Consumer Bankruptcy

10th Circuit Utah Apr 26, 2022

Bankruptcy Didn’t Block Contempt Proceedings in District Court Against a Debtor

In a case headed for the Tenth Circuit, upholding the dignity of the court overcame the automatic stay.
9th Circuit May 6, 2022

In Reciprocity States, the Court Must Rule on Contract Issues to Shift Fees, Circuit Says

Even if a dischargeability suit is based on a contract, the winner is not entitled to fee-shifting if the court rules on noncontract issues.

In the Interest of Justice: An Equitable Defense Can Defeat a Motion to Dismiss

A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows a defaulted homeowner the unique benefit of saving real property, along with other secured debt. Given the benefits of chapter 13, this particular type of bankruptcy has the ability to help a large mass of people, and as such requires an orderly administration. Chapter 13 Trustees — guided by Code provisions and bankruptcy rules — are the gatekeepers for this administration. While these trustees do a remarkable job in ensuring that debtors, creditors and other entities comply with procedural requirements, occasional oversights are expected.

9th Circuit May 16, 2022

Nonjudicial Foreclosure Wipes Out Deficiencies for the FCRA, Ninth Circuit Says

The Ninth Circuit equates nonjudicial foreclosure with bankruptcy discharge in terms of the effect on deficiencies following foreclosure.
3rd Circuit May 11, 2022

Two Circuits Now Give Priority Status to Obamacare’s Individual Mandate Penalty

The Affordable Care Act’s ‘individual mandate’ was a tax measured by income, thus giving the IRS a priority tax claim.

Importance of the Supreme Court’s Upcoming Bartenwerfer Decision Seen in Florida Case

The decision by the Supreme Court next term in Bartenwerfer will tell us whether debts can be automatically nondischargeable, even when the debtor is without fault.