Consumer Bankruptcy

Saving a Failing Company Doesn’t Entail ‘Defalcation’ Regarding Union Obligations

A properly drafted union contract still failed to leave a company officer with a nondischargeable debt for failing to make employer contributions to a union welfare fund.
9th Circuit Jun 22, 2020

Reversing the BAP, Ninth Circuit Allows Chapter 13 Plans with Estimated Durations

The Ninth Circuit allows chapter 13 debtors on their own to accelerate payments to creditors and secure their discharges more quickly without modifying their plans.

Appeal Heads Toward the Fourth Circuit on Arbitration of Discharge Violations

Eventually, the Supreme Court will decide whether bankruptcy is a unique exception to the general rule that arbitration agreements are rigorously enforced.
2nd Circuit Jun 16, 2020

Second Circuit Nixes Nationwide Class Actions for Discharge Violations

Second Circuit says that later Supreme Court authority did not undermine the appeals court’s prior decision that creditors cannot compel arbitration of discharge violations.
9th Circuit Jun 10, 2020

Ninth Circuit Criticizes the Supreme Court’s Kelly v. Robinson

Discovery sanctions are dischargeable under Section 523(a)(7), even when incorporated into a bar disciplinary suspension.