorrectly advised by non-attorney consulting companies that they were. Instead, our Firm Attorneys recommended a Workout of $97,000 spread over a lengthy term and a waiver of the applicable interest rate making the monthly payment affordable. After back and forth negotiations, SBA approved the Workout proposal, thereby saving the home from imminent foreclosure and reducing the Clients' liability by nearly $81,000 in incorrect principal balance, accrued interest, and statutory collection fees.

$488,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OHA LITIGATION

$488,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OHA LITIGATION

The clients are personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan.  The SBA referred the debt to the Department of Treasury, which was seeking payment of $487,981 from our clients.  We initially filed a Cross-Servicing Dispute, which was denied.  As a result, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals asserting legal defenses and supporting evidence uncovered during the discovery and investigation phase of our services.  Ultimately, the SBA settled the debt for $25,000 - saving our clients approximately $462,981.

Read more Case Results

Related Content

Read more sba debt articles