September 04, 2018

Circuits Split on Sovereign Immunity and Emotional Distress Damages for a Stay Violation

Ninth Circuit splits with the First on the interpretation of Section 106(a).

9th Circuit

August 31, 2018

Judges Split on Denial of Chapter 13 Discharge for Missing Direct Mortgage Payments

Illinois judges disagree on whether direct payments to a mortgagee are “under the plan” and must be made in full to obtain a chapter 13 discharge.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Southern District

August 24, 2018

Two Circuits Agree on When Social Security Benefits Accrue

The Third and Seventh Circuits agree on a concept that limits a debtor’s ability to recover accrued Social Security benefits that are set off before bankruptcy.

7th Circuit

August 23, 2018

Second Circuit Upholds Dismissal of an ‘Involuntary’ in a Two-Party Dispute

Additional judgment enforcement remedies under the Bankruptcy Code don’t justify an involuntary petition.

2nd Circuit

August 22, 2018

Valuation of a Retained Mobile Home Does Not Include Delivery and Setup Costs

Fifth Circuit notches a victory for chapter 13 debtors retaining mobile homes.

5th Circuit

August 21, 2018

Four Circuits Agree on Calculating an Exemption Impairment Under Section 522(f)

The circuits agree on a method for calculating an exemption impairment that disadvantages debtors.

10th Circuit

August 17, 2018

Chicago Must Return Impounded Cars Immediately After a Chapter 13 Filing

Judge Thorne rules that exceptions to the automatic stay do not allow the City of Chicago to retain possession of impounded cars.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Northern District

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