Consumer Bankruptcy

There Are No Fractions of a Household in Tacoma, Washington

Judge Lynch of Tacoma follows Idaho’s Judge Pappas in determining the size of a ‘household’ when someone is a part-time resident.
9th Circuit Jul 31, 2018

Collection Injunctions Are (Sometimes) Ok in an Individual Chapter 11

Ninth Circuit BAP explains when the holder of a nondischargeable claim can be enjoined from collecting during the life of an individual’s chapter 11 plan.
3rd Circuit Aug 7, 2018

FDCPA Applies to Debt Collectors Even if They Own the Debt

Thomas Ambro on the Third Circuit answers a question the Supreme Court left open in <em>Henson v. Santander</em>.

New York Judge Rails Against the Use of ‘Appearance Counsel’

Multiple ethical violations may occur with the use of so-called appearance counsel in consumer bankruptcies.

Penalty for Early Withdrawal from a Retirement Account Is Not a Priority Tax Claim

Two Boston judges agree: The 10% penalty for early withdrawals from a retirement account doesn’t have priority under Section 508(a)(8).
5th Circuit Jul 31, 2018

Property that Lost Exempt Status Goes to the Chapter 13 Debtor on Voluntary Dismissal

Fifth Circuit Draws on Harris v. Viegelahn to revest all property in the chapter 13 debtor on dismissal.
10th Circuit Kansas Jul 26, 2018

Covenant Not to Compete Survives a Chapter 7 Discharge, Judge Nugent Says

Breaching a covenant not to compete does not give rise to a claim, because the primary remedy is equitable.
3rd Circuit Jul 31, 2018

Punitive Damages under Section 303(i) Can’t Be Offset, Third Circuit Says

One involuntary petition dismissed in bankruptcy court has now spawned three important opinions at the circuit level.