The New Value Corollary to the Absolute-Priority Rule Codified for Individuals in Chapter 11
The New Value Corollary to the Absolute-Priority Rule Codified for Individuals in Chapter 11 By Donald L. Swanson The absolute-priority rule has always prevented individuals from reorganizing under chapter 11. The absolute-priority rule is a chapter 11 plan-confirmation
A Suit Nominally Against a Debtor Does/Doesn’t Violate the Discharge Injunction
In the Tenth Circuit, there’s a workaround for courts that believe it’s not possible to modify the statutory discharge injunction.
A Promise Not to Enforce a Judgment Meant There Was No Discharge Violation
The inability to modify a Section 524(a) discharge put the Ninth Circuit BAP in a bind.
There’s Reciprocal Fee-Shifting in California When a Contract Has Unilateral Fee-Shifting
In California, bringing litigation with a marginal possibility of success could be a bad bet whenever a contract permits one side to recover attorneys’ fees.
Benchnotes August 2025
Benchnotes By Aaron M. Kaufman, Bradley D. Pack and Christina Sanfelippo 1 Ninth Circuit: Section 1322(c)(2) Allows Bifurcation of Short-Term Loans Secured Against Debtors’ Primary Residences In Mission Hen LLC v. Lee, 2 the Ninth Circuit considered whether the debtor’s
When an Objection Is Required for an Exemption Covering ‘100% of FMV’
Judge Hoffman explains when objections are or aren’t required for exemptions covering ‘100% of FMV’ under the current form 106C.
In Setting Aside a Tax-Lien Foreclosure, a Hypothetical Gave Standing to the Debtor
If state law prohibits assertion of the homestead exemption in tax foreclosure and the debtor can’t take federal exemptions, does the debtor lack standing to set aside a fraudulent transfer?
Like 18th Century England, There’s No Jury Trial Right for Stay Violations
Granfinanciera tells us to study English law from the 18th century in deciding when there’s a right to a jury trial in bankruptcy cases.
Equity Won’t Extend the Deadline for Filing a Dischargeability Complaint
The circuits are split on whether equity can extend the 60-day deadline for filing dischargeability complaints.