Rochellel's Daily Wire

April 02, 2018

Chapter 13 Strip-Off Ok Even if Lienholder Does Not File a Claim, Fourth Circuit Holds

A contrary result would have obviated the judicially recognized right to strip off underwater subordinate liens in chapter 13.

4th Circuit

March 16, 2018

Judge Harner Pens a Primer on the Elements of an Executory Contract

Unperformed obligations must be ‘material’ for a contract to be executory.

4th Circuit, Maryland

March 13, 2018

Unlicensed Debt Collectors May File Proof of Claim Despite State Law

Midland Funding expanded to allow unlicensed debt collectors to file claims.

4th Circuit, Maryland

February 23, 2018

Solvency May or May Not Result in Dismissal

The Fourth Circuit and a Delaware bankruptcy judge reach opposite conclusions on motions to dismiss petitions by solvent debtors.

4th Circuit

February 14, 2018

Judge Revokes a ‘Nationwide’ Firm’s Right to Practice in Virginia Bankruptcy Court

Local lawyers were also caught up in the maelstrom caused by a ‘nationwide’ firm that skirted bankruptcy law and rules.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Western District

February 06, 2018

Ok to Bifurcate the Lien on an Auto Used by the Debtor’s Non-Filing Partner

Congress created a loophole in the hanging paragraph in Section 1325(a).

4th Circuit, West Virginia, West Virginia Northern District

December 20, 2017

Fourth Circuit Ducks a Split on Pension Contributions in Chapter 13

Sixth Circuit remains the only appeals court to preclude all pension contributions after a chapter 13 filing.

4th Circuit

December 12, 2017

Courts Shifting to Say Corporate ‘S’ Status Is Not Property

Virginia judge sides with Third Circuit to hold that ‘S’ status is not a corporate debtor’s property.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

December 08, 2017

Circuits Split on Appellate Standard for Finding of ‘Indubitable Equivalent’

Equitable defenses can bar payment of interest on a fully secured claim, Fourth Circuit holds.

4th Circuit

November 09, 2017

Paying More on Student Loans Isn’t Unfair Discrimination Automatically

Chapter 13 plan shouldn’t end up increasing student loan debt, judge implies.

4th Circuit, South Carolina