December 21, 2016

Impending Circuit Split on ‘Makewholes’ Prompts Rehearing Motion by Energy Future

Energy Future claims Third Circuit panel misinterpreted governing New York law.

3rd Circuit

December 20, 2016

Debtor Has Valid Homestead Exemptions Even Without Equity in the Property

Adhering to traditional bankruptcy concepts, Utah judge gives reasons for reversing Jevic.

10th Circuit, Utah

December 19, 2016

Child Support Cases Avoid Thorny Choice of Law Questions

Judge Janice Loyd writes a handbook on choice of law and statutes of limitations.

10th Circuit, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Western District

December 09, 2016

Judge Reverses Course and Allows Reclassification of Deficiency Claim

Chapter 13 debtor permitted to surrender collateral and reclassify deficiency as unsecured.

11th Circuit, Alabama, Alabama Northern District

December 08, 2016

‘Close Nexus’ Test Not Always Applicable for Post-Confirmation Jurisdiction

Rule 2004 may be used after confirmation, even if the plan does not reserve jurisdiction.

3rd Circuit, Delaware

December 07, 2016

New Mexico Judge Avoids the Jevic Controversy by Requiring Payment on Priority Claims

‘General unsecured creditor’ is an ambiguous term not defined in the Bankruptcy Code or Rules.

10th Circuit, New Mexico

Supreme Court Seems Primed to Reverse Jevic, Precluding Structured Settlements

Justices search for rationale for departing from Section 507 priorities in settlements.

Supreme Court

November 30, 2016

Ninth Circuit Extends Barton to Protect Creditors’ Committee Members

Ninth Circuit lays down rules governing derivative judicial immunity for official committee members.

9th Circuit

November 23, 2016

Mishandling Collateral Gives Rise to Nondischargeable Debt, Eleventh Circuit Holds

Mishandling collateral is nondischargeable even if the security interest is unperfected.

11th Circuit

November 22, 2016

New York Stands Alone by Not Requiring Delivery to Transfer a Note and Mortgage

District judge makes an ‘Erie’ guess on an undecided issue of New York law.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Western District