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 16, 2016

New GM Assails the Second Circuit for Jeopardizing ‘Free and Clear’ Sales

GM’s ‘cert’ petition says the Second Circuit forgot about Section 363(m).

Supreme Court

December 15, 2016

District Judge Splits with Third Circuit on Recoupment and Social Security Overpayment

Social Security benefits were properly cut off to recover overpayment.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Northern District

December 14, 2016

New York Judge Requires Hedge Funds to Disclose Their Investors

Evidence must show that hedge fund investors’ identities are ‘commercial information.’

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District

December 14, 2016

Missing One Briefing Deadline Doesn’t Justify Dismissing an Appeal

Consistent, dilatory conduct required for dismissing an appeal, circuit says.

11th Circuit

December 13, 2016

Substantive Consolidation with Non-Bankrupt Religious Institutions Barred by Section 303(a)

Substantive consolidation and involuntary bankruptcy are equivalent, district judge holds.

8th Circuit, Minnesota

December 12, 2016

Unresolved Attorneys’ Fees Do Not Affect ‘Finality,’ Eleventh Circuit Holds

Fee issues are collateral, not affecting a final ruling on the merits.

11th Circuit

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