March 31, 2023
$400,000 in Sanctions Upheld for Violation of a Confidentiality Order
A large sanction was civil, not criminal, because it was designed for deterrence.
5th Circuit, Louisiana, Louisiana Eastern DistrictMarch 30, 2023
Proceeds from Post-Petition Sales Aren’t to Be Turned Over to the Chapter 13 Trustee
Before confirmation, district judge says that a chapter 13 debtor is only required to turn over disposable income to a trustee, not proceeds from a post-petition sale of property.
2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern DistrictMarch 29, 2023
A Trust Didn’t Defeat a Prior, Perfected Security Interest in Accounts Receivable
The district court characterized the agreement not as creating a trust but as a device designed to win priority over a prior, perfected security interest.
5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Northern DistrictMarch 28, 2023
Ninth Circuit BAP Rules on a Question to Be Decided Soon by the Supreme Court
Like the question in MOAC to be decided soon by the Supreme Court, the BAP says that the qualifications for an involuntary petitioner are not jurisdictional and can be waived.
9th CircuitMarch 27, 2023
A Lawsuit to Collect a ‘DSO’ Runs the Risk of Violating the Automatic Stay
Although collecting a ‘DSO’ from non-estate property is permitted by Section 362(b)(2)(B), a district judge says that an in personam suit against the debtor can violate the automatic stay.
4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Western DistrictMarch 24, 2023
‘13’ Debtors Need to Know Whether They Lose Appreciation When They Sell a Home
One of the biggest unanswered questions in chapter 13 sometimes forces debtors to keep homes they need to sell or strips away appreciation if they are forced to sell.
4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern DistrictMarch 23, 2023
Here’s How a Disclaimed Inheritance Can Be Recovered Under Section 544(b)
Although a disclaimed inheritance is ordinarily beyond the avoiding powers, a trustee can step into the shoes of the IRS to set aside the disclaimer.
7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Southern DistrictMarch 22, 2023
Renewing a Title Loan Just Before Chapter 13 Didn’t Make the Filing in Bad Faith
Ruling the other way would have barred chapter 13 filings after renewing title loans.
11th Circuit, Alabama, Alabama Middle DistrictMarch 21, 2023
Another Court Won’t Permit a Structured Sale to Eradicate a Homestead Exemption
Subordinated lenders can’t take a ‘haircut,’ give a ‘tip’ to the trustee, sell a home and eradicate the debtor’s homestead exemption.
4th Circuit, North Carolina, North Carolina Western DistrictMarch 20, 2023
Although Interlocutory, Orders Refusing to Compel Arbitration Can Be Appealed
An appeal brewing in West Virginia may give the Fourth Circuit an opportunity to decide when or whether arbitration agreements are enforceable in bankruptcy.
4th Circuit, West Virginia