Structuring Forbearance Agreements and Strengthening Lender Collateral Position: Beyond the Basics

This CLE webinar will equip counsel to negotiate and draft forbearance agreements that provide maximum protection of lender interests while at the same time minimizing the risk of lender liability claims. A well structured and well drafted forbearance agreement can strengthen the lender's position should the debtor-borrower further default, file bankruptcy, or seek other insolvency relief. The program will also discuss how the workout process creates opportunities to correct deficiencies in existing loan terms, shore up weak documentation, or secure additional collateral or covenants.

Forbearance agreements are essential to protecting a lender's position when the loan is in default or in danger of going into default. Counsel representing lenders must anticipate and successfully navigate obstacles during the negotiation process and avoid pitfalls that might give rise to lender liability challenges by borrowers.

A loan forbearance provides a lender the chance to strengthen its position and minimize risk due to the borrower's bankruptcy or a foreclosure sale. Forbearance agreements also allow the lender to correct deficiencies in existing terms, documentation, or collateral.

Should the borrower file bankruptcy, the forbearance agreement will be reviewed by third parties, such as a court, a trustee, a creditors' committee, or others who may wish to challenge it. Thus, in any forbearance situation, counsel must structure and document the forbearance with bankruptcy considerations in mind. Waivers of the automatic stay by the borrower and stipulations supporting relief in a bankruptcy filing are critical.

Listen as our authoritative panel of attorneys discusses best practices for crafting forbearance agreements that minimize lender risks and liabilities. The panel will also address steps lenders can take during the workout process to correct deficiencies in existing terms, documentation, or collateral.