Seventh Circuit Solidifies a Circuit Split on the Automatic Stay
Disagreeing with the Tenth and D.C. Circuits and siding with four other circuits, the Seventh Circuit rules that passively holding estate property violates the automatic stay.
Bankruptcy Judge Says Espinosa Overrules Eleventh Circuit Precedent
A chapter 13 plan that improperly modifies a home mortgage remains binding unless the lender has objected to confirmation.
Fourth Circuit Eliminates a Split on Modifying Short Term Mortgages in Chapter 13
Joining two other circuits, the Fourth Circuit now permits a chapter 13 debtor to strip down a short term home mortgage to the value of the property.
Reconstructed Time Records Are Ok in a POC for Pre-Filing Attorneys’ Fees
Rule 3001 doesn’t require time records in a mortgage lender’s proof of claim, Judge Loyd says.
‘Earmarking’ Only Applies When a Debtor Receives a Loan from a Third Party
Money taken from a debtor’s own retirement account to pay a creditor does not qualify for the earmarking defense, Chief Judge Fehling says.
Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on What Is or Is Not a ‘Final, Appealable’ Order
For now, the high court ducks an important automatic stay question for chapter 13 debtors.
Malicious Theft of Trade Secrets Doesn’t Result in Nondischargeability, Circuit Says
Egregious behavior doesn’t always result in nondischargeability for willful and malicious injury.
Disclosing an Asset in the Wrong Place Won’t Invoke Judicial Estoppel, Circuit Says
Second Circuit won’t give a defendant a windfall if the debtor scheduled the lawsuit in the wrong place but told the trustee and the court.