When some or all of a debtor’s obligations under an existing contract or lease have yet to be performed, the debtor (or the bankruptcy trustee) can decide whether to agree to perform or refuse to perform its obligations under the contract or lease. If the debtor agrees to perform its remaining obligations it has assumed responsibility for the contract or lease. This is called an assumption of the contract or lease. And if the debtor or bankruptcy trustee refuses to perform the remaining obligations under the contract or lease it is a rejection of the contract or lease.

In Alaska, as in all states, the treatment of executory contracts and unexpired leases in bankruptcy is governed by federal law under the Bankruptcy Code. When a debtor files for bankruptcy, they or the appointed bankruptcy trustee have the option to either assume or reject executory contracts and unexpired leases. Assumption means that the debtor agrees to continue performing their obligations under the contract or lease, which may involve curing any defaults and providing adequate assurance of future performance. Rejection, on the other hand, is essentially a breach of the contract or lease, allowing the other party to file a claim for damages. The decision to assume or reject must be made by the deadline set by the bankruptcy court. If the debtor assumes a contract or lease, they are bound to fulfill the obligations, and the contract or lease continues in force. This decision is particularly important for both debtors and creditors as it affects their rights and obligations moving forward in the bankruptcy process.