Practice and Procedure

10th Circuit Feb 12, 2021

Amount of an Exemption Isn’t Required to Make an Order Final, Circuit Majority Says

Tenth Circuit majority believes that the grant or denial of an exemption is sufficient to make the order final, even if the bankruptcy court hasn’t ruled on the extent or amount of the exemption.
6th Circuit Feb 1, 2021

BAP Adheres to ‘Person Aggrieved’ Despite Dicta from the Sixth Circuit

The Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit both questioned the continuing validity of doctrines of prudential standing, such as ‘person aggrieved.’

Contested Matters Aren’t ‘Civil Actions’ Under the Equal Access to Justice Act

A contested matter in bankruptcy court isn’t a ‘civil action’ allowing the debtor to recover attorneys’ fees from the U.S. Trustee under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
6th Circuit Jan 21, 2021

The Reason for Missing the Deadline Is Most Important in Finding ‘Excusable Neglect’

The length of time before filing a motion to extend the appeal-filing deadline isn’t dipositive under Rule 8002(d)(1)(B).

Sanction for Discharge Violation: $450 in Actual Damages and $10,000 for Attorneys’ Fees

When there’s ‘no fair ground of doubt’ about a discharge violation, the creditor should settle or make an offer of settlement to avoid larger damages after trial.