Discharge/Dischargeability

9th Circuit May 2, 2025

Ninth Circuit BAP Limits Bartenwerfer on Vicarious Liability for Nondischargeability

The Ninth Circuit BAP explains why Bartenwerfer didn’t open the door to vicarious liability for all forms of nondischargeability in Section 523(a).
10th Circuit Colorado Mar 27, 2025

Trustee May Not Liquidate Estate Property Solely to Benefit a DSO Creditor

Affirming Bankruptcy Judge Michael Romero, the district court holds that an exemption remains valid even though the exempt property remains subject to a nondischargeable domestic support obligation.

Where, Oh Where, Are the Child-Support Creditors?

Where, Oh Where, Are the Child-Support Creditors? By Hon. Elizabeth Gunn, Stuart Wilson-Patton and William R. Pursell 1 It is axiomatic that bankruptcy law in the U.S. is designed to provide a fresh start to individuals weighed down by unfathomable debt (the honest, but

9th Circuit Mar 20, 2025

Equity Survives in the Ninth Circuit to Prevent Recoupment of Disability Overpayments

Reversing the BAP, the Ninth Circuit held that equitable considerations may stop the government from recovering disability overpayments, when the doctrine of recoupment otherwise would have allowed recovery despite the debtor’s chapter 7 discharge.

The Army’s Dependent Support Requirement: A DSO Under Title 11?

The Army’s Dependent Support Requirement: A DSO Under Title 11? By John R. Serrano 1 Staff Sergeant (SSG) Snuffy serves on active duty in a stateside military installation. He is married and has one child. The U.S. Army provides him with an allowance for housing based

9th Circuit Arizona Feb 5, 2025

Judgment Liens Based on Nondischargeable Debts May Be Avoided as ‘Impairments’

A homestead can be protected from collection of a nondischargeable debt, limiting the judgment creditor to attaching nonexempt property.