Discharge/Dischargeability

Must a Debtor Be Destitute Before Discharging Student Loans?

Unemployed for 16 months, surviving on food stamps, and living rent-free enabled a debtor to discharge student loans.
9th Circuit Feb 7, 2020

Silence in the Face of a Duty to Disclose Is Not a ‘Statement,’ 9th Cir. BAP Holds

The Ninth Circuit BAP closed a loophole that would have allowed a recipient of public assistance benefits to discharge a debt for overpayment.
11th Circuit Feb 25, 2020

Eleventh Circuit Opinion Shows Taggart’s Effect on Discharge Contempt Disputes

Taggart allows a court to deny a contempt motion without deciding whether the creditor’s action actually violated the discharge injunction.

May a Chapter 13 Plan Pay a Larger Percentage Toward Student Loans?

Since Congress has made student loans virtually nondischargeable, why can’t a chapter 13 plan discriminate in favor of paying more toward student loans?

Section 362(k)(1) Sanctions Apply to Automatic Stay Violation Continuing After Discharge

Almost $35,000 in actual and punitive damages was imposed on a judgment creditor and its collection law firm for failing to vacate a garnishment following notice of bankruptcy and discharge.
1st Circuit Feb 3, 2020

First Circuit Reverses the BAP for Fact-Finding on Appeal

First Circuit requires detailed fact-finding by the bankruptcy court on the credibility of witnesses and the elements of nondischargeability for false representations.