1st Circuit

1st Circuit Maine Mar 14, 2025

Middle Ground on the Circuit Split over Dismissal vs. Conversion in Chapter 13

Bankruptcy Judge Michael Fagone permits dismissal of a chapter 13 case, but with a bar to refiling within two years.
1st Circuit Puerto Rico Oct 15, 2024

On Conversion to ‘7,’ Admin Expenses in ‘13’ Must Be Paid, Harris Notwithstanding

When chapter 13 cases are converted to chapter 7 before confirmation, bankruptcy courts are split on whether the broad language in Harris v. Viegelahn bars chapter 13 trustees from paying administrative expenses incurred before conversion.

Recoupment of Social Security Benefit Overpayments Is Barred as a Setoff

Medicaid overpayments may be recovered as ‘recoupment’ while Social Security overpayments are attempted setoffs barred by discharge, Bankruptcy Judge Harwood says.

College Tuition Made a Debtor Ineligible for Chapter 7

Chapter 7 can be inaccessible for a married debtor living in the same household with a nonfiling spouse who has substantial income.
1st Circuit Aug 24, 2023

First Circuit Describes How to Value an Interest in Entireties Property

The value of a debtor’s interest in entireties property isn’t necessarily 50% of the value of the entire property.