September 25, 2019

Sixth Circuit Might Rule on Deductions for Contributions to Retirement Accounts

Courts are split on whether chapter 13 debtors may deduct voluntary contributions to retirement accounts from ‘disposable income.’

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

July 26, 2019

Insurance Policy Excluding Coverage for Causing Bankruptcy Is Unenforceable

A ‘runoff’ policy purchased after filing is a continuation of a pre-bankruptcy policy, district judge says.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

July 11, 2019

Michigan Court Allows Curing a Chapter 13 Payment Default After Five Years

Some lower courts don’t allow chapter 13 plan payments after five years, but two circuits do.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

January 04, 2019

Wildcard Exemption Covered a Prepetition Malpractice Claim

Judge Dales explains how Section 522(g) does not limit, but rather expands, a debtor’s exemptions.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Western District

June 22, 2018

Terminating a Lease for Default Doesn’t Invoke the § 362(b)(10) Stay Exception

Lower courts are split on whether terminating a nonresidential lease for default means there is no automatic stay.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

February 07, 2018

A Bogus Claim May Beat Summary Judgment, but It Won’t Reach a Jury

A defense that fails the ‘laugh test’ still beats a summary judgment motion, district judge says.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

February 01, 2018

Sovereign Immunity Fully Insulates a Tribe from Lawsuits

Sovereign immunity protects a tribe even after successful veil piercing.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

December 15, 2017

BAPCPA Limits Remedies Against Debtors Who Don’t Reaffirm or Surrender

‘Stay and pay’ may not be permissible, but the remedies can be toothless.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

November 21, 2017

“Substantial Contribution” Claim Allowed in Chapter 13

Split grows on whether ‘substantial contribution’ claims are limited to chapters 9 and 11.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

November 13, 2017

PACA Trust Claims Don’t Defeat the Power to Use Cash Collateral

PACA trust creditors can’t hold a chapter 11 debtor hostage, judge rules.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Western District