August 16, 2018

Circuit Split Narrows on the New Value Defense to a Preference

Eleventh Circuit abandons the notion that new value must remain unpaid to offset a preference.

11th Circuit

August 14, 2018

There Are No Fractions of a Household in Tacoma, Washington

Judge Lynch of Tacoma follows Idaho’s Judge Pappas in determining the size of a ‘household’ when someone is a part-time resident.

9th Circuit, Washington, Washington Western District

August 13, 2018

Collection Injunctions Are (Sometimes) Ok in an Individual Chapter 11

Ninth Circuit BAP explains when the holder of a nondischargeable claim can be enjoined from collecting during the life of an individual’s chapter 11 plan.

9th Circuit

August 09, 2018

FDCPA Applies to Debt Collectors Even if They Own the Debt

Thomas Ambro on the Third Circuit answers a question the Supreme Court left open in <em>Henson v. Santander</em>.

3rd Circuit

August 08, 2018

Personal Liability for a PACA Trust Is Dischargeable, Judge Mark Says

Courts are split on whether personal liability to produce suppliers results in a nondischargeable debt under Section 523(a)(4).

11th Circuit, Florida, Florida Southern District

August 07, 2018

New York Judge Rails Against the Use of ‘Appearance Counsel’

Multiple ethical violations may occur with the use of so-called appearance counsel in consumer bankruptcies.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District

August 06, 2018

Property that Lost Exempt Status Goes to the Chapter 13 Debtor on Voluntary Dismissal

Fifth Circuit Draws on Harris v. Viegelahn to revest all property in the chapter 13 debtor on dismissal.

5th Circuit

Penalty for Early Withdrawal from a Retirement Account Is Not a Priority Tax Claim

Two Boston judges agree: The 10% penalty for early withdrawals from a retirement account doesn’t have priority under Section 508(a)(8).

1st Circuit, Massachusetts

August 03, 2018

Punitive Damages under Section 303(i) Can’t Be Offset, Third Circuit Says

One involuntary petition dismissed in bankruptcy court has now spawned three important opinions at the circuit level.

3rd Circuit

Covenant Not to Compete Survives a Chapter 7 Discharge, Judge Nugent Says

Breaching a covenant not to compete does not give rise to a claim, because the primary remedy is equitable.

10th Circuit, Kansas