May 13, 2020

Statutory Basis Explained for Deferring Rent in Response to the Coronavirus

Section 365(d)(3) doesn’t contain a remedy for failure to pay rent on time, Judge Huennekens says.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

December 19, 2019

Supreme Court Grants ‘Cert’ to Decide Whether Inaction Violates the Automatic Stay

Virginia case highlights the damage that will be done to debtor protections if affirmative action is required for a stay violation.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

November 27, 2019

Support for Indigent Extended Family Cut Off in Chapter 13, but Life Insurance Wasn’t

Chapter 13 forces judges to micromanage the lives of debtors.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

November 07, 2019

One Owner May Strip a Lien Off Property Owned JTWROS, Judge Huennekens Says

Courts disagree on lien stripping by one owner of entireties property and jointly owned property.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

October 30, 2019

Another Appellate Court Bars Arbitration of ‘Core’ Claims

State attorney general was allowed to intervene in a class suit alleging that a lender violated usury laws.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

May 31, 2019

One Preference Won’t Prevent Another from Being a Preference

A joint check agreement signed in the preference window is a preference, two Virginia judges say.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

April 10, 2019

Refunds by Creditors After Chapter 13 Discharge Go to Creditors, Not the Debtor

The logic of Harris v. Viegelahn doesn’t mean that chapter 13 debtors receive distributions refunded by creditors.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Western District

September 14, 2018

Exemption Claim Overrides the Government’s Right of Setoff, District Judge Says

Courts are divided when an exemption claim collides with the government’s right of setoff.

4th Circuit, Virginia, Virginia Eastern District

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

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