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 24, 2017

New York Judge Takes Different Approach to Repeat-Filer Automatic Stay Termination

Using a different approach, Judge Grossman agrees with the minority on Section 362(c)(3)(A).

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Eastern District

March 23, 2017

Circuit Split Brewing on Modifying Mortgages on Mixed-Use Properties

Lower courts are tending to disagree with two circuits on Section 1322(b)(2).

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Eastern District

March 22, 2017

Sixth Circuit Widens Split on Mooting Appeals from Sale Orders

Equity is required to claim a homestead exemption, Sixth Circuit holds.

6th Circuit

March 17, 2017

Chapter 13 Debtors May Prorate Tax Refunds in Calculating Plan Payments

Chapter 13 trustees aren’t always entitled to a turnover of tax refunds.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Northern District

March 15, 2017

Wages Garnished Before Bankruptcy Are Voidable Preferences, Circuit Rules

Test case on preferences deepens a circuit split and lays the groundwork for certiorari.

5th Circuit

March 14, 2017

Courts Split on Allowing Credit Counseling on the Same Day but After Filing

Judge follows statutory language that didn’t achieve the result Congress intended.

4th Circuit, North Carolina, North Carolina Western District

March 10, 2017

Florida Judge Plunges into the Split on Enforcing Arbitration Agreements

Debtor must arbitrate a violation of the discharge injunction.

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