October 16, 2017

ASARCO Read to Bar Fee-Defense Costs Even with a Fee-Shifting Agreement

Court shows antipathy to all theories seeking allowance of fees incurred in collecting fees.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Western District

July 28, 2017

Exempt Assets Aren’t Always Exempt in Chapter 13

Courts are split on including some exempt assets into the calculation of disposable income.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Western District

June 14, 2017

Cryptic Disclosure of Fee Sharing Is Inadequate, Judge Houser Holds

Terms of fee sharing must be disclosed in the retention application, not just in an exhibit.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Northern District

May 24, 2017

Bankruptcy Judge Finds Jurisdiction over Nationwide Class Challenging Bogus Claims

Class suit in Texas attacks the filing of bogus claims.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

May 23, 2017

Diligence by Itself Won’t Justify Invocation of Equitable Tolling

Houston judge doesn’t excuse delay in identifying John Doe defendants.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

May 19, 2017

Lump-Sum Child Support Claim Disallowed when Debtor Was Current

‘Relationship test’ bolsters Texas judge in disallowing claim for child support.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Western District

April 11, 2017

For Chapter 13 Eligibility, Lease Claims Aren’t Capped

Large judgment for future rent made debtors ineligible for chapter 13.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

March 28, 2017

Courts Split on Bankruptcy Judge’s Ability to Invoke ‘Innocent Spouse’ Doctrine

After waiting six months, bankruptcy court may rule on a debtor’s ‘innocent spouse’ claim.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

January 03, 2017

Stern Doesn’t Limit Bankruptcy Court in Liquidating a Nondischargeable Debt

Decisions by Circuit Judge Posner and Houston’s Judge Isgur don’t line up.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

November 04, 2016

Debtor May Not Benefit from His Own Fraudulent Transfer

Exemption cannot be claimed in a home recovered as a fraudulent transfer.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District