Joining the Tenth Circuit, the Ninth Circuit also has held that chapter 13 trustees are not paid their fees when cases are dismissed before confirmation. The identical issue was argued on February 15 before the Second Circuit.
In short order, we’ll have either unanimity or a split of circuits. A split will give rise to an issue worthy of a grant of certiorari by the Supreme Court.
Notably, the Ninth Circuit’s opinion on June 12 adopted reasoning in an amicus brief filed in support of the debtor by the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
When the sweeping language of a landmark Supreme Court opinion conflicted with the statute, Chief Bankruptcy Judge Phillip J. Shefferly of Detroit followed the statute.
In Harris v. Viegelahn, 575 U.S.....
In August, Congress adopted the so-called HAVEN Act, which allows military veterans to exclude disability benefits from the calculation of “current monthly income.” In practical terms, the new law.....
Addressing several issues where the courts are deeply split, Bankruptcy Judge Thomas J. Tucker of Detroit concluded that Social Security benefits can be considered in deciding whether a chapter 7.....
In most of the country, creditors had been judged by an almost strict liability standard for violating the discharge injunction. A decision by Chief Bankruptcy Judge Scott W. Dales of Grand Rapids.....
Sixth Circuit to Rule on Deductions for Contributions to Retirement Accounts (Updated)
In dicta, the Sixth Circuit had said in 2012 that voluntary contributions to a 401(k) plan must be paid to.....
Michigan Court Allows Curing a Chapter 13 Payment Default After Five Years
On an issue where the lower courts disagree, District Judge George Caram Steeh of Detroit sided with two circuit courts by.....
Wildcard Exemption Covered a Prepetition Malpractice Claim
Section 522 g does not bar an individual debtor from claiming a wildcard exemption over a prepetition malpractice suit against the debtor’s.....