April 03, 2017

State Law Determines Whether Post-Filing Mechanic’s Liens Are Voidable

Bankruptcy courts can enter final orders voiding mechanic’s liens, Third Circuit says.

3rd Circuit

April 03, 2017

For Chapter 13 Lien Stripping, Use the Filing Date for Valuation

Caulkett did not bar chapter 13 lien stripping, Massachusetts judge holds.

1st Circuit, Massachusetts

March 31, 2017

Chapter 13 Plan Confirmation Doesn’t Bar Later Claim Objections, Circuit Holds

Res judicata does not apply to ‘deemed allowed’ claims.

4th Circuit

March 28, 2017

No Res Judicata Effect for ‘Deemed Allowed’ Claims in ‘No Asset’ Cases

Do ‘deemed allowed’ claims have res judicata effect in ‘asset’ cases?

5th Circuit

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

March 27, 2017

Supreme Court Grants ‘Cert’ on Appellate Standards for Non-Statutory Insider Status

High court won’t decide whether a claim purchaser automatically takes seller’s insider status.

Supreme Court

March 22, 2017

Supreme Court Reverses Jevic, Bars Structured Dismissals that Violate Priority Rules

Jevic opinion continues to permit first-day wage and critical vendor orders, although its effect on gift plans is debatable.

Supreme Court

March 13, 2017

Ninth Circuit Prohibition on Third-Party Injunctions Is Inapplicable in Chapter 9

Third-party injunctions in chapter 9 must be a financial necessity, judge says.

9th Circuit, California

March 10, 2017

Georgia Courts Disagree on Redeeming Pawn Property in a Chapter 13 Plan

Bankruptcy court disregards district court opinion on redemption of pawned property.

March 09, 2017

Preference Analysis Permits ‘Hypothetical-Within-a-Hypothetical’ on Chapter 7 Recovery

Ninth Circuit majority goes for a difficult issue when an easier answer was available.

9th Circuit