January 31, 2017

Paying for a Car in Full and Having Exclusive Possession Don’t Result in Ownership

Strict adherence to Michigan law required for ownership of an automobile.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

October 12, 2016

‘Summary Jurisdiction’ Resurrected to Permit Final Order on Property Ownership

Findings of fact determine whether bankruptcy court can enter a final order.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

September 15, 2016

Creditor Holding Nondischargeable Debts Lacks Standing for Discharge Objection

Personal financial stake required before creditor can file discharge complaint.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

July 28, 2016

Award of Attorneys’ Fees to the Government Is a Dischargeable Debt

Section 523(a)(7) interpreted narrowly in a fee-shifting dispute.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

June 06, 2016

Chapter 7 Debtors Might Benefit from Jevic by Analogy

Otherwise-valueless exemptions might get value, depending on the outcome of Jevic.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

May 13, 2016

Courts Split on Requiring Reaffirmation for Valid Lease Assumption in Chapter 7

Detroit judge makes auto lease assumption valid without parallel reaffirmation.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

April 22, 2016

Trustee Has No Private Right of Action for Debtor’s Failure to Cooperate

Discharge denial is enough sanction for a debtor who doesn’t cooperate with the trustee.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

April 11, 2016

Mortgages Command Priority over Legal Fees in a Chapter 13 Plan

Plan can’t cause default on a home mortgage to pay a debtor’s lawyer first.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

February 22, 2016

Unpaid Filing Fees Are Nondischargeable Debts in Detroit

Bankruptcy judges can be the government’s best collection agents.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District