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.
Eleventh Circuit Joins the Majority Restricting Collection Letters on Time-Barred Debts
On a question where the circuits are split, the Eleventh Circuit sided with the majority and held that an.....
Payments Under the NFL’s Brain Injury Settlement Are Held Exempt on Appeal
In the first-ever appeal from the first decision on the question, a district judge in Florida upheld Bankruptcy Judge John K.....
Tardy Recordation of a Mortgage Not Salvaged by Relation-Back Arguments
A bankruptcy judge must have a command of the intricacies of state law, as shown in an opinion by Bankruptcy Judge Paul W.....
Without Excusable Neglect, Debtors May Claim Exemption in Reopened Cases
Reversing bankruptcy courts, the Tenth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel held that a debtor can reopen a closed case to.....
Courts Are Split on Breach of Contract Resulting in Nondischargeability
On an issue where the circuits are divided, Bankruptcy Judge David T Thuma of Albuquerque, New Mexico, decided that the door is.....
An Interest in Property as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship Drops Out of the Estate on Death of the Debtor
At least when joint tenancies with right of survivorship are involved, the common.....
Gift cards purchased before bankruptcy won’t qualify for an exemption beyond whatever cash the debtor could exempt, according to Chief Bankruptcy Judge Dale L. Somers of Topeka, Kan.
The husband and.....
Divorcing While Bankrupt Lays Traps for the Unwary
When divorce coincides with bankruptcy, the debtor’s matrimonial lawyer should take counsel from a bankruptcy expert to avoid the kind of mistakes.....
Direct Mortgage Payments Are Not Provided For in a Plan, Eleventh Circuit Holds
For the first time among the courts of appeals, two judges on an Eleventh Circuit panel held that direct payments by a.....
Advice of Counsel Must Be Given in Advance to Constitute a Defense, Circuit Says
The advice of counsel defense only applies in discharge litigation if the debtor receives advice before taking action.....