August 04, 2016

Ability to Pay Debts Does Not Control on Section 707(a) Motions to Dismiss

Evading payment of a debt is a valid use of chapter 7, Florida judge rules.

11th Circuit, Florida, Florida Middle District

July 15, 2016

Improperly Taking $297.72 Results in $250,000 in Punitive Damages for Stay Violation

Creditor’s unrepentant attitude escalates punitive damages from $33,700 to $250,000.

6th Circuit, Ohio, Ohio Northern District

June 06, 2016

Chapter 7 Debtors Might Benefit from Jevic by Analogy

Otherwise-valueless exemptions might get value, depending on the outcome of Jevic.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District

May 31, 2016

Recent Decisions Bar Cramdown on Mixed-Use Principal Residences

Newark and Buffalo judges read 1322(b)(2) narrowly and in favor of mortgage lenders.

3rd Circuit, New Jersey

May 16, 2016

Plan’s Treatment of Secured Claim Trumps Failure to Redeem on Time

Courts split on whether failure to redeem on time is fatal in reorganization.

3rd Circuit, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Eastern District

April 29, 2016

Fourth Circuit Says Chapter 13 Can’t Reinstate Non-Default Rate on Home Mortgage

Bar to modification of a home mortgage trumps ability to cure in chapter 13.

4th Circuit

April 25, 2016

Valuation Date Chosen to Avoid ‘Gamesmanship’

Early valuation aids a debtor in stripping off during an up market.

3rd Circuit, Delaware

April 21, 2016

Courts Split on Stripping Down Partially Commercial Mortgages

Buffalo case begs for circuit court ruling to set up a circuit conflict and cert petition.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Western District

April 14, 2016

New York District Court Bars Forced Vesting of Title Through a Chapter 13 Plan

Split in lower courts now tilts toward precluding forced title vesting in chapter 13.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Eastern District

April 11, 2016

Mortgages Command Priority over Legal Fees in a Chapter 13 Plan

Plan can’t cause default on a home mortgage to pay a debtor’s lawyer first.

6th Circuit, Michigan, Michigan Eastern District