What is the authority of the debtor in possession?

The authority of the debtor in possession (DIP) is similar to that of a bankruptcy trustee. The objective of the DIP is to guard the interests of creditors by reshaping the bankruptcy estate to allow the business to continue operations. In doing so, the DIP is vested with the following important powers.

Accept or Reject Contracts

The DIP may accept or reject contracts of the debtor that have not yet been performed or are on-going. In this way, the DIP can get rid of contracts that are oppressive or cause losses to the business but can retain contracts that are beneficial and necessary for the reorganization of the business. This rule invalidates provisions in a contract restricting, conditioning, or prohibiting a debtors rights to assign a contract. To retain or assume a contract, the DIP must provide adequate assurance of continued performance and must cure any defaults under the contract. The court may impose timelines and restrictions on the termination or any modifications to existing contracts. Further, there may be limitations on the ability of the debtor to later assign an assumed contract (such as a requirement for assurance of future performance). Lastly, any contract that has been terminated pre-petition may not be assumed in bankruptcy.