November 18, 2024

Judge Thorne Describes the Quantum of Evidence Needed to Show a Plan Is Fair and Equitable

Although a ‘true-up’ cannot be imposed, a debtor could employ a ‘true-up’ to confirm an otherwise nonconfirmable plan.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Northern District

November 07, 2024

A Plan Appeal Wasn’t Equitably Moot, Even Though Reversal Might Rejigger New Equity

A district court in Houston denied a motion to dismiss a confirmation appeal as equitably moot, although reversal might alter ownership of the reorganized debtor.

5th Circuit, Texas, Texas Southern District

November 04, 2024

Releasing a Lien Under Section 1325(a)(5)(B) Is Different When There Are Co-Debtors

Despite Section 1325(a)(5)(B), an auto lender was entitled to retain a lien when there were co-debtors.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Southern District

October 31, 2024

A Chapter 13 Plan Amended Today Cannot Have an 84-Month Duration

The expiration of Section 1329(d) in March 2022 means that 84-month chapter 13 plans amended now must revert to 60-month plans.

9th Circuit, Oregon

October 28, 2024

Judge Goldblatt Engrafts the Standing Rules from Truck Insurance onto Chapter 7

At least with regard to standing for objections to claims, Delaware’s Judge Craig Goldblatt believes that the Truck Insurance standard for chapter 11 also applies in chapter 7.

3rd Circuit, Delaware

October 25, 2024

Receipt of a Chapter 7 Discharge Doesn’t Preclude Conversion to Chapter 13

Small state exemptions mean that some low-income debtors can lose their homes in chapters 7 and 13 if there is equity.

8th Circuit, Missouri, Missouri Eastern District

October 24, 2024

On Conversion to ‘7,’ Admin Expenses in ‘13’ Must Be Paid, Harris Notwithstanding

When chapter 13 cases are converted to chapter 7 before confirmation, bankruptcy courts are split on whether the broad language in Harris v. Viegelahn bars chapter 13 trustees from paying administrative expenses incurred before conversion.

1st Circuit, Puerto Rico

October 17, 2024

No More Injunctions Barring Suits Against Nondebtors in a Diocese Sexual Abuse Case

An opinion by Bankruptcy Judge Carl L. Bucki might be read, incorrectly, to mean that Purdue precludes preliminary injunctions stopping suits against nondebtors.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Western District

October 11, 2024

Giving Inferior Classes Nothing May Not by Itself Amount to ‘Fair and Equitable’

Conducting a valuation hearing on a cramdown plan isn’t always required.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District

October 02, 2024

A Vote for a Plan After the Deadline Won’t Be Counted, Judge Blise Says

Because ‘excusable neglect’ won’t allow a late vote to be counted, counsel must solicit votes on a plan before the voting deadline.

7th Circuit, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Eastern District