Michigan Eastern District

HAVEN Act May Be Employed to Reduce Payments Under a Confirmed Chapter 13 Plan

Judge Shefferly writes a complicated opinion on the retroactivity of the HAVEN Act to cases filed prior to enactment.

Courts Deeply Split on Social Security Benefits in the Chapter 13 ‘Abuse’ Test

Michigan judges disagree about the court’s ability to consider Social Security benefits in deciding whether a chapter plan was proposed in good faith.

Sixth Circuit Might Rule on Deductions for Contributions to Retirement Accounts

Courts are split on whether chapter 13 debtors may deduct voluntary contributions to retirement accounts from ‘disposable income.’

A Bogus Claim May Beat Summary Judgment, but It Won’t Reach a Jury

A defense that fails the ‘laugh test’ still beats a summary judgment motion, district judge says.